Deion Sanders, Colorado Expected To Face Difficult Transition To Big 12 In 2024

After two historic programs of the Big 12 opted to transition to the SEC, the Big 12 was in dire need of other teams to fill the void or were at risk of implosion.

They were able to find not just two but four teams to take their spots. The Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, Colorado Buffaloes, and Utah Utes will all join the Big 12 next season.

The question now is which of those teams is in the best spot for the future. All four teams have qualities that could make them the best of the group but is it enough to overcome their deficiencies? Let's take a look from least likely to succeed to most likely to succeed.

4. Colorado Buffaloes

It was a tight race for the last spot, but it is hard to argue Colorado will experience the most growing pains next season in the Big 12. Despite the belief in head coach Deion Sanders, the Buffaloes' recruiting strategy leaves much to be desired.

It is difficult to build a successful program through the transfer portal while ignoring high school recruiting. The Buffaloes have failed to impress on the recruiting trail and will be undergoing another massive roster overhaul, which leaves me concerned about Colorado's success next season.

3. Arizona State Sun Devils

I'm giving Arizona State a slight edge over Colorado because of Kenny Dillingham's potential to build a successful program. The Sun Devils went 3-9 last season, but Arizona State lost three games by only one score.

Dillingham entered into a difficult situation after Herm Edwards destroyed the program by violating NCAA rules. The departure of quarterback Jaden Rashada leaves a void, but the Sun Devils did sign the highest-ranked recruiting class among all four newcomers. Arizona State's 2025 recruiting class currently ranks No. 2 in the Big 12.

2. Arizona Wildcats

Despite head coach Jedd Fisch leaving for the Washington job, Arizona has the talent to immediately compete for the Big 12 championship. Former San Jose State head coach Brent Brennan will step into a favorable situation as the Wildcats won 10 games last season.

The Wildcats will be led by one of the conference's best players, All-American wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. McMillan's connection with Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, Noah Fifita, will make Arizona's offense dangerous entering the 2024 season. I expect the Wildcats to be able to make some noise in their first season in the Big 12.

1. Utah Utes

This was the easiest selection, as Utah should enter next season as the favorite to win the Big 12. The Utes have won two of the last three Pac-12 championships and were still competitive last season after quarterback Cam Rising suffered a season-ending injury.

Despite not dominating on the recruiting trail, Utah consistently develops elite talent on both sides of the ball. That's a credit to head coach Kyle Whittingham. Like Arizona, I think the Utes compete for the Big 12 title, but unlike Arizona, I have more confidence in Utah's long-term success in the conference.

Related: Greg McElroy Predicts Two Big 12 Superstars To Have Rebound Seasons In 2024