The offseason is in full swing after spring camps got here to an in depth, and it is now time to look forward. Almost each roster underwent a transition, which can solely change into the brand new actuality because the switch portal permits for main shifts every cycle.
Change opens the door for extra optimism, nonetheless. Keep in mind, that is essentially the most upwardly cellular energy convention within the nation. Final season, Arizona State was picked final place within the preseason Massive 12 media ballot earlier than exploding to the School Soccer Playoff. No fanbase can depend itself out till the season ends.
With that in thoughts, we’re operating by all 16 members of the Massive 12 with overreactions from the spring. Some will likely be optimistic, from optimism about quarterback conditions to severe nationwide expectations. Others will carry up main questions concerning the route of this system. Nonetheless, now’s the time for hypothesis, so let’s get into it.
The vibes are actual bizarre: The Wildcats made a curious choice by hiring Brent Brennan to teach a roster that didn’t belong to him, and it delivered vastly underwhelming outcomes. After dropping star gamers Tetairoa McMillan, Tacario Davis and Jonah Savaiinaea, the duty will likely be even more durable. Working again Ismail Mahdi provides the offense a brand new playmaker, however Brennan’s job depends on making a group that performs in his picture. It is really unclear if he can do it.
Arizona State
The 2025 group will likely be even higher: The Solar Devils had been on a secure progress curve coming into the 2024 season, however issues progressed quicker than anybody might have anticipated. Working again Cameron Skattebo is off to the NFL, however in any other case, it is spectacular simply how a lot of the roster is again. Quarterback Sam Leavitt, receiver Jordyn Tyson and security Xavion Alford sit among the many nation’s finest. If the defensive entrance is poised to take one other step, a CFP run could solely be the start.
Sawyer Robertson is a first-round choose: Over final season’s remaining weeks, Robertson was one of many nation’s finest quarterbacks. Throughout the six-game profitable streak, Robertson had almost 1,600 yards passing and 17 touchdowns whereas elevating the Bears right into a Massive 12 contender. Now, he enters the 12 months because the sitting beginning quarterback for the primary time in his profession. Anticipate even greater issues from Robertson as Baylor pushes for a Massive 12 championship.
The Cougs are (nonetheless) America’s most underrated group: Think about a group that went 11-2 and beat a School Soccer Playoff opponent on the street. Now think about that group introduced again their beginning quarterback and the overwhelming majority of their manufacturing. Should not that group be a lock for the highest 10? As an alternative, BYU remains to be undervalued all over the place, barely even scraping some rankings. Once more, the Cougs will shock individuals and pressure themselves into the dialog. It is legitimately befuddling that they have been so forgotten.
Maturity has to indicate up: Cincinnati has been aggressive in loads of video games over the previous two seasons however repeatedly blown it. The Bearcats are 2-8 in these one-score video games, together with two losses throughout a five-game dropping streak to blow bowl eligibility in 2025. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby has delivered some success, however the group has to present him some assist in large moments.
The Buffs are a defensive soccer group: The previous two years of CU soccer had been constructed virtually completely round showcasing Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. With each off to the NFL, it is the protection’s time to shine. Defensive coordinator Robert Livingstone is a rising star, and the defensive position — led by gamers like Samuel Okunlola, Jeheim Oatis and Arden Walker — ought to nonetheless be one of many Massive 12’s finest. It’s going to be fascinating to see what Deion Sanders’ Colorado 2.0 seems like.
Conner Weigman is again: The previous five-star quarterback confirmed moments of brilliance and wrestle throughout an inconsistent Texas A&M profession, however coach Willie Fritz is strictly what Weigman wants. Weigman performed by accidents final season, however has confirmed off a giant arm and strong accuracy. Enjoying for Fritz, an offensive whiz, Weigman’s profession will likely be resurrected in his hometown. It’s going to be a match made in heaven.
Again house and more healthy, Houston QB Conner Weigman optimistic he can reside as much as five-star pedigree
Chris Hummer
The huge receivers will not miss a beat: The Cyclones boasted the one pair of 1,000-yard receivers within the nation final season, and each Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel had been picked on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. Fortunately, huge receivers coach Noah Pauley has discovered his subsequent nice duo. Chase Sowell cleared 600 yards every of the final two seasons at East Carolina, whereas Xavier Townsend confirmed actual promise at UCF. Each are poised for a lot greater issues subsequent to standout quarterback Rocco Becht, simply one of the best with which both has performed.
Jalon Daniels will lastly get his fortunately ever after: Daniels has had an injury-plagued profession at Kansas, however he has additionally been a key a part of this system’s resurrection beneath Lance Leipold. Nonetheless, after lacking a lot of the 2023 season, he threw eight interceptions in his first 5 video games as a part of a 1-5 begin. Within the second half of the 12 months, he lastly discovered himself as each a passer and a runner. Daniels must work by a brand new assortment of receiving weapons, however the rust is off and he is able to reclaim his legacy.
Avery Johnson is taking the step: Johnson is a big-time athlete and confirmed flashes of brilliance in his first 12 months as a starter. The rising junior posted 2,700 yards passing, 600 yards dashing and scored 32 touchdowns, however he has loads of room to develop. Studies out of camp are that Johnson has labored laborious on his passing effectivity. If he can push his completion share into the 60s, he’ll be the most effective quarterbacks within the nation. The abilities are inside him.
Oklahoma State
Mike Gundy has misplaced his fastball: The outdated adage within the Massive 12 is that the second you do not count on something from Gundy is the second he is about to make you pay. This time round, although, we’ll take our possibilities. Oklahoma State misplaced primarily all of its finest gamers from a group that went 3-9. The quarterback place would not return any manufacturing, and there is not an apparent participant able to contend for all-conference honors. Perhaps Gundy can pull off one other miracle, however the roster certain would not look ok.
Eric McAlister is up subsequent: When McAlister transferred from Boise State, some on the teaching workers instructed him that the 2024 season would solely be a setup. Even so, he completed with 762 yards as one in all 4 600-yard huge receivers. With the opposite three gone, McAlister is prepared for his shut up. McAlister has constructed an in depth on-field relationship with quarterback Josh Hoover and has an amazing probability to compete with Jordyn Tyson for the best pass-catcher within the Massive 12.
Playoff or bust: The Purple Raiders have not gained an outright convention championship since DeWitt Weaver’s boys gained the Border Convention in 1955. With what Texas Tech did this offseason, that ought to quickly change. Texas Tech reeled in one of many prime switch courses within the nation, together with 13 gamers rated as four-star prospects. With the quantity of expertise returning to Lubbock, the Purple Raiders have an opportunity to have a once-in-a-lifetime season. The truth is, it needs to be the expectation for Joey McGuire’s squad.
The offense lacks weapons: First-year coach Scott Frost made some intriguing additions on the defensive facet of the ball. The offense, nonetheless, has many extra points. Presumptive quarterback Tayven Jackson solely has 100 move makes an attempt to his title. Working again Jaden Nixon starred within the MAC, however struggled at Oklahoma State. The receiving corps boasts virtually no confirmed manufacturing. Frost is an offensive whiz, however can he make something helpful out of this group?
The Utes have faculty soccer’s finest deal with combo: Truthfully, this is not a lot of an overreaction. Early 2026 NFL Draft boards have began popping out and proper deal with Spencer Fano and left deal with Caleb Lomu are each seen as severe first-round contenders. Fano broke out final season and performed like one of many nation’s finest, finally incomes All-America honors. If Lomu can develop to that stage, too, Utah’s offense is in good palms.
RichRod’s strategies cannot work on this period: New coach Wealthy Rodriguez has by no means made a behavior out of constructing pals, however the switch portal numbers are fairly jarring. In keeping with 247Sports, the Mountaineers misplaced an absurd 51 gamers to the switch portal, together with gamers to Alabama, Ohio State and Ole Miss. Granted, WVU introduced in 51 gamers as effectively, however the common score was nearer to Purdue than the elite of the Massive 12. Perhaps Rodriguez will be capable of discover his guys, however hard-nosed, old style strategies simply do not hit the identical in 2025. The youngsters yearn to TikTok dance.