These are my record predictions for each Big 12 team heading into next season. The conference now includes BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston and will sit at 14 teams for one season until Oklahoma and Texas leave for the SEC in 2024.
Baylor (7-5)
The Baylor Bears went 6-7 last season after having success in the previous couple of seasons. I believe that last season might be a more realistic representation of what will come. I see Baylor improving in 2023, but only to 7-5.
BYU (5-7)
BYU is one of the new teams in the Big 12. Before joining, the Cougars were an FBS Independent. They are in a conference for the first time since 2011. I see all four of these teams’ win totals dropping due to the increase in talent on their schedules.
Central Florida (6-6)
The second new team is UCF. They are coming over from the American conference along with Cincinnati and Houston. The Knights went 9-5 last season, but I only have them at 6-6 in their first season in the Big 12.
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Cincinnati (8-4)
Cincinnati is making the jump to the power five two years after their undefeated playoff run. I think they’ll have an easier time transitioning than the rest of them. I have them going 8-4.
Houston (7-5)
Houston is coming off of an 8-5 season and a bowl win vs Louisiana. Houston went 0-2 against Big 12 teams last season, losing to Kansas and Texas Tech. I think they will have a similar record in 2023, I have them going 7-5 next season.
Iowa State (4-8)
Iowa State went 4-8 last season and I see them repeating that again. They need more talent on their roster to get back to being competitive. Even Kansas is doing a better job of acquiring talent right now.
Kansas (7-5)
Speaking of the Jayhawks, last season was historical for them. They had been the laughingstock of college football for a decade, but that all changed last season. They were 5-0, ranked, and hosted College Gameday and made a bowl game. They return their star QB, Jalen Daniels, so I have them improving to 7-5.
Kansas State (9-3)
K-State had a very successful season last year which saw them win the Big 12 Championship and play in the Sugar Bowl. I think they keep up the momentum next season and go 9-3.
Oklahoma (9-3)
Oklahoma had a horrific season by their standards. They went 6-7 and lost their bowl game to Florida State. I think they’ll bounce back and go 9-3 next season. I like Coach Venables and trust that he can get the job done.
Oklahoma State (7-5)
Oklahoma State had a letdown season last year and needs to bounce back. I’m not sure how good they will be, especially after losing their QB, Spencer Sanders. I have them at 7-5 in 2023.
Texas (10-2)
I like Texas and believe they are a double-digit winning team. Quinn Ewers needs to be more consistent, but even if he isn’t, the Longhorns have Arch Manning waiting in line. I think they lose to Alabama and maybe slip up one more time.
TCU (8-4)
TCU was the biggest surprise team in 2022. They went undefeated until the Big 12 Championship and beat Michigan in the CFP Semis. I can see a little drop-off coming, so I have the Horned Frogs at 8-4.
Texas Tech (7-5)
I like this Texas Tech team and truly believe they can win more than seven games. I am going with seven because their schedule is very tough, especially in the back half. However, the Red Raiders have the potential to be this season’s TCU.
West Virginia (5-7)
West Virginia went 5-7 last season and three out of five of their wins were by five points or less. They could have easily been 2-10. I can see them doing the same in 2023 and going 5-7 again.
