Big 12 Spring game schedule

It’s a new-look Big 12 for the 2023 football season — much like it will be next year, but for different reasons — as the league welcomes Houston, UCF, BYU and Cincinnati into its ranks. With 14 teams in the fold now and 2023 as the last go-round for Texas and Oklahoma before they’re SEC bound, an often wide-open league should be full of surprises.

And so much of what will happen in the fall is getting shaped in spring practice. With the various Big 12 squads embarking into spring ball and, eventually, spring games, it’s an opportune time to take stock.

Big 12 spring game dates

BYU: Practice begins Mar. 6; spring game on Mar. 31

After a 2022 season with high expectations fell flat, BYU and head coach Kalani Sitake are tasked with restocking plenty of talent. They’ll need to sort out the quarterback position, replace some offensive linemen and a few top-shelf receivers.

Kansas: Practice began Feb. 28; spring game on April 7

Can Lance Leipold and Jalon Daniels build on a strong Year 2 showing — one in which Kansas got ranked, played in a bowl game and hosted ESPN’s College GameDay — and sustain success in Lawrence? Daniels returning to helm the offense should give the Jayhawks confidence they can improve on a 6-7 campaign.

Houston: Practice began Feb. 28; spring game on April 7

Much like fellow league debutant BYU, Houston will also be replacing a quarterback with Clayton Tune off to the NFL. Cougars head coach Dana Holgorsen has a long track record of getting offenses cooking, and answer the question at quarterback will go a long way to doing that.

TCU: Practice begins Mar. 20; spring game on April 14

Fresh off a playoff berth under head coach Sonny Dykes in his first season, TCU is replacing a ton. Gone are a Heisman finalist quarterback, a Thorpe Award-winning cornerback, a potential first-round receiver and a Broyles Award-winning offensive coordinator. The Horned Frogs are high on returning quarterback Chandler Morris, but don’t be expecting another near-perfect run to the playoff.

UCF: Practice begins Mar. 20; spring game on April 14

Gus Malzahn and the Big 12 feel like a great match in a lot of ways. And there are a lot of reasons to be optimistic about UCF as they embark in a new conference. With quarterback John Rhys Plumlee back for another season, the run game should be in full effect. How far that gets UCF in the Big 12 remains to be seen.

Texas: Practice begins Mar. 6; spring game on April 15

Texas football fans will be fixed on the quarterbacks this spring, though it seems unlikely that touted freshman Arch Manning usurps formerly-touted freshman Quinn Ewers, now a junior, for the starting job. Following a few seasons that haven’t left the Texas fan base brimming with confidence, getting the offense clicking with Ewers — or Manning — is key. Also, replacing running back Bijan Robinson is no small feat.

Cincinnati: Practice begins Mar. 6; spring game on April 15

New year, new coach, new league for the Bearcats. Luke Fickell is now the Wisconsin head coach with Scott Satterfield assuming the seat at Cincinnati. The Bearcats were solid in 2022 after making the College Football Playoff in 2021, and Satterfield brought a decent crop of players from Louisville. If any of the culture or DNA of the program from Fickell carries over, the Bearcats will at least be a tough out in any game.

Kansas State: Practice begins Mar. 7; spring game on April 15

The reigning Big 12 champs will be fully handing the reins of the offense to quarterback Will Howard in 2023. The signal caller effectively took over the role by the end of the season due to injuries to Adrian Martinez, but it will be his show this year. The Wildcats also need to replace running back Deuce Vaughn. Overall, though, it’s in a healthy spot.

Baylor: Practice begins Mar. 21; spring game on April 22

Dave Aranda has built a solid program at Baylor on sound defense, running the ball and strong line play on both sides. 2022 was at times rough on offense as the Bears sorted out the quarterback position. If quarterback Blake Shapen can take a step in the right direction, the Bears can likely return to league contention.

Oklahoma: Practice begins Mar. 20: spring game on April 22

After tumultuous first season, Brent Venables needs to get the Oklahoma defense on the right track in 2022. Retaining offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby and bringing back quarterback Dillon Gabriel will be a boost, stabilizing the offense. But Venables, a former defensive coordinator, will surely be hellbent on sorting out that side of the ball after the Sooners finished 122nd in total defense last season.

Texas Tech: Practice begins Mar. 21; spring game on April 22

Texas Tech was a feisty squad under Joey McGuire in Year 1, finishing 8-5. With quarterback Tyler Shough back in the fold for another season, the Red Raiders have reason to be optimistic that they can take another step and potentially contend for the league crown.

West Virginia: Practice begins Mar. 21; spring game on April 22

Head coach Neal Brown, to the surprise of a fair few, is back in charge for the Mountaineers in 2023. The one year with JT Daniels as quarterback didn’t pan out as hoped and finding an answer there will be key for Brown ahead of the summer.

Oklahoma State: Practice begins Mar. 20; spring game on April 22

The Cowboys will be without quarterback Spencer Sanders for the first time in four years this spring, sticking with somewhat of a theme for the league: Quarterback uncertainty. What Mike Gundy does at the spot remains to be seen, but Alan Bowman, formerly at Michigan (and Texas Tech before that) has decent amount of reps under his belt.

Iowa State: Practice begins Mar. 23; spring game on April 22

The Cyclones finished a disappointing 4-8 in 2022 and went 1-8 in the league. Iowa State wasn’t able to take advantage of receiver talent Xavier Hutchinson because of struggles at the quarterback position. Like a lot of the rest of the league, Matt Campbell and Co. will surely be closely assessing returner Hunter Dekkers and the other options.