Big 12 football power rankings after spring portal closes: Did Red Raiders get better?

Last year, WVU was arguably the biggest surprise of the Big 12 conference going 9-4 overall and 6-3 in league play. However, of those nine wins, five came against teams that finished the year below .500 and one came against an FCS team.

Last year, WVU finally found an identity under head coach Neal Brown. The Mountaineers became one of the more physical teams in the nation and that helped them win some close games.

This year, they return most of their offensive line and their top two running backs as well as dual-threat QB Garrett Green. Thus, the Big 12's best rushing attack could be difficult to handle again in 2024.

The schedule is tough in 2024 though. WVU hosts Penn State and travels to Pitt in the non-conference and then road trips to Arizona, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech will be tough to manage as will home tilts with Kansas and Kansas State.

According to ESPN.com, Iowa State returns the second-most productivity in the country in 2024. That's why a program that went 7-6 last year could be a sleeper in the Big 12 this fall.

Last season, all but one of the Cyclones' losses came by 10 points or less. Some of those close games are likely to turn into wins this season given the law of averages.

Quarterback Rocco Becht is back after a redshirt freshman season that saw him put up over 3,000 yards through the air. Running back Abu Sama III, and receiver Jayden Higgins are also back to lead a dangerous offensive attack. On defense, the Cyclones return a strong group after having one of the better units in the Big 12 last season.