12 post-spring overreactions: BYU ready to step up, Oklahoma State to be upgraded

Spring practices have come and gone across the country in the Big 12, and I hope it will be forever across the country. Each team sits with an unblemished record, and the explosion of the transfer portal means that each team is only one move away from the special season.

And when you look at the rest of the league, there’s good reason for optimism. In eight of the nine years since the Big 12 has returned to the title game, a new team has taken part. There have been different champions in the last six years. Just two years ago, Arizona State went from 3-9 to the Big 12 Champs.

With that in mind, we run through all 16 members of the Big 12 with overreactions from the spring. Most are good, as even the problems have been met with answers. Others will bring questions about the future of the programs. But more than anything, these are statements that fans will focus on as they head into another important season.

In Arizona

Wildcats can win the Big 12: After a while, Brent Brennan has the Wildcats back on track. Under senior quarterback Noah Fifita, Arizona has a chance to put together one of the best passing offenses in the Big 12. If a strong defensive transfer class can help fill the holes, the ceiling is higher than ever.

Arizona State

Omarion Miller could be the Big 12’s best: Arizona State lost a stud in Jordyn Tyson to the NFL, but Colorado transfer Miller provides real intrigue. Despite poor quarterback play, Miller followed Travis Hunter to Boulder, posting 45 catches for 808 yards and eight touchdowns. Listed at 6-feet-2 and 210 pounds, Miller has both the versatility and size to build on Tyson’s legendary career in Tempe.

Baylor

DJ Lagway can save the show: The Bears took a big swing when they added Lagway, the Baylor legacy and the No. 1 cornerback in the nation. The Willis, Texas, native flashed during his two years at Florida, but injuries and struggles weighed him down. Now, while playing a quarterback-friendly offense, Lagway is ready to take the Bears’ offense to the next level.

BYU

We’re the Big 12’s new favorite: With Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby potentially sidelined, all eyes turned to Provo. The Cougars have gone 23-4 over the past two seasons and are ranked in the top 10 nationally in rushing. If the Red Raiders slow down a bit, BYU is a team ready to step up. The Cougars have potential All-Americans at all three levels of the defense, as well as the Big 12’s top running back in LJ Martin. If the offensive line can step in, this is a playoff team in the making.

Cincinnati

The offensive line will be among the Big 12’s best: Cincinnati scored multiple winners on the transfer portal last year, and it will give the Bearcats a chance to take another step despite the big advantage. Offensive tackle Joe Cotton is a future specialist, and Evan Tengesdahl and Taran Tayo also return. Combined with a strong transfer receiver class, the Bearcats may be stronger than expected.

In Colorado

Brennan Marion helps fix the running game: The Buffaloes have been a disaster running the ball under Deion Sanders, but Marion’s Go Go Offense may be the perfect solution. The system prioritizes creating opportunities to run downfield from different angles, which can help create offense despite a static offensive line. Alabama running back Richard Young, veteran Micah Welch and sophomore running back DeKalon Taylor hope to create a powerful, multi-headed attack. If they can deliver, Colorado’s offense has a chance to be special.

Houston

Biggest bet on 3rd year Willie Fritz: The Cougars catapulted themselves into the Big 12’s contention much faster than expected last season, but this is the year it pays off. Houston ranks 30th nationally in returning production, including star receiver Amare Thomas and quarterback Conner Weigman. Adding less than that was former Tulane and Oregon running back Makhi Hughes, who rushed for 1,400 yards. If he can find his groove, the Cougars can beat anyone.

Iowa State

There are other gems in the transfer class: First-year head coach Jimmy Rogers had a tough job rebuilding the roster after Matt Campbell’s exit, but he’s quietly done a good job. Several under-the-radar transfers have already come to prominence, including defensive end Bryson Lamb (Washington State), offensive lineman Jake Taylor (Oklahoma) and Cody Jackson (Tarleton State). If things break right, the Cyclones could be more competitive than anyone expects.

Kansas

We have no identity: For the past six seasons, Kansas football has been defined by Jalon Daniels. With Daniels now in the NFL — and a number of newcomers on both sides of the ball — the Jayhawks are officially starting from scratch. Attracting running back Dylan Edwards and a number of talented offensive line transfers will help grease the wheels, but Lance Leipold and his staff decided to do their part to chart a new path.

Kansas State

Avery Johnson is back: It was a disappointing junior season for Johnson as he dropped to 7.0 yards per pass attempt, but things are looking up. Collin Klein is back after two years leading the offense at Texas A&M, and the former Heisman winner is the head coach behind Johnson. Last year, he helped coach Marcel Reed reach 3,000 yards and nearly 500 yards rushing. Expect even bigger numbers from the uber-talented Johnson.

Oklahoma State

The Cowboys will be the Big 12’s best offense: First-year coach Eric Morris brought his entire offense to North Texas, led by top-50 players Drew Mestemaker, Caleb Hawkins and Wyatt Young. From the start, the Cowboys should roll. Morris has been the best player nobody talks about in years; in Stillwater, Morris would become a national star.

TCU

Jaden Craig is an excellent host. The Horned Frogs brought in a high-quality transfer from Harvard, and early reports out of camp have been positive. During a standout run with the Crimson, Craig threw for 6,074 yards and 52 touchdowns while averaging 8.5 yards per attempt. In TCU’s pass-happy offense under Sonny Dykes, Craig could quickly establish himself as one of the best in the conference.

Texas Tech

No Sorsby? No problem: Red Raiders transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby is one of the highest-paid players in college football, but there’s no reason to worry after an investigation into his alleged gambling was launched. For one, backup quarterback Will Hammond is a star in the making, and has long been considered the future of the program. But even if Hammond struggles, Texas Tech can count on another stacked defense and a running game that could rank among the nation’s best. All is well in Lubbock.

CF

Defense will continue the trend: The Knights exceeded expectations on defense last season, finishing No. 4 in the Big 12 in total defense and holding nine opponents to 30 points or fewer. Six quarterbacks are back, including nearly all of the sophomores, which will give the Knights a chance to put together an all-state unit.

Utah

Morgan Scalley won’t miss a beat: The handoff between Kyle Whittingham and Scalley should have been completely seamless, but Whittingham took several coaches and players with him to Michigan. But despite the loss, the Utes remain in good shape. Quarterbacks Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin are back, and running back Wayshawn Parker looks like one of the best in the Big 12. The defense has plenty of championship left. There’s no reason Utah can’t be in the Big 12 again.

West Virginia

Let Rich Rod cook: Heading into his second season, West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez has already cycled 150 players. This year, he is expected to add 83 players on his own. But while Rodriguez admits he has to run a list to make sure he’s calling the right guy, there are some very encouraging signs. High school students Matt Sieg and Kevin Brown both ranked in the top 130 out of 247 positions. Running back Cam Cook led the nation in rushing. Transfer quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. will push incumbent Scotty Fox Jr. in the first job. The churn looks a little different than it did 20 years ago, but Rodriguez finds some diamonds in the rough.