2024 college football odds reveal a significant shift in the Big 12 Conference, with Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah joining the ranks, while Colorado makes its return. This reshaping of the league promises an exciting season ahead.
In contrast, the conference will bid farewell to two of its most storied programs, Texas and Oklahoma, as they head to the SEC, leaving fans to wonder about the future landscape of the Big 12.
As the dust settles, the question arises: which team will emerge as the new powerhouse in the Big 12? Could Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes make a splash in their new environment?
Currently, Utah and Kansas State are projected to lead the conference with the highest win totals set at 9.5. This sets the stage for a competitive battle for supremacy.
Utah’s quarterback, Cam Rising, is poised to make a comeback after missing the entire 2023 season. As the MVP of the 2022 Pac-12 Championship Game and a semifinalist for both the Davey O’Brien Award and the Maxwell Award, his return could be a game-changer for the Utes.
With Will Howard’s transfer to Ohio State, Kansas State will look to Avery Johnson as their starting quarterback. Johnson aims to build on a strong performance in last season’s bowl game, bringing fresh energy to the Wildcats.
Examining the projected win totals for each Big 12 team according to DraftKings Sportsbook as of August 16 provides insight into the upcoming season.
Utah
Over 9.5: -145 (bet $10 to win $16.90 total)
Under 9.5: +125 (bet $10 to win $22.50 total)
Kansas State
Over 9.5: +125 (bet $10 to win $22.50 total)
Under 9.5: -145 (bet $10 to win $16.90 total)
Oklahoma State
Over 8: -130 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total)
Under 8: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total)
Arizona
Over 7.5: +120 (bet $10 to win $22 total)
Under 7.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)
Kansas
Over 8: -125 (bet $10 to win $18 total)
Under 8: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.50 total)
Texas Tech
Over 7.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)
Under 7.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)
TCU
Over 7.5: +120 (bet $10 to win $22 total)
Under 7.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)
Iowa State
Over 7.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)
Under 7.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)
UCF
Over 7.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)
Under 7.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)
West Virginia
Over 6.5: -130 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total)
Under 6.5: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total)
Baylor
Over 5.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)
Under 5.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)
Colorado
Over 5.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)
Under 5.5: +120 (bet $10 to win $22 total)
Cincinnati
Over 5: -160 (bet $10 to win $16.25 total)
Under 5: +135 (bet $10 to win $23.50 total)
BYU
Over 4.5: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.50 total)
Under 4.5: -125 (bet $10 to win $18 total)
Arizona State
Over 4.5: +135 (bet $10 to win $23.50 total)
Under 3.5: -160 (bet $10 to win $16.25 total)
Houston
Over 3.5: -160 (bet $10 to win $16.25 total)
Under 3.5: +135 (bet $10 to win $23.50 total)
UCF Over/Under 7.5 wins
The Golden Knights achieved six wins last season, a commendable feat for a team transitioning into a Power Five conference. This accomplishment sets a solid foundation for their second year in a more competitive environment.
UCF demonstrated its ability to compete against top-tier teams and aims to build on that success moving forward.
Head Coach Gus Malzahn has brought in Arkansas transfer quarterback KJ Jefferson, who possesses a skill set reminiscent of Cam Newton, the Heisman Trophy winner who thrived under Malzahn at Auburn.
While comparisons to Newton may be lofty, Jefferson’s abilities align well with Malzahn’s offensive strategies. UCF retains a wealth of returning talent in 2024, which will support Jefferson’s development. The Knights also made adjustments on defense, hiring a new coordinator and acquiring experienced linebackers to strengthen their run defense.
The Knights’ schedule appears favorable, as they will not face Kansas State or Oklahoma. They have home games against Utah and Arizona, along with winnable matchups against BYU, Cincinnati, Arizona State, and Colorado.
UCF is likely to surpass the 7.5 win mark this season.
Arizona State Over/Under 4.5 wins
It is challenging to predict success for Arizona State in 2024. The Sun Devils are currently lacking the depth and talent needed to compete effectively against their upcoming opponents.
Their offense relies heavily on transfer portal recruits and players with limited experience from last season due to injuries or other factors.
While Arizona State’s defense has made strides by adding veteran players, uncertainty remains about their effectiveness. The Sun Devils’ schedule features formidable teams, including Utah, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Arizona, and UCF. Additionally, they face a road game at Texas Tech and host Mississippi State.
Given these challenges, the Sun Devils may struggle to achieve more than four wins this season.
Utah to win Big 12
Utah fans have reason to be optimistic as they rally behind head coach Kyle Whittingham and the returning talent on the roster.
With quarterback Cam Rising back in action, along with tight end Brant Kuithe and several defensive players returning from injury, the Utes are well-positioned for a strong season. Although they need to replace some key defensive pass rushers, the team has the resources to find suitable replacements.
Utah’s schedule features a back-to-back against Oklahoma State and Arizona, followed by a Thanksgiving weekend matchup at UCF. While this could pose a potential challenge, it’s possible that Utah will have already secured a spot in the conference title game and may not need to play their starters in that contest.
With this promising outlook, the Utes are likely to take home the Big 12 championship title this season.
