The Big 12 will have some of the top storylines in the nation this season.

Whether it is Deion Sanders and Colorado or the return of Cam Rising in Utah, there will be plenty to watch in the Big 12 this season. Below, check out some of the top storylines and predictions before the season begins.

2024 Big 12 Football Preview

Big 12 Championship Game Prediction: Utah over Kansas State

Big 12 CFB Playoff Teams: Utah

Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year: Cam Rising, Utah

Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year: Nick Martin, Oklahoma State

Big 12 Coach of the Year: Gus Malzahn, UCF

Conference Notes

Cam Rising is back and Utah’s expectations are high. It was a massive blow when Rising suffered a knee injury in the 2022 Rose Bowl. There were hopes that he would return in 2023 but eventually took a medical redshirt. Now, head coach Kyle Whittingham has confirmed Rising is fully healthy and hopes are high in Salt Lake City. This is the first season in the Big 12 for the Utes but they are considered the favorites to win the conference. This is because of the work of Rising and the overall make up of the roster. A conference victory would give Utah a top four seed in the CFB Playoff this season.

Ollie Gordon II is back and ready for more. As a sophomore, Gordon emerged as one of the top running backs in the nation. The Doak Walker award winner totaled 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns. He carried the ball 285 times and averaged 6.1 yards per attempt. It was clear that Gordon was the focal point of the offense for Oklahoma State. Now, can he do something that only five other players have done? Gordon was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 and could repeat if he puts up similar numbers.

So, what exactly is Colorado? We saw the Buffaloes make a lot of noise last season. After a season-opening victory against an overrated TCU team, that noise did not translate to success on the field. Deion Sanders will bring back his quarterback in Shedeur Sanders and arguably the best overall player n the nation in Travis Hunter. Colorado struggled to stop anyone last season and that needs to be the focus this season. With Sanders back, the Buffaloes will score some points and play plenty of high-scoring games once again. All eyes will continue to be on the program with Sanders running the show.

Gus Malzahn is moving UCF back in the right direction. The question is, how far can the team go this year? The Knights are an interesting squad. They were picked eighth in the Preseason Media Poll in the conference but have the fourth best odds to win the Big 12. Is it possible this year? If so, it will be done on the ground. UCF will feature two backs who rushed for more than 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. RJ Harvey did it for the Knights while Toledo transfer Peny Boone is now in the mix. Arkansas transfer KJ Jefferson gives Malzahn an experience quarterback as well.

The state of Kansas remains in a good place this season. Could both Kansas State and Kansas finish in the top three of the conference? Absolutely. It would be surprising if either team fell out of the top five. Jalon Daniels battled injuries over the course of the 2023 season and is expected to make a full return. The offense will be dynamic along with Devin Neal, who rushed for 1,280 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. Kansas State will also be back in the mix and fighting for a spot in the CFB Playoff as winners of the conference.

2024 Big 12 Football Standings Prediction

1. Utah
2. Kansas State
3. Kansas
4. Oklahoma State
5. Arizona
6. Iowa State
7. West Virginia
8. Texas Tech
9. UCF
10. TCU
11. Baylor
12. Colorado
13. BYU
14. Cincinnati
15. Arizona State
16. Houston