In 2024, the Big 12 will undergo a significant transformation with the addition of four new members – Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah. This expansion brings the conference’s total membership to 16, making it the largest in its history. The growth follows the departure of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC.
The conference’s media members have released their predicted order of finish for the upcoming season. Newcomer Utah emerged as the top team, earning 20 first-place votes and an impressive 906 overall points. Kansas State came in second place with 19 first-place votes and 889 overall points, just ahead of Oklahoma State in third place with 14 first-place votes and 829 overall points.
While Utah and Arizona were favored in preseason polls, Colorado and Arizona State were not expected to compete for a conference title in their first year. Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes were predicted to finish 11th, while ASU was picked to finish last. The Big 12 Championship Game is set to take place on Dec. 7 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, featuring the top two teams based on their records.
Last year, Texas emerged victorious in the championship game, defeating Oklahoma State 49-21 to claim their first outright conference title since 2009. The Longhorns went on to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff before ultimately losing to Washington in the semifinals.
