Examining where Texas ranks in one early Big 12 prediction
College football writers are taking notice of the Longhorns’ loaded returning roster. 247Sports writer Kevin Flaherty joined Athlon Sports in predicting Texas to finish first in the Big 12 conference.
The more we read of Texas as the clear cut favorite to win the league, the more it sets up as an evaluation year for Steve Sarkisian and company. The vibe is like that of the 2020 offseason, where Texas returned senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger and an experienced and talented roster.
Obviously, Sarkisian has plenty more time left on his contract and has a strong chance to coach the full duration. Nevertheless, we could have a good idea of how the tenure will go after this season.
The talent advantage paired with the returning production is such that missing the conference title would be tantamount to fumbling on the one-yard line. The reference to the 2020 game between Texas and TCU was not intended, but is an apt comparison.
Texas needs to win the Big 12 this season. Here’s a look at Flaherty’s Way-Too-Early Big 12 standings prediction.
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Flaherty’s reasoning: Cincinnati is last in the Big 12 in returning production (No. 124 in the nation). The team begins its rebuild after a coaching change in 2023.
My standings prediction: No. 13 of 14
My record prediction: 5-7
West Virginia Mountaineers
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Flaherty’s reasoning: Lack of returning offensive production (No. 89 in the nation) could lead to inconsistent results.
My standings prediction: No. 12 of 14
My record prediction: 4-8
Iowa State Cyclones
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Flaherty’s reasoning: The loss of Xavier Hutchinson and lack of transfer portal acquisitions could mean Iowa State is a year away from competitive football.
My standings prediction: No. 7 of 14
My record prediction: 7-5
Oklahoma State Cowboys
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Flaherty’s reasoning: Portal losses mean Oklahoma State will be without its starting quarterback and rank No. 101 in returning defensive production.
My standings prediction: No. 11 of 14
My record prediction: 5-7
UCF Golden Knights
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Flaherty’s reasoning: The returning offense leaves something to be desired but John Rhys Plumlee could elevate the team
My standings prediction: No. 8 of 14
My record prediction: 7-5
Houston Cougars
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Flaherty’s reasoning: Houston is No. 24 in returning offensive production and adds Texas Tech transfer Donovan Smith.
My standings prediction: No. 14 of 14
My record prediction: 3-9
Kansas Jayhawks
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Flaherty’s reasoning: Kansas, like Texas, returns 10 of 11 offensive starters. Unlike the Longhorns, the Jayhawks add former five-star offensive tackle Logan Brown from Wisconsin.
My standings prediction: No. 9 of 14
My record prediction: 7-5
BYU Cougars
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Flaherty’s reasoning: BYU needs Kedon Slovis to return to form as the team wins with physicality.
My standings prediction: No. 10 of 14
My record prediction: 6-6
Baylor Bears
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Flaherty’s reasoning: The Bears are No. 100 nationally in returning production, but a strong transfer class paired with Blake Shapen and Richard Reese makes them a force in the conference.
My standings prediction: No. 6 of 14
My record prediction: 7-5
Texas Tech Red Raiders
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Flaherty’s reasoning: Going undefeated in one-score games could lead to regression, but a strong foundation paired with four transfer defenders keeps the Raiders in the hunt.
My standings prediction: No. 5 of 14
My record prediction: 8-4
TCU Horned Frogs
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Flaherty’s reasoning: TCU is No. 130 in returning offensive production after losing Max Duggan, Kendre Miller and Quentin Johnston. The team’s luck could run out after going 5-0 in one score games.
My standings prediction: No. 1 of 14 (first-place tie)
My record prediction: 10-2
Oklahoma Sooners
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Flaherty’s reasoning: Returning Dillon Gabriel and adding a strong recruiting and portal class helps the Sooners. Comfortability in the system could lead to an increase in wins. Additionally, Oklahoma could have less bad luck after going 0-5 in one-score games.
My standings prediction: No. 3 of 14 (first-place tie)
My record prediction: 10-2
Kansas State Wildcats
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Flaherty’s reasoning: While the team loses plenty on the defensive side, the Wildcats return Will Howard and all five offensive linemen. Florida State running back transfer Treshaun Ward and 2022 backup DJ Giddens counteract the loss of Deuce Vaughn.
My standings prediction: No. 4 of 14
My record prediction: 9-3
Texas Longhorns
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Flaherty’s reasoning: Texas is second in the conference in returning production and third nationally in offensive production (10 returning starters). Isaiah Neyor supplements a roster already strong without him and Quinn Ewers improves.
My standings prediction: No. 2 of 14 (first-place tie)
My record prediction: 10-2
