We’re just over one month away from Big 12 Conference football teams returning to action, so barring a few training camp surprises we have a good idea of what teams might be rolling out in 2024.
Some of it’s great, some of it’s good … some of it leaves a lot to be desired.
Here’s a look at our Preseason MVP picks for all 16 teams in the Big 12 Conference.
Arizona, Jonah Savaiinaea, OT: Quarterback Noah Fifita needs time to throw the ball to wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan — that’s how the Wildcats win games in 2024. That starts with Savaiinaea keeping Fifita upright.
Arizona State, Cam Skattebo, Utility: Skattebo will have his work cut out for him trying to keep Arizona State out of the Big 12 cellar in 2024. That’s a fitting job for a player who played quarterback, running back, tight end, receiver, and punter in 2023, and also returned kicks and punts.
Baylor, Dequan Finn, QB: Finn was the MAC Most Valuable Player for Toledo in 2023 and has starred for the Rockets the last three seasons. Can he lift the Bears up and save head coach Dave Aranda’s job?
BYU, Tyler Batty, DL: BYU seemed totally outmatched in its first season in the Big 12 in 2023, save for a few players like Batty. Not a lot to look forward to in Provo this year.
Cincinnati, Dontay Corleone, DL: Could be one of the few bright spots in what could be a dismal season for the Bearcats after a preseason health scare for Corleone after blood clots were found in his lungs. Future NFL defensive tackle.
Colorado, Travis Hunter, CB/WR: Colorado’s season didn’t come apart until Hunter had to miss games due to a lacerated liver after a cheap shot against Colorado State. If he’s healthy, the sky’s the limit for the Buffs and he sets the tone on both sides of the ball.
Houston, Donovan Smith, QB: Smith could have NFL potential that’s been previously untapped — new head coach Willie Fritz will get the best out of him.
Iowa State, Rocco Becht, QB: The Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year, if Becht continues his ascension in 2024 we might be having some different conversations in the coming months.
Kansas, Cobee Bryant, CB: The last time Kansas had a truly great team they had an elite cornerback in Aqib Talib — Bryant could be that type of difference maker for the Jayhawks.
Kansas State, DJ Giddens, RB: Sure, there’s a lot of hype around sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson, but we’ll take Giddens as the player that balances out the Wildcats — he’s coming off a season in which he rushed for 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns to go with 323 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns.
Oklahoma State, Ollie Gordon II, RB: The Cowboys have the reigning Doak Walker Award winner and the nation’s best running back in Gordon — if he can stay out of his own way he could guide Oklahoma State into the College Football Playoff.
TCU, Josh Hoover, QB: This could be another bad season for TCU, but Hoover is the best option for them at quarterback right now after starting 10 games as a freshman in 2023. Things aren’t looking great in Fort Worth.
Texas Tech, Tahj Brooks, RB: There’s the flashy combination of quarterback Behrens Morton and wide receiver Micah Hudson, but it’s Brooks who will set the tone for the offense after he rushed for 1,541 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023 while averaging 5.1 yards per carry.
UCF, KJ Jefferson, QB: Jefferson started the last three years at Arkansas. UCF hopes he’s the guy from the first two years.
Utah, Lander Barton, LB: There's plenty of attention on the offense and the return of seventh-year quarterback Cam Rising, but for our money it's Barton who is the difference maker in 2024.
WVU, Garrett Greene, QB: One of the more exciting dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation, Greene has modeled his game after boyhood heroes Johnny Manziel and Baker Mayfield and plays like a wild mix of the two. So much fun to watch.
Cue Country Roads! Garrett Greene leads Mountaineers to 23-20 victory over Oklahoma, first win over the school in the Big 12. Capped off by a Casey Legg field goal! pic.twitter.com/JmJK6O3k3m
— Kelsie LeRose (@lerosephotos) November 12, 2022
