The Texas Longhorns won the Big 12 last season. However, Texas and the Oklahoma Sooners are now in the SEC. The Colorado Buffaloes, Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, and Utah Utes joined the conference this offseason.
Only two teams remain unbeaten in the Big 12 after Week 5. The BYU Cougars and Iowa State Cyclones are the only Big 12 teams with no losses on their 2024 resumes. The Cyclones shut out the Houston Cougars 20-0, and BYU outlasted the Baylor Bears 34-28.
Greg McElroy acknowledged BYU’s hot start in 2024 on a recent “Always College Football” episode but quickly shifted to Iowa State. After their Week 5 win, he pinned the Cyclones as a potential favorite to win the Big 12.
“…Very impressed by BYU,” McElroy said. “How about Iowa State? Maybe they’re the Big 12 favorite. They’re 4-0, shut out Houston, and I don’t think they’re a team that’s necessarily gonna wow you with their flash. I don’t think they’re a team that’s going to wow you with their athleticism and skill, but man, they’re sound as can be.”
Iowa State returned plenty of talent this season. Quarterback Rocco Becht, running back Abu Sama III, wide receiver Jaylin Noel, and safety Jeremiah Cooper returned for the Cyclones.
Iowa State last played in the Big 12 Championship against Oklahoma in 2020. However, the Cyclones have zero conference titles to their name in college football.
Iowa State’s next opponent is the Baylor Bears on Oct. 5. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET on Fox
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