Spring football is underway across the Big 12 landscape. These critical practices offer a chance for teams to address weaknesses (especially with the portal open), integrate new talent, and set the tone for the year ahead. For teams looking to establish a foundation to be in the conference title race, the spring is when all of that work starts to come together. Big 12 football is where parity reigns supreme. So which teams stand out as having the most to gain from this critical period?
Big 12 Football Teams With Most To Gain
Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas State enters spring football with high expectations, thanks to the return of quarterback
Avery Johnson and running back
Dylan Edwards. The Wildcats are looking to build on their momentum from last season and get back to the top of the Big 12. Chris Klieman knows that these spring practices will be vital for working their transfer talent into a defense that was hit-or-miss in 2024. If they can shore up their defensive gaps, Kansas State could be singing Party Like It’s 2022.
Arizona State Sun Devils
As the defending Big 12 champions, Kenny Dillingham knows his Sun Devils team has a target on its back. It will be a new mentality for this team as they are no longer plucky underdogs. The departure of running back
Cam Skattebo leaves a major gap in the offense that needs to be filled. Spring football offers an opportunity for quarterback
Sam Leavitt to step up and lead the offense. With nearly every other position boasting depth and experience, the Sun Devils are poised to make another strong run—if they can successfully replace Skattebo’s production.
Colorado Buffaloes
Under the leadership of Deion Sanders, Colorado has already made waves not just in the Big 12 football landscape, but all of college football. This spring, the Buffaloes tried to turn spring football upside down and turn spring games into NFL-style preseason exhibitions. The effort was ultimately not successful for this season, but the NCAA seemed open to this. It was more of a timing issue that prevented them from being able to vet this idea fully. On the field, this will be Sanders’ biggest test to date with the departure of Heisman winner Travis Hunter and All-Big 12 quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The Buffaloes are looking to build around dual-threat in Liberty transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
No team has made more waves for Big 12 football than Joey McGuire and the Texas Tech Red Raiders. All Landman jokes aside, Texas Tech has assembled would could be the best transfer portal class in the FBS. Offensively, the biggest hole to fill is the departure of
Tahj Brooks. But replacing one player is just one big hurdle to clear. These spring practices in Lubbock will be critical for blending this transfer class with established stars as well as
getting a new offensive and defensive coordinator to install their system. If the Red Raiders can find cohesion, they have the potential for a double-digit win season, their first since 2008.
Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State has some challenging spots on its schedule this year, including starting the season in Dublin, Ireland for Farmegedon. But Matt Campbell knows his Cyclones have a golden opportunity to make another Big 12 championship run and a playoff push. Third-year starting quarterback
Rocco Becht will be the linchpin of their success. But how will he fare with the departure of his top two receivers
Jayden Higgins and
Jaylin Noel? Spring football will be essential for dialing in some continuity with his receivers for the Cyclones to be in contention.
Final Whistle On Spring Big 12 Football
Spring football is a season of hope and transformation. For these Big 12 teams, it’s a chance to address vulnerabilities, integrate new talent, and set the stage for a successful fall campaign. Whether it’s Kansas State’s quest to return to the top of the Big 12, Arizona State’s effort to defend its title, or Texas Tech pushing the chips all in for 2025, the stakes are high—and the potential rewards are even higher.
Main Image: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
