Oklahoma has claimed four conference titles in a row, so it’s no surprise coach Lincoln Riley’s team leads the way in the 2019 Big 12 predictions. The Sooners have a slight edge over Texas in Athlon’s projections, with seven teams predicted to reach bowl eligibility.

Oklahoma’s high-powered offense will have some new faces in key roles after the departure of quarterback Kyler Murray and four starters on the offensive line. However, Riley will ensure this offense doesn’t miss a beat behind Alabama transfer Jalen Hurts at quarterback, along with some of the nation’s top skill talent. The Sooners should also show signs of progress on defense behind new coordinator Alex Grinch. As indicated by the projections, Texas isn’t far behind Oklahoma for the top spot in the conference. The Longhorns have to replace a handful of key players on both sides of the ball, but coach Tom Herman has elevated this program, and there’s plenty of young talent ready to step up in 2019. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger is poised for a run at All-America honors but has to stay healthy for Texas to make a playoff push.

Iowa State is a step behind Oklahoma and Texas in the Big 12 pecking order for 2019. However, the Cyclones were a clear pick at No. 3 by the Athlon staff. Coach Matt Campbell has the program on the rise, with a standout defense and sophomore quarterback Brock Purdy guiding this program to another bowl trip in 2019. Iowa State does have to replace its top two skill players – running back David Montgomery and receiver Hakeem Butler – and both starting cornerbacks.

Oklahoma State, Baylor and TCU are each projected to finish 5-4 in conference play in Athlon’s Big 12 predictions. The Cowboys get the nod at No. 4, as coach Mike Gundy’s team has a favorable schedule – TCU, Baylor, Oklahoma and Kansas State all visit Stillwater – and an offense loaded with potential once again. Redshirt freshman Spencer Sanders is the frontrunner to replace Taylor Cornelius under center, with talented playmakers like Tylan Wallace (WR) and Chuba Hubbard (RB) rounding out the supporting cast. Baylor is a program on the rise under coach Matt Rhule. Last season, the Bears improved their win total by six games from a 1-11 mark in 2017. Another step forward appears to be within reach, especially with more progression out of quarterback Charlie Brewer and a defense that brings back six starters. TCU is a wild card team to watch. Coach Gary Patterson’s team is always dangerous, but the Horned Frogs feature uncertainty at quarterback and some new standouts must emerge on defense.

Three teams – West Virginia, Texas Tech and Kansas State – with new coaches round out the next tier. The Mountaineers edged the Red Raiders in Athlon’s projections, largely due to the game coming in Morgantown this fall. However, if things mesh under new coach Matt Wells, Texas Tech could easily surpass the 5-7 projection. Quarterback Alan Bowman is a rising star, the offensive line brings back four starters, and there’s enough experience on defense to expect improvement under new coordinator Keith Patterson. New Kansas State coach Chris Klieman was one of the offseason’s top hires, but he inherits big shoes to fill in replacing Bill Snyder. The Wildcats need quarterback Skylar Thompson to take a step forward in his development to jumpstart an offense that mustered only 22.5 points a game last fall. Kansas State may have to lean on an defense with eight returning starters to win in 2019.

Kansas won’t lack for intrigue under new coach Les Miles. However, the Jayhawks have major personnel concerns on both sides of the ball and need to find an answer under center. The status of star running back Pooka Williams after an off-field incident was unknown going into June.

Big 12 2019 Unit Rankings

Best RB Units Best WR Units Best OL Units Best DL Units Best LB Units Best DB Units 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 3. 3. 3. 3. 3. 3. 4. 4. 4. 4. 4. 4. 5. 5. 5. 5. 5. 5. 6. 6. 6. 6. 6. 6. Big 12 2019 Football Predictions Rank Projected Big 12 Record Projected Overall Record 1 Oklahoma 7-2 11-2 2 Texas 7-2 9-4 3 Iowa State 6-3 8-4 4 Oklahoma State 5-4 8-4 5 Baylor 5-4 8-4 6 TCU 5-4 8-4 7 West Virginia 4-5 6-6 8 Texas Tech 3-6 5-7 9 Kansas State 3-6 5-7 10 Kansas 0-9 2-10 Big 12 Championship Game Oklahoma over Texas BIG 12 2019 SUPERLATIVES AND SEASON PREDICTIONS Offensive POY Pick by Steven Lassan: Sam Ehlinger, QB, Texas Pick by Mitch Light: Sam Ehlinger, QB, Texas Pick by Mark Ross: Sam Ehlinger, QB, Texas Defensive POY Pick by Steven Lassan: Caden Sterns, S, Texas Pick by Mitch Light: Caden Sterns, S, Texas Pick by Mark Ross: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma Coach of the Year Pick by Steven Lassan: Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma Pick by Mitch Light: Matt Campbell, Iowa State Pick by Mark Ross: Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma Top Freshman Pick by Steven Lassan: Jadon Haselwood, WR, Oklahoma Pick by Mitch Light: Jadon Haselwood, WR, Oklahoma Pick by Mark Ross: Jadon Haselwood, WR, Oklahoma Top Newcomer Pick by Steven Lassan: Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma Pick by Mitch Light: Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma Pick by Mark Ross: Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma Sleeper Team Pick by Steven Lassan: TCU Pick by Mitch Light: Iowa State Pick by Mark Ross: TCU Key Position to Watch Pick by Steven Lassan: Oklahoma OL Pick by Mitch Light: Texas WRs Pick by Mark Ross: Oklahoma OL Best Coordinator Hire Pick by Steven Lassan: Alex Grinch, DC, Oklahoma Pick by Mitch Light: Alex Grinch, DC, Oklahoma Pick by Mark Ross: Alex Grinch, DC, Oklahoma Hardest Team to Evaluate Pick by Steven Lassan: TCU Pick by Mitch Light: Oklahoma State Pick by Mark Ross: Texas Tech Coach on the Rise Pick by Steven Lassan: Sean Gleeson, OC, Oklahoma State Pick by Mitch Light: Sean Gleeson, OC, Oklahoma State Pick by Mark Ross: Sean Gleeson, OC, Oklahoma State Must-See Game Pick by Steven Lassan: Oklahoma vs. Texas (Dallas) Pick by Mitch Light: Oklahoma vs. Texas (Dallas) Pick by Mark Ross: Oklahoma vs. Texas (Dallas) Breakout Player Pick by Steven Lassan: Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State Pick by Mitch Light: T.J. Simmons, WR, West Virginia Pick by Mark Ross: Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State Comeback Player Pick by Steven Lassan: Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU Pick by Mitch Light: Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU Pick by Mark Ross: Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU

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