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The Big 12 isn’t immune to the conference alignment that is taking place across college athletics. Two of the conference’s biggest programs, Oklahoma and Texas, will be leaving for the SEC after the 2023 season. However, the conference didn’t waste any time bringing in other programs to help fill the void. With the addition of BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF, the Big 12 can still deliver a great product. Let’s take a closer look at five players that every fine should watch this season.
5. Cobee Bryant, DB – Kansas
Here’s just under 4 minutes of Kansas Jayhawks CB Cobee Bryant. Ball Hawk. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/AOMrDDOT0f
— JWP Sports / CFBAlerts (@JWPSports) July 23, 2023
The Kansas Jayhawks were one of the more fascinating stories of the 2022 season. A program that had seemingly been stuck in the cellar of college football doom finally saw itself standing in the limelight. A part of that success has to do with talented players like Cobee Bryant. The Jayhawks DB is known for being an absolute menace in the backfield with his ability to defend the pass. Bryant will be a focal point in the game plan of any team taking on Kansas.
4. Cooper Beebe, OL – Kansas State
Cooper Beebe: Preseason AP All-American pic.twitter.com/t0EpGm8Y04
— 785 Sports – K-State (@785SportsKSU) August 22, 2023
Kansas State left guar Cooper Beebe has been voted as an AP Preseason All-American. The nomination is an incredible honor and one that Beebe won’t be taking lightly heading into the 2023 season. The Wildcats had an incredible 2o22, finishing with a 10-4 record while finishing 14th in the AP poll. Now the team is looking to build off of that performance. With guys like Beebe returning, the program should be confident in duplicating that success.
3. Johnny Hodges, LB – TCU
One on one with TCU Football Linebacker Johnny Hodges.
As Junior Hodges led TCU with 87 tackles, the most by a Horned Frog since Garret Wallow had 90 in 2020. Hodges placed third on the team with 9.5 tackles for loss and started all 14 games he played.
Career Honors:
✅ 2022… pic.twitter.com/lErB7IL5NQ— D210SPORTS (@D210S) August 22, 2023
TCU was another great story from the 2022 season. While the Cinderella journey ended with a blowout 65-7 loss to Georgia in the national title game. The program should be proud of what it accomplished. The Horned Frogs are hungry to reach those heights once again, and having someone like Johnny Hodges on the field is a great start. Hodges led the team with 87 tackles and proved that he belongs in the discussion of best defensive players in the Big 12. Another record-breaking season could be in store for Hodges in his senior season.
2. Jalon Daniels, QB – Kansas
There’s so many talented QBs in the 2024 NFL Draft that guys like Kansas’ Jalon Daniels are being forgotten.
Really nice arm to go with ability to make plays out of structure and be part of the run game. Made some “wow” throws like this one last season. pic.twitter.com/hFCnyRaY3B
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) August 15, 2023
The leader of Kansas’ return to the national spotlight in 2022 was quarterback Jalon Daniels. Week to week, Daniels showed off his outstanding athletic ability by being able to keep plays alive with his legs and his arm. Unfortunately, an injury derailed Daniels’ 2022 season, as well as Kansas’s chances at having a historic season. However, the program and Daniels will get another chance in 2023 to show the world that the Jayhawks can compete for Big 12 relevancy.
1. Dontay Corleone, DL – Cincinnati
#Bearcats star defensive tackle Dontay Corleone was named @AP Preseason First Team All-American! 🐾https://t.co/IJNMr8WP5p pic.twitter.com/bSUF2MORJs
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) August 21, 2023
Only two players from the Big 12 were announced first-team All-Americans by the AP Poll. Kansas State’s Beebe and Cincinnati’s star defensive tackle Dontay Corleone. Corleone clogs up the middle for the Bearcats while also being a threat to reach the backfield. The preseason All-American had three sacks last season, along with 45 tackles. Look for Corleone to be the heart and soul of the Bearcats defense in 2023.
