The Big 12 power rankings are in flux, and the situation surrounding Brendan Sorsby is at the heart of it. Sorsby, a former Cincinnati quarterback who transferred to Texas Tech this offseason, is in the midst of a gambling addiction and has taken an indefinite leave of absence. This has left the league in a state of uncertainty, with Sorsby's final season of eligibility in question and the team's quarterback situation in flux. The 247Sports transfer portal rankings have only added to the intrigue, with Sorsby ranked as the second-best transfer in the portal this offseason.
Texas Tech Red Raiders are currently ranked as the top team in the Big 12, with a strong transfer class and a favorable schedule. However, the team's success will depend on Sorsby's eligibility and the recovery of Will Hammond, the sophomore quarterback who is expected to back up Sorsby. BYU Cougars are ranked as the second-best team, with a strong offensive lineup and a favorable schedule. Houston Cougars are ranked as the third-best team, with an exciting influx of talent and a strong coaching staff.
Arizona Wildcats are ranked as the fourth-best team, with a strong defense and a returning quarterback. Utah Utes are ranked as the fifth-best team, with a strong coaching staff and a favorable schedule. TCU Horned Frogs are ranked as the sixth-best team, with a strong offensive line and a revamped rushing attack. Arizona State Sun Devils are ranked as the seventh-best team, with an energetic coaching staff and a strong defense.
Kansas State Wildcats are ranked as the eighth-best team, with a strong offensive lineup and a new coaching staff. Oklahoma State Cowboys are ranked as the ninth-best team, with a strong transfer class and a new coaching staff. Baylor Bears are ranked as the tenth-best team, with a strong defense and an optimistic offensive lineup.
Kansas Jayhawks are ranked as the eleventh-best team, with a strong coaching staff and a returning quarterback. West Virginia Mountaineers are ranked as the twelfth-best team, with a strong defense and a returning quarterback. Cincinnati Bearcats are ranked as the thirteenth-best team, with a strong defense and a returning quarterback.
UCF Knights are ranked as the fourteenth-best team, with a strong transfer class and a returning quarterback. Colorado Buffaloes are ranked as the fifteenth-best team, with a strong transfer class and a returning quarterback. Iowa State Cyclones are ranked as the sixteenth-best team, with a strong defense and a returning quarterback.
The situation surrounding Brendan Sorsby is a significant wildcard in the Big 12 power rankings. The league is in a state of flux, with teams adjusting to new coaching staff, returning players, and transfer portal rankings. The outcome of Sorsby's eligibility and the recovery of Hammond will have a significant impact on the league's power rankings and the teams' chances of success in the upcoming season.