The focus of the college football world is on recruiting, but National Signing Day won't have a major impact on which teams are the favorites to win their conference. The Big 12 had the Oklahoma Sooners in the playoff last year and the conference could have another team in the playoff next year. It's a strong conference, but it is top-heavy. There are a clear top four teams, and substantial drop off after that. With that in mind, here are the top 4 teams most likely to win the Big 12 in 2016.
The Horned Frogs are going to lose plenty of talent. WR Josh Doctson, QB Trevone Boykin, RB Aaron Green and four starters on the offensive line are all gone. However, the defense is young and the injuries that forced players into action will pay dividends next year. If the Horned Frogs can get steady QB play, a Big 12 run isn't out of the question. Plus, head coach Gary Patterson will have the team ready to go. TCU doesn't rebuild under Patterson in recent years; they reload. TCU isn't the favorite, but they'll be a threat. For more on TCU, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
The Cowboys bring back a lot of talent and they should make another run at the Big 12 title. QB J.W. Walsh is likely gone, but Mason Rudolph will only be a junior. He'll have the keys to an offense that returns all but one starter. The defense will lose more starters, but has enough talent to compete for a Big 12 title. The Cowboys went 10-3 last year and a similar mark isn't out of the question for next year. For more Oklahoma State Cowboys news, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
2. Baylor Bears
Baylor will lose talent like WR Corey Coleman and DE Shawn Oakman, which hurts. But the return of QB Seth Russell more than makes up for that. Baylor might have competed for a playoff berth if Russell didn't go down this year. Perhaps next year Art Briles will have Baylor in the college football playoff. The team has been close each year. A Sept. 24th matchup against Oklahoma State will be an early barometer for which team is the biggest challenger to the reigning Big 12 champs. Download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app for the latest Baylor news.
The Sooners came up short in the CFP semifinal, but they are primed for a great season next year. They don't lose much talent and return QB Baker Mayfield, RB Samaje Perine and RB Joe Mixon. The Sooners could very well be back in the playoff next season and will be one of the favorites to capture the championship. The Sooners are going to be a very, very dangerous team next year. Non-conference games against Ohio State and Houston early in the season are going to be a big challenge. Check out the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app for all the latest Oklahoma news and rumors.
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