Big 12: Best chance to make the College Football Playoff

With the College Football Playoff expanding from four to 12 teams this season, and the top five ranked conference champions securing automatic playoff spots, the path to a national championship has never been more open.

This adjustment, combined with major conference realignments, greatly enhances the odds for the 2024 Big 12 champion—and potentially another contender—to compete for the national title on college football's grandest stage.

Utah Utes

The Utah Utes are currently the favorites to not only claim the Big 12 title but also represent the conference in the College Football Playoff. Kyle Whittingham and his program have seamlessly adapted to their move from the Pac-12, starting the season strong with a 4-0 record, including a key win over No. 14 Oklahoma State in conference play.

Under the new CFP system, if the season ended tomorrow, the Utes would secure an automatic playoff bid. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the health of preseason Maxwell Award watch list quarterback Cam Rising, Utah’s offense has been impressive, averaging over 200 rushing yards and nearly 33 points per game—both ranking in the top five within the Big 12.

With Isaac Wilson, the younger brother of Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson, leading the offense, the Utes are seemingly primed for success. Simply handing the ball off to the Big 12’s leading rusher, Micah Bernard, every down could keep Utah in contention through January.

Oklahoma State

College football rankings go much deeper than simply wins and losses. Teams need to possess certain intangibles, like star power and national popularity/recognition to gain credibility and push to be among the top 12 ranked teams in the country. And Oklahoma State certainly doesn't lack star power.

Following in the footsteps of icons like Thurman Thomas and Barry Sanders, Ollie Gordon brings Oklahoma State its first explosive, game-breaking running back in over 30 years.

Last season, Gordon was a unanimous All-American and the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. With him as a part of the program, the Cowboys should never fall out of the top 25, making it that much harder to miss the playoff.

This season has looked different for Oklahoma State’s ground game, as defenses have been stacking the box to negate their dangerous rushing attack. However, this has opened the door for Alan Bowman and allowed the passing game to really come together, as he stands fourth in the Big 12 in passing yards.

Longtime head coach Mike Gundy has found ways to win games, even with his most dynamic weapons on offense struggling to get going. Gundy and the Cowboys find themselves ranked No. 20, with a massive matchup against Big 12 opponent Kansas State this week, with the winner likely launching into the top 15.

Gundy is a man, he’s 57, and he’s ready to take all the heat if Oklahoma State falls short against the Wildcats this weekend and misses out on a College Football Playoff spot.

Joseph Granton is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism, to contact him please email jlg6619@psu.edu.