2022 Preseason Big 12 Power Rankings
College football’s annual media days are set to begin on July 13 when the Big 12 kicks off the show, and each of the Power 5 conferences will host their own media days in the following two weeks. Today, we continue our power rankings for each of the Power 5 conferences. We press ahead with the Big 12 power rankings, which seemingly has half the league vying for the top spot.
As coaches and players hit the stage to discuss the upcoming 2022 season, we’ll get a better pulse on where things stand for each program as the offseason nears an unofficial end. Though there may be some changes over the ensuing months as fall camps begin, On3 has a pretty good handle now on how each team looks heading into the fall.
With a little bit of offseason destabilization at Oklahoma following a year that saw Baylor top Oklahoma State in the conference title game, the door is open for any number of teams to take the league throne in 2022.
Can Brent Venables quickly get the Sooners clicking again? Can Baylor improve in Year 3 under Dave Aranda? Will quarterback experience propel Oklahoma State to the top? Can Texas or Kansas State answer key questions to contend? Let’s dive in.
Of note: Our Big 12 power rankings are not meant to be predictive of future outcomes but reflect On3’s view of the current talent and potential of each team at this point in time. It does not take into account 2022 schedules.
2022 Preseason Big 12 Power Rankings
1. Oklahoma
The Sooners were obviously hit quite hard this offseason when Lincoln Riley departed and started a mass exodus of some top talent via the transfer portal. But Oklahoma also took in some talent, starting with UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel. The rest of the roster remains quite talented and Venables should get OU playing with an edge pretty quickly.
2. Texas
The Longhorns had a very forgettable second half of the 2021 season, but there remains plenty of reason for optimism. Starting with the nation’s No. 5 recruiting class in 2022. Running back Bijan Robinson and receiver Xavier Worthy are two of the league’s top playmakers and Steve Sarkisian is a brilliant offensive mind that will find a way to maximize what he gets out of them.
3. Baylor
The Bears might not have a quarterback quite as proven as Oklahoma State’s Spencer Sanders, but Blake Shapen certainly looked the part late last year. He’s got a very veteran O-line. Meanwhile, Dave Aranda has a ton of talented pieces to work with on defense. That’s usually a recipe for a lot of success given his expertise on that side of the ball.
You could certainly make an argument to have the Cowboys ahead of the Bears based on Sanders’ experience, but Oklahoma State has a lot more to figure out defensively after losing coordinator Jim Knowles and a lot of talent on that side. Don’t be surprised if the Cowboys are in several shootouts early; that said, they’re certainly equipped to win some of those.
5. Kansas State
If we had to pick a dark horse on this list to move quickly up the Big 12 power rankings, it’d have to be the Wildcats. There’s experience on both sides, with NFL talent at several spots. Nebraska quarterback transfer Adrian Martinez will have use of one of the league’s most versatile threats in running back Deuce Vaughn. Meanwhile, edge defender Felix Anudike-Uzomah is one of the most disruptive defenders returning on what was already a quality defense.
The biggest strength the Mountaineers have going into 2022 is the return of all five starters on the offensive line. That should allow whoever ends up winning the starting quarterback job — likely Georgia transfer JT Daniels — to thrive. Defensively, the Mountaineers have a lot to replace, but the majority of experience on that side is in the trenches.
7. Iowa State
After a down year by Matt Campbell’s standards, one that was tougher to swallow because of how loaded the offensive backfield was, the Cyclones are looking to regroup. The good news is a new quarterback will work behind a veteran offensive line. Additionally, edge defender Will McDonald IV is one of the best in the country.
8. Texas Tech
The Red Raiders are going through a coaching change, and they’ll have to settle in to move up the Big 12 power rankings. There aren’t many position groups that look like definite strengths right now. Texas Tech will have a quarterback battle, has to replace quite a bit on the offensive line and must shore up a pass defense that wasn’t very good last year.
9. TCU
After a few down years, TCU shook things up and parted ways with long-time coach Gary Patterson. In comes Sonny Dykes, who should bring some new energy and new ideas. He’ll have the luxury of working with veteran quarterback Max Duggan in Year 1. But the defense looms as a potential major liability yet again.
10. Kansas
Despite sporting a 2-10 record last season, coach Lance Leipold did a very impressive job, especially considering he wasn’t hired until after spring practice. Still, the Jayhawks need a massive rebuild and the talent just isn’t there right now. There’s plenty of experience on both sides, but that from a team that ranked last in the league in scoring, passing and total offense, as well as scoring, rushing and total defense last year. Meaning, there’s a lot that needs massive improvement. Again, starting with the talent on the roster.