With spring football now in full swing all across the Big 12, it is time to assess where each team currently stands. Here are The Voice of West Virginia’s spring power rankings for the Big 12 Conference:
- Oklahoma: Despite losing Jalen Hurts and CeeDee Lamb, it is hard to not put the defending Big 12 champions at number one. Lincoln Riley and company should not miss a beat on offense as the talented Spencer Rattler will step into the starting quarterback role. Expect more improvement on the defensive side of the ball under second-year defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. The Sooners should find themselves back in a fourth straight conference title game in December.
- Oklahoma State: Spencer Sanders and Chubba Hubbard will be potentially the best QB-RB duo in the nation. Expect Gundy’s offensive and defensive units to be business as usual. After a brief two-year down period, expect the program to resurge back to where it was with Mason Rudolph under center.
- Iowa State: Could this be the year Matt Campbell’s squad finally breaks through? A lot of this will rest on the shoulders of quarterback Brock Purdy. Proving himself to be a top-3 signal-caller in the Big 12, the team will go as far as Purdy will take them. The defense will be solid as usual thanks to the odd defensive scheme. The Cyclones will contend for a spot in the Big 12 title game into late November.
- Texas: The Big 12’s mascot for underachieving and mediocrity. Will Tom Herman ever get this program back to prominence? Sam Ehlinger returns for one last ride in Austin. His presence alone will keep the Longhorns in the Big 12 title race. After what should be another 8-4 season, expect Herman’s seat to heat up.
- Baylor: Despite the departure of Head Coach Matt Rhule, this will still be a solid squad. Head Coach Dave Aranda will being another element to defense in the Big 12. Expect the Bears to have a top defensive unit in 2020. Quarterback Charlie Brewer should have an outstanding final season in Waco.
- West Virginia: Potentially a sleeping giant in the Big 12, the Mountaineers will look to be one of the most improved teams in the Big 12. A disruptive defensive line and Jarret Doege should be enough for the WVU to return to a bowl game in 2020. Neal Brown has his squad trending in the right direction.
- TCU: Max Duggan appears he will be the starter at the beginning of the season, but will he maintain his spot? After a below average 2019 for Duggan, Patterson may have a short leash on him. The defense will be stout as usual, but continued mediocre offensive outputs could hinder the Horned Frogs once again.
- Kansas State: Losing the offensive line starters they did in 2019 will kill the Wildcats in 2020. Expect Alex Thompson to be running for his life the majority of next season. After a surprise 2019 season, expect the Wildcats to fall back to earth.
- Texas Tech: The success of this team will fall squarely on the shoulders of the health of Alex Bowman. If he can remain healthy, this could be a surprise season for the Red Raiders. If not, it could be another long season in Lubbock. Do not expect them to make a bowl game either way.
- Kansas: Les Miles has the Jayhawks trending in the right direction, but it’s still Kansas. This team will finish 0-9 in the Big 12 and fail to make a bowl game for the first time since 2008. This program may never get itself together.
