The Oklahoma Sooners edged out the Oklahoma State Cowboys and TCU Horned Frogs for the Big 12 title in 2015 and are favoured to win it again. Can the Pokes or any of the teams from Texas prevent that from happening?
Oklahoma Sooners
Odds: -125
The defending Big 12 champs look even stronger heading into 2016. Quarterback Baker Mayfield compiled 4,105 yards last season and enters the season as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. Combined with a stellar backfield that includes Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon, this offense should be very effective. The defense took some hits, but Jordan Thomas and Steven Parker return in the secondary, both of whom could wind up being All-Big 12 performers.
If they can beat No. 15 Houston in their opener and No. 6 Ohio State two weeks later, they should be in good shape to get back to the College Football Playoff.
TCU Horned Frogs
Odds: +500
The Horned Frogs lost star quarterback Trevone Boykin, stud receiver Josh Doctson and six other offensive starters. However, they might still compete for a Big 12 title because of what could be the strongest defense in the conference. Last year, their defense was ravaged by injuries, which meant a lot of young players were rushed into the lineup. Now they are healthy and have lots of depth thanks to the experience gained last year. Eight starters return on defense, including the team’s seven leading tacklers. That could guide them to the top of the Big 12.
Texas Longhorns
Odds: +650
There’s a lot of optimism in Austin, but there are a lot of problems to fix too. Their defense brings back eight starters, but that unit allowed eight opponents to run for over 200 yards last season. On offense, the quarterback position is unsettled. A bowl berth would be a success for Texas in 2016.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Odds: +650
As long as their offensive line improves, the Cowboys will have one of the best offenses in the nation. That line gave up 32 sacks last year, limiting an explosive offense. Mason Rudolph-to-James Washington will be one of the most unstoppable quarterback-to-wideout combos in the country. To be more balanced, they’ll need more from their front five – especially in the running game where their lack of a push led them to finish ninth in yards per carry (3.6). The good news is all five starting offensive linemen return.
Baylor Bears
Odds: +900
The Bears have the talent to win the Big 12, but a tumultuous offseason has put their season in peril. Head coach Art Briles, who built the Baylor program from nothing, was fired, which makes it hard to buy into the program on the field. The potential is still there with quarterback Seth Russell and one of the best scoring attacks in the country, but Briles was the man who made this team what it was; how will they fare without him?
*Odds as of September 1, 2016