The year 2024 was a monumental one for the Big 12 conference. It was a year of change, growth, and success. The conference not only navigated through realignment, but it also emerged as a dominant force in the college football landscape. With Arizona State leading the way, the Big 12 flexed its muscles and proved to the world that it is a force to be reckoned with.
The Big 12 conference has always been known for its competitive spirit and high-quality football. However, in recent years, the conference has faced some challenges with the departure of key teams. But in 2024, the Big 12 proved that it is not just surviving, but thriving.
The biggest surprise of the year came from Arizona State. The Sun Devils, led by head coach Herm Edwards, had an undefeated season and dominated every team that crossed their path. Their impressive performance earned them a spot in the College Football Playoffs and a chance to compete for the national championship.
But it wasn’t just Arizona State that made 2024 a memorable year for the Big 12. The conference was filled with talented teams that made their mark on the national stage. Iowa State, led by head coach Matt Campbell, had a strong season and earned a spot in the Big 12 Championship game. Despite their loss to Arizona State, the Cyclones showed that they are a force to be reckoned with and earned a spot in the final AP Top 25 rankings.
But it wasn’t just Arizona State and Iowa State that shined in 2024. The Big 12 was filled with talented teams that made their mark on the national stage. BYU, Colorado, and Iowa State all earned spots in the final AP Top 25 rankings, showcasing the depth and competitiveness of the conference.
The success of the Big 12 in 2024 can also be attributed to the strong leadership and vision of the conference’s commissioner, Bob Bowlsby. He navigated the conference through the challenges of realignment and ensured that the Big 12 remained a top-tier conference in college football.
With the success of 2024, the Big 12 has set the bar high for the upcoming seasons. But what can we expect from the conference in the future? According to college football analyst Josh Pate, we can expect another unexpected team to claim the Big 12 crown in 2025.
Pate predicts that Kansas State, led by head coach Chris Klieman, will surprise everyone and take home the Big 12 championship in 2025. While this may seem like a bold prediction, Pate argues that Klieman has built a strong and disciplined team that is capable of competing with the best in the conference.
Kansas State’s success in 2025 would only add to the already impressive legacy of the Big 12 conference. It would showcase the depth and competitiveness of the conference, and prove that any team can rise to the top with hard work and determination.
In conclusion, the year 2024 was a defining one for the Big 12 conference. It not only navigated through realignment but emerged as a dominant force in college football. With Arizona State leading the way and other talented teams making their mark, the Big 12 proved that it is a conference to be feared. And with the prediction of another unexpected team claiming the Big 12 crown in 2025, the future looks bright for this dynamic and competitive conference.
