Can Avery Johnson and the Kansas State Wildcats take another step forward in 2025? Will Sam Leavitt lead Arizona State to another deep playoff run?
Get the answers to those questions and more by diving into our Big 12 football preview below. We've got 4 season win totals to bet on in this piece. Good luck!
The schedule is one of the easier ones in the conference this season for the Cats. If they can continue their trajectory like they have over the past 2-3 years, they could find themselves in the conference title game. Chris Klieman looks to get this team in the 8+ win group once again this season.
Klieman will have Avery Johnson back under center after averaging over 255 yards per game last season. He is a threat with his legs as well and was able to get the Cats in the endzone a total of 32 times. In the backfield, the combo of Joe Jackson and Dylan Edwards will be a tough one to top. On the outside, Johnson has his favorite returning target in Jayce Brown.
The one question mark is the offensive line that will be returning just 2 starters. On the defensive side, if they can get their secondary straightened out, they will be a top-notch defense. Austin Romaine is a top linebacker in the country, and the line will be solid once again.
We believe the Red Raiders are going to push the Cats for the top spot in the Big 12 this season. They made a ton of moves in the offseason and used their NIL monies to address most of Joey McGuire’s concerns.
Behren Morton will lead an offense that could be tops in the conference. While he did go under the knife during the offseason to address a shoulder issue, he should be fully healthy for the season. The NIL money was spent well in the wide receiver area and upfront on the line. They added Reggie Virgil from Miami, Ohio, to join Micah Hudson at wide out.
At the O-line, they grabbed Will Jados from Miami, Ohio, and Howard Sampson from UNC. It will remain to be seen who emerges as the man back between J’Koby Williams and Tahj Brooks. On the other side, the defensive front should be the strength, while there will be some work to be done in the secondary. Shield Wood was brought in from Houston and hopes to make this defense one that is at least respected, unlike the past seasons.
The Sun Devils were the surprise of the later part of the season last year. Cam Skattebo was the underdog that had many rooting for this team, but now he is gone to the NFL. Kenny Dillingham will need to find a way to win without the special back, but many are optimistic that the young coach can do just that.
Things start with Sam Leavitt, who is back at quarterback again this year. He will have the luxury of an offensive line that returns 4 starters and his favorite weapon on the outside. Jordyn Tyson is back and will be Leavitt’s top guy once again.
As far as the backfield, Dillingham brought in Kanye Udoh from Army to take some of the work along with Raleek Brown and Kyson Brown. The defense returns 9 starters from a group that held opponents to just over 22ppg last season. If they can improve just slightly, they could be the top defensive unit in the conference this season.
The Bears rattled off 6 straight wins to make a bowl appearance last year. This was after an abysmal 2-4 start to the season. Credit to Dave Aranda, who did not allow this team to implode and mail it in after that rough start to the season. With a favorable schedule this season, things look optimistic for the Bears.
The turnaround at mid-season had a lot to do with the play of Sawyer Robertson. He seemingly figured out the offense and got things moving in the right direction when Aranda needed him most. He will have most of his offensive line back this year and two strong weapons. Josh Cameron is likely to be his favorite target on the outside, and Bryson Washington is back after rushing for over 1,000 yards last season.
The defensive side is where things get a little sketchy. The linebackers should be the strength, led by Keaton Thomas. However, transfers make up most of the line and the secondary. They will need to come together quickly for the Bears to make a run at the Big 12 title.