Big 12 Football 2023/24: Divisions, coaches, players to watch, schedule, odds

bet365 News Team Updated: Aug 25 2023 15:59

The Big 12 welcomes four new teams - BYU, Central Florida, Cincinnati and Houston - for the 2023/24 college football season.

The Big 12 of the past is no more, with four new teams, plus three more expected to be added next season, part of the conference.

Let's preview what the Big 12 will look like in 2023/24, including teams, coaches, players to watch, and notable games.

Big 12 Teams

Baylor
BYU
Central Florida
Cincinnati
Houston
Iowa State
Kansas
Kansas State
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
Texas
TCU
Texas Tech
West Virginia

Big 12 Head Coaches

Dave Aranda, Baylor
Kalani Sitake, BYU
Gus Malzahn, Central Florida
Scott Satterfield, Cincinnati
Dana Holgorsen, Houston
Matt Campbell, Iowa State
Lance Leipold, Kansas
Chris Klieman, Kansas State
Brent Venables, Oklahoma
Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State
Steve Sarkisian, Texas
Sonny Dykes, TCU
Joey McGuire, Texas Tech
Neal Brown, West Virginia

Big 12 Outright Odds

Texas: +100

Oklahoma: +350

Kansas State: +500

Texas Tech: +1000

Baylor: +1800

TCU: +2000

UCF: +3500

Kansas: +4000

Oklahoma State: +4000

Iowa State: +6600

Cincinnati: +8000

BYU: +8000

West Virginia: +10000

Houston: +12500

Big 12 Players to Watch

The Big 12 has historically been known for its high-flying offense and lack of defense, but it has become more balanced the last few seasons. Even still, the majority of players to watch reside on the offensive side of the ball.

Quinn Ewers

While there is never a shortage of offseason storylines in the Big 12, perhaps the biggest this year was the QB battle at Texas. That’s because it involved Arch Manning, whose last name says it all. Both he and Ewers we labeled as #1 recruits out of high school, but head coach Steve Sarkisian has already announced Ewers as the starter. That generated some buzz in Heisman discussions, but that seems a bit premature.

Jalon Daniels

Another QB worth keeping an eye on is Daniels for the Kansas Jayhawks. A team that has long been known as the laughingstock of the conference became bowl eligible last season with Daniels under center. That included a 57-56 road upset over Texas on the way, and if not for an injury, perhaps even more damage. Kansas will go as far as Daniels takes them, making him as significant a player as any.

Xavier Worthy

Paired with Ewers, and potentially Manning, is one of the best WRs in the country. The California native had 760 yards on 60 receptions last season to go along with nine touchdowns. Defenses would normally start to key on Worthy; however, they won’t be able to thanks to the transfer of Adonai Mitchell from Georgia. He and Ewers had all spring to get their timing down, so Worthy could be in for even bigger numbers.

Richard Reese

Moving to the ground game takes us to Baylor RB Richard Reese. Despite his size at just 5-foot-9, he has proven to be one of the most dynamic runners in college football. That’s a huge benefit in a conference generally dominated by the passing game, as RB Bijan Robinson helped Texas on the ground the last few years. He’s now in the NFL, leaving the door wide open for Reese to be named first-team All-Big 12 at RB.

Cobee Bryant

In years past, seeing two Kansas players in this list would almost certainly be a mistake. However, this is the Jayhawks team of old, and they’re going to need strong DB play to make waves again this season. If they’re going to get it, it’s most likely going to come from Bryant. Last season he recorded three interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, to go along with nine pass breakups.