Five programs that could give Utah trouble in the Big 12

The Utes are viewed as having a chance to control the Big 12

If you ask any Utah fan about their move to the Big 12 there is excitement stemming from the fact that they appear to be the best football program in the conference. 

With the Big 12 losing Texas and Oklahoma, and Utah coming from a conference where programs like USC, Oregon, and Washington are constantly competing for the top spot, it is fair to say that the Big 12 is up for grabs. 

The 2021 season marked the first time since 2003 that a Big 12 team not named Oklahoma or Texas won the Big 12 title game, and the Sooners currently hold 11 more conference titles than the next three teams tied at three. While the Utes won't have to worry about the two blue bloods, the Big 12 still has some programs that could trouble the Utes when they join their new conference in 2024.

Let's take a look at the five programs that I think could provide the biggest challenge for Utah in the Big 12.

UCF

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Of all the teams that have made the jump to the Big 12, it is safe to say that UCF is by far the biggest beneficiary. They have seen an uptick in recruiting, and prior to the move Gus Malzahn has led them to two nine wins seasons in a row. If they can continue to land bigger fish in the Florida and Georgia regions, they can help themselves build a very competitive roster. 

Colorado

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As long as Deion Sanders is in Boulder it is safe to assume that Colorado will be a competitive team trending upwards. He recruited a top-25 class in 2023 while being on the job for about five minutes, and clearly has a knack for attracting talent as we see with his transfer class. Having more access to Texas and Florida will only help his cause, and the Buffs are one of the two new programs that could end up cementing themselves atop the conference. The only reason they wouldn't be a challenge for Utah is if Sanders doesn't end up working out or if he leaves, but until either of those things happen they are a major threat. 

TCU

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Of any of the teams that are currently in the Big 12, TCU seems poised to be the most ready to take the leap and solidify themselves as a premier program in the conference. They are the only program in the conference with a playoff appearance and win, and their recruiting saw a major boost because of it. Sonny Dykes appears to have struck gold in Fort-Worth, and has the Horned Frogs ascending at the right time. 

Texas Tech

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Last season Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire claimed the the Big 12 runs through Lubbock after beating Texas, and while it ended up becoming a meme the Red Raiders are close. They had their first eight win season since 2013, and McGuire's infectious energy appears to be sticking in Lubbock. He has also taken a new approach to recruiting that is making headlines, and the Red Raiders are on the cusp of sneaking into the top-25 for recruiting.

BYU

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Under Kalani Sitake, BYU has been as consistent as they come and has shown that they can compete with programs in the Big 12 already. They beat Baylor this past season, and while there may be an adjustment phase for them, Utah's biggest rival will surely always be gunning for the Utes. You have to respect what they've done, and also what they could do now that they aren't independent.