For the first time since 2015, the Big 12 enters the season with a defending champion not named Oklahoma. With the majority of the conference breaking in new starting quarterbacks this season, five different teams received first-place votes in the Big 12 preseason poll. 

Now that football season is almost upon us, The Daily Texan previewed the Big 12 teams and where each school stands entering the 2022 season.

Baylor

This time last year, the Bears were coming off of a 2-7 season and were expected to be down in the basement of the Big 12. Instead, head coach Dave Aranda’s squad won both the Sugar Bowl and the Big 12 championship last season.

If Baylor is going to repeat as conference champions, it is expected to largely be because of its imposing defensive front. Returning multiple defensive linemen, including junior nose tackle Siaki Ika, poses trouble for Big 12 offensive linemen and provides relief for a secondary that may have some question marks. 

Aranda has his work cut out for him and his staff offensively, having to replace his quarterback, virtually all of last season’s receivers and leading rusher Abram Smith. Still, if the Bears have even an average offensive attack, they stand a chance to repeat as conference champions and live up to their preseason No. 10 AP Poll ranking. 

Oklahoma

When former head coach Lincoln Riley and star quarterback Caleb Williams headed out west to USC this offseason, things looked bleak for Oklahoma entering the 2022 season.

Enter new head coach Brent Venables and transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and the Sooners are right back in conference contention. While Oklahoma lost some offensive firepower, the return of leading receiver Marvin Mims is big. On defense, the Sooners brought in transfer players and returned enough experience to build a competitive unit.

While Oklahoma might be a few years away from competing for a national championship in Venable’s first year, another Big 12 title is certainly in play this season.

Oklahoma State

The Cowboys were just one yard short of a Big 12 championship and potential playoff berth last season.

Unlike many of its conference foes, Oklahoma State has plenty of experience at the quarterback position with senior Spencer Sanders at the helm. Having a unit that ranked top five in total defense last season behind him, the Cowboys can be a serious threat if Sanders can limit his turnovers.

Texas

The Longhorns had an impressive offseason for a team that went 5-7 and finished with just three conference wins last season, bringing in promising transfer quarterback Quinn Ewers from Ohio State, among other notable transfers.

But possibly the most important move for head coach Steve Sarkisian this offseason was the addition of former TCU head coach Gary Patterson as a special assistant. If Patterson can help boost a Texas defense that finished 100th in the country in total defense, an offense led by junior running back Bijan Robinson and sophomore receiver Xavier Worthy could be a force in the Big 12.

Kansas State

After going 8-5 for the second time in head coach Chris Klieman’s three-year tenure, the Wildcats have an opportunity to make noise in Big 12 play. 

On offense, it all starts off with Kansas State’s electric running back Deuce Vaughn, who eclipsed 1,400 yards last season. Paired with transfer quarterback Adrian Martinez, the offense could back a defensive unit that finished third in the Big 12 last season. 

Iowa State

For the first time in four years, the Cyclones will enter a season without quarterback Brock Purdy at the helm. In addition, Iowa State will have to do without its workhorse running back Breece Hall, who was selected in the NFL Draft in April.

Returning redshirt senior Will McDonald IV, who racked up 11.5 sacks last season, should make up for some of Iowa State’s notable losses on the defense.

Iowa State could use another masterful coaching job from head coach Matt Campbell, or it risks turning 2022 into a rebuilding year.

TCU

Sonny Dykes is the new head coach for the Horned Frogs, taking the reins from Patterson in Fort Worth.

While Dykes has senior quarterback Max Duggan at his disposal, TCU has several holes to fill on its roster after the coaching turnover. Losing promising running back Zach Evans certainly does not help Dykes’ cause.

With a defense that ranked among the worst in the country last season, TCU will need some of its returners to take a huge leap if it wants to avoid a third-straight losing season.

West Virginia

If the Mountaineers’ offense improves to what it looks like on paper, West Virginia could be a fun team to watch in 2022. 

Adding veteran quarterback JT Daniels along with new offensive coordinator Graham Harrell makes head coach Neal Brown’s team one that has the potential to upset anyone in Big 12 contests.

Texas Tech

New Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire will look to bring his historic success as a high school head coach to Lubbock.

With a defense that expects to improve and a healthy Tyler Shough at quarterback, the Red Raiders have the ability to improve on last season’s 7-6 record.

Kansas

With the Big 12’s worst offense and defense last season, expectations are not very high for the Jayhawks for the 2022 season.

However, the Jayhawks’ only conference win last year did come in a shocking overtime upset of Texas in Austin – Kansas’ first-ever win at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium – showing that even they can’t be overlooked on a given Saturday.

If Kansas reaches four wins for the first time since 2009, there will be cause for celebration in Lawrence by the season’s end.