As the Big 12 expands to 16 teams after the departures of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC, Mike Gundy enters his 20th season as head coach of 17th-ranked Oklahoma State, emphasizing increased parity in college football. Gundy noted that multiple teams now have the potential to compete nationally, although sustained domination may be challenging. Newcomer Utah, ranked No. 12, is poised for success with returning quarterback Cam Rising, who is fully recovered from a knee injury that sidelined him last season. Utah's head coach Kyle Whittingham, also in his 20th season, sees this transition as an opportunity for the Utes to leverage their strong roster. Colorado returns to the Big 12 after 13 seasons in the Pac-12, looking to improve after a tough previous season. The reshaped league presents a dynamic landscape for teams aiming for championship aspirations as they navigate the new competition.