The end of the 2018 season and the offseason recruiting cycle pumped the Big 12 full of confidence. Losing another Heisman Trophy winner to the NFL and turnover at head coach and quarterback would be devastating to most, but this conference is deeply talented.
Last year, the rise of Oklahoma's Kyler Murray and Texas' Sam Ehlinger propelled the Sooners and Longhorns, respectively, to the top of the conference. Meanwhile, West Virginia quarterback Will Grier and Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell kept their teams in the thick of the race.
The Big 12 appeared to be heading into a downturn after losing Baker Mayfield and Mason Rudolph to the NFL in 2018, but it overcame projections by reloading with stars.