Big 12 Commissioner Makes Bold Prediction On College Football Playoff Bids

Yormark went on to praise the Big 12's head coaches, a group that includes Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders (Colorado) and established winners in Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy and Utah's Kyle Whittingham. Plus, Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham is largely regarded as one of college football's top young head coaches.

“We also boast one of the nation’s top coaching lineups, from Hall of Famers to rising stars," Yormark said. "I fully expect the Big 12 to earn multiple College Football Playoff bids this year and to show once again that we can compete with anyone.”

For Yormark's claim to become true, the Big 12 can't cannibalize itself as it did last year. Kansas, in particular, spoiled the conference's hopes of earning an at-large bid last season after beating Iowa State, BYU and Colorado in consecutive weeks. The Big 12 can't afford to have another Kansas-like squad magically run through the conference's top teams in November.

The Big 12's depth at quarterback works in its favor regarding the College Football Playoff. Established Power Four quarterbacks such as Arizona State's Sam Leavitt, Iowa State's Rocco Becht, Kansas State's Avery Johnson, Baylor's Sawyer Robertson and Texas Tech's Behren Morton all have the ability to lift their respective teams to the top of the Big 12.

"This year, our star power, especially at quarterback, will be on full display," Yormark said. "The Big 12 returns nine starting quarterbacks who threw for over 2,400 yards last season. The rest of the Power Four combined? Just 11."

Although unproven at the Power Four level, Colorado also has talent at quarterback with Liberty Flames transfer Kaidon Salter and incoming freshman Julian "JuJu" Lewis battling for the Buffs' starting job. Salter helped the Flames finish the 2023 season ranked No. 25 in the AP Poll, and many believe the veteran quarterback is capable of helping the Buffs maintain their winning ways in the Big 12 Conference.