In this week's Big 12 roundtable, we break down the most compelling storylines for the spring games this weekend:

What is the biggest storyline to follow in Texas' spring game?

Brandon Chatmon: It has to be the quarterbacks right? Shane Buechele in particular. I'm also intrigued by all the sophomores who played as freshmen in 2015, including guys like Malik Jefferson, Chris Warren and John Burt. You expect a jump from freshman to sophomore and if that happens, Texas could be a sleeper team in the fall.

Max Olson: Yep, it has to be the performance of Buechele. Texas fans are crossing their fingers that the true freshman is going to be their savior, and so far he's impressed his coaches and teammates and probably exceeded expectations in practice. The kid can spin it, and I'm curious to see how he'll fare in his reps against the No. 1 defense. Texas needs some receivers to emerge with him, too.

Jake Trotter: The quarterbacks, specifically Buechele. Buechele is a terrific prospect. But the Longhorns don't need a prospect. They need a quarterback. Now. Will Buechele show signs that he'll be able to help this season? Saturday will give us the first indication.

The biggest storyline for Oklahoma State's spring game?

Chatmon: Can Oklahoma State run the ball? There are expectations for Barry J. Sanders to arrive and solve the problem in the summer, but if Oklahoma State can show signs of having an improved offensive line in the spring game that would be huge. The Cowboys have a lot of experience along the offensive line and Larry Williams seems like a valuable addition. Oklahoma State's running game could hold the key to the 2016 season.

Olson: This probably isn't getting talked up enough, but the Cowboys should have one of the Big 12's best defenses in 2016. They've got a lot of talent and experience. I guess the big thing I'd like to see is whether a guy like Jarrell Owens steps up as the pass-rushing threat Oklahoma State needs after losing Emmanuel Ogbah. Owens grabbed three sacks last year and should have a nice, big role this fall.

Trotter: The offensive line, and whether it will demonstrate improvement. Much has been made of the line's porous run-blocking last season, and for good reason. But the pass blocking wasn't all that much better, as the Cowboys gave up 32 sacks. A better running game would help cure that. And a better run-blocking line would help cure the running game.

What about Texas Tech's spring game?

Chatmon: The Red Raiders defense in Year 2 under David Gibbs could hold the key to Tech's title hopes. With Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, Tech has a key ingredient to force itself into the Big 12 title conversation, but that will be tough without a defense that can hold up its end of the bargain. The spring game could give us a feel for how improved the defense could be in 2016.

Olson: Justin Stockton has a chance to be one of the Big 12's more exciting backs this season, so I want to see what kind of progress he shows in the spring game. He's a true home-run threat who's averaging 7 yard per carry in his career. We know he can bounce outside and break off long runs. Can he also pick up tough yards inside like DeAndre Washington did?

Trotter: We're really not going to know much about the defense until the fall, so I'll go with Derrick Willies. The junior-college wideout has been turning heads this spring, and has already produced a viral video with his leaping ability. Under Kliff Kingsbury, the Red Raiders have never really had an outside downfield threat like Willies, who could be a threat for Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors.

What is the biggest storyline of Iowa State's spring game?

Chatmon: How about everything? Coach Matt Campbell's first public showing of his Cyclones squad should be interesting. Campbell has made plenty of noticeable changes off the field so I can't wait to see what he has in store on the field. It will also be great to see how Joel Lanning has progressed since he locked down the starting role at the end of the 2015 season.

Olson: Running back Mike Warren told me at the start of spring ball that Iowa State was constructing a run game that really fits his talents and utilizes the run threat of QB Joel Lanning. I'm excited to see what the early stages of that project look like, and whether they have the right guys up front to get Warren rolling. I'm expecting an exciting brand of football, particularly on offense, from Campbell's staff.

Trotter: I think the guys nailed it. Iowa State hasn't finished with an offense that's ranked outside the bottom three of the league since 2005. That's about to change, in my opinion. Saturday, we'll get a better glimpse into what this offense, which has a ton of potential, is going to look like under the Campbell regime.