[ad_1]
The Big 12 Conference has added four teams to its roster for the 2023 college football season in a major turnaround. Cincinnati, Houston, UCF and BYU become conference members in their first expansion move since TCU and West Virginia joined in 2012.
The four schools’ recent accomplishments in various varsity sports have made them attractive targets for the Big 12 schools in the expansion process. However, moving to a more competitive conference would be a huge challenge for each of them.
The four new teams are not expected to start impressively when Big 12 competition begins next season. Even for highly successful college football programs, moving to a new conference is a difficult endeavor. Let’s take a look at how the four teams perform next season.
•
Drop the four teams
Cincinnati already has what can be distinguished as an easy schedule for the upcoming season. This presents them as the team with the potential to have the best performance out of the four. With a 53-11 record since 2018 and a playoff game in 2021, the Bearcats can do the impossible.
Throughout his Big 12 career, coach Dana Holgorsen has consistently demonstrated his ability to deliver unexpected hits. This could be crucial for Houston next season. While the team has some obvious weaknesses, its potential for success is remarkably high.
Having the best center fielder among the four newcomers gives UCF an advantage. John Rhys Plumley has shown his effectiveness in the AAC and has a lot of guns around him. They also have six returning players on defense, which could ease the transition.
BYU is the only newcomer not out of the AAC. However, based on their long tradition and impressive track record, they undoubtedly stand as the most well-established program around. While their schedule is unfavorable, they have had a successful consecutive season in the past five years.
A very competitive year in the Big 12
The upcoming 2023 college football season will likely become the most competitive year in Big 12 history.
It should also be noted that Texas and Oklahoma will play their final season in the conference before leaving for the SEC. The intention to make a lasting impression in the conference promises an exciting spectacle on the field next season.
As the conference continues to scout candidates for expansion, it’s gearing up for a whole new level of football next season. We may see a conference team claim the national title after TCU failed last season.
[ad_2]
