CFB: Predictions for the Big 12 in 2024
By Rory Daniels
Since realignment, the Big 12 may be viewed as the runt of the Power Conference litter; however, don’t mistake the lack of big-name teams for a lack of entertainment value. The Big 12 has new names and new players primed to breakout, and of the Power-4 conferences, this could be the closest race for a playoff spot. Let’s take an early look at which teams and players we are most excited to watch heading into 2024.
Conference Winner - Utah Utes
Utah arrives in the Big 12 as a well-oiled operation with plenty of returning experience. That will play a huge factor in their ability to hit the ground running from day 1 in the conference. The biggest x-factor for the Utes will be the return of Cam Rising at quarterback. This will be his sixth season in college football, having redshirted last year due to injury. He is a dynamic playmaker should he return to full health.
Pairing up with him will be tight end Brant Kuithe, heading into his 7th season. Injuries and age will likely mean that his hopes of being a highly-drafted prospect are limited, but that doesn’t mean he can’t play a major part in a run at the Big 12.
On defense, head coach Kyle Whittingham has established a highly disciplined unit that performed strongly even when battered by injuries last year. They will need players to step up to replace the departing Jonah Elliss, last season’s sack leader and talented safety Cole Bishop, who was also drafted.
However, if post-Covid college football has taught us anything, it’s that a strong base of returning talent usually leads to a better product on the field.
Most Valuable Player - Noah Fifita, QB, Arizona
#Arizona QB Noah Fifita deserves your attention, has some real, enticing arm talent. Having a great game so far against Oklahoma but this throw earlier this year against Washington State got me out of my seat.
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) December 29, 2023
Avoids pressure, sidearm flick for a chunk gain to Tetairoa McMillan. pic.twitter.com/Q7eKAZYFeC
The implications of Nick Saban’s retirement were far-reaching. They were felt keenly in Tucson, where Arizona lost its head coach, Jedd Fisch, to Washington as part of the falling dominoes. It was a shame, considering the job Fisch has done to make the Wildcats relevant once more. The brightest spark of the season was undoubtedly quarterback Noah Fifita. His combination with wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan was explosive, and the biggest concern was that they might follow Fisch northwards for the Huskies.
Having gotten through spring practice, Arizona can now breathe a sigh of relief that one of the country’s best QB/WR partnerships remains in Tucson. Fifita is not only mobile but also has a cannon arm. He has the ability to manoeuvre around the pocket and still keep his eyes downfield to find his receiver. The big drawback for Fifita and his draft stock will be his size. Listed at 5’10, he may even come up shy of that when measured officially. That won’t hold him back in college football and I expect his familiarity with McMillan to ensure a big season right from week 1.
Offensive Player of the Year - Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
Despite a step-up in competition, Jayden Higgins made a seamless transition to life in the Big-12 after his transfer from Eastern Kentucky to Iowa State. The 6’4, 210lbs receiver had 769 receiving yards and five touchdowns, finding an immediate rapport with QB Rocco Becht. Higgins makes good use of his frame but also has excellent body control and surprising speed to get by cornerbacks.
There will be some trepidation considering the history of Cyclones receivers. As much as you shouldn’t scout the helmet, NFL draftniks have been burned by big-bodied wideouts out of Ames before. Hakeem Butler and Allen Lazard both had excellent production in college that didn’t translate to the pros.
Higgins should excel as part of an offensive group brimming with talent. Jaylin Noel will man the slot role while sophomore running back Amu Saba III will look to pound the ball on the ground. Could this be the beginning of the Matt Campbell renaissance?
Defensive Player of the Year - Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado
We couldn’t go that long without mentioning Colorado. Once again, there is so much upheaval on their roster it’s challenging to predict where they will land in the Big-12 pecking order. One constant on both sides of the ball is the exhilarating play of Travis Hunter. The two-way star has more than lived up to his five-star billing, leaving scouts confused about his best position at the next level.
Hunter may be leaning towards receiver, given the eye-popping contracts handed out in the NFL. However, his athleticism and ball skills make him a nightmare defensive back. He had three interceptions and five pass breakups in 2023, and he will thrive against the competition he is set to face this year. Avery Johnson, Jalon Daniels, Noah Fifita and KJ Jefferson are all on the schedule, and Hunter will be looking to add to his highlight reel versus them.
Freshman of the Year - Micah Hudson, WR, Texas Tech
Micah Hudson is good at football. pic.twitter.com/tUyHhp9wDf
— Coach Beans (@CoachBeansTTU) October 14, 2023
Joey McGuire told you he would cause a stir on the Big-12 recruiting trail. His Texas roots paid off, with him landing 5-star wide receiver Micah Hudson out of Lake Belton. As one of the highest-profile recruits in Texas Tech history, Hudson will be expected to come in and make an immediate impact. With both of the Red Raiders’ top receivers having left, Hudson should get plenty of opportunities to wow Big-12 audiences.
His recruiting profile on 247sports draws comparisons to Garrett Wilson, and if he realises that potential, then McGuire will be more than happy. The head coach has already said that Hudson is ‘one of the freakiest athletes he’s been around’ and his high school stats back that up. Over 3,500 yards receiving and 57 touchdowns are enough proof of talent particularly in the hotbed of Texas.
Breakout Player of the Year - Cam Cook, RB, TCU
This conference has plenty of competition for the crown of top running back. Devin Neal, Dylan Edwards, DJ Giddens and Ollie Gordon will all vie for that honour, but a dark horse in the competition could be TCU’s Cam Cook. There is a gap for him to fill with Emani Bailey having departed for the NFL.
Cook only ran for 58 yards in 2023 but appears to be the early favourite for the lead role ahead of Trey Sanders. He cemented that lead with an impressive spring game that included a 15-yard touchdown. Between him and Sanders, the Horned Frogs will likely anchor their offense around the run game and that will give Cook the opportunity to shine.
Surprise Team of the Year - UCF Knights
A 6-7 record for Central Florida last season spurred plenty of action on the transfer front. The headline-grabbing moves mostly came on offense. Head Coach Gus Malzahn appears to have found his Cam Newton-lite in KJ Jefferson. Jefferson is a powerful runner with a strong arm. He needs to improve his accuracy but has a talented group surrounding him. Receiver Kobe Hudson and running back RJ Harvey are elite talents, and Peny Boone will be an excellent part of the rushing rotation.
That alone makes me think the Knights will have a part to play in how the Big 12 pans out. Malzahn’s experience in a Power 5 setting should go a long way, and now that he has the quarterback to take him to the next level, I wouldn’t discount UCF landing a surprise playoff berth.
