College Football Signing Day Shockwaves: Oklahoma Sooner’s Triumph, WVU’s Struggles, and the Big 12’s Recruiting Rollercoaster Shape the Future of the Conference
College football’s National Signing Day has once again sent shockwaves through the sport, reshaping programs and setting the stage for the next era of competition. With the dust settling, some teams in the Big 12 have emerged as major winners, while others are left scrambling to make up ground before the next recruiting cycle.
This year’s signing day was particularly crucial for the Big 12, as the conference prepares for its first season without Texas and Oklahoma in 2024. The league’s power balance is shifting, and how teams recruit now will determine who rises and who falls in the post-realignment era. Let’s dive deep into the biggest winners and losers, with a special focus on Oklahoma, West Virginia, and the broader state of the Big 12.
Winners
Oklahoma Sooners: Brent Venables Builds a Defensive Juggernaut
Despite preparing for their transition to the SEC, Oklahoma proved they can still recruit at an elite level, securing one of the best classes in the nation. Head coach Brent Venables and his staff delivered a top-tier class, heavily focused on defensive talent—a clear sign that Oklahoma is preparing to compete in the more physical SEC.
Key signees include:
- David Stone (DL, 5-star) – A dominant interior lineman who could be a game-changer from day one.
- Williams Nwaneri (EDGE, 5-star) – A pass-rushing phenom who fits perfectly in Venables’ defensive scheme.
- Michael Hawkins (QB, 4-star) – A talented dual-threat quarterback who adds depth to an already strong QB room.
Venables’ defensive expertise is evident in this class, which features multiple blue-chip defenders. Oklahoma’s biggest issue in recent years has been stopping elite offenses, and this recruiting class suggests that they’re finally addressing those concerns. With a loaded roster, the Sooners are poised to make an immediate impact when they move to the SEC next season.
Kansas State: Chris Klieman’s Quiet but Effective Class
Kansas State continues to build a strong foundation under Chris Klieman, who secured one of the best classes in school history. While the Wildcats didn’t land a single five-star recruit, they focused on depth and fit, which has been their blueprint for success.
One of the biggest wins for K-State was keeping in-state talent home. The Wildcats landed top-rated Kansas prospect Michael Boganowski (LB, 4-star) and key playmakers on both sides of the ball. With the right development, this class could keep Kansas State in Big 12 title contention for years to come.
TCU: Sonny Dykes Rebounds with a Strong Class
After a disappointing follow-up to their 2022 College Football Playoff run, TCU needed a strong recruiting class to keep momentum alive. Sonny Dykes delivered by pulling in several key prospects, including:
- Jeremy Payne (RB, 4-star) – A dynamic playmaker with elite speed and vision.
- Kobe Black (CB, 4-star) – A highly skilled defensive back who should help shore up TCU’s secondary.
While this class doesn’t match the firepower of Oklahoma or Texas, it keeps TCU in the conversation as a Big 12 contender.
Losers
West Virginia: Neal Brown’s Uncertain Future Hurts Recruiting
West Virginia has struggled with consistency under Neal Brown, and those struggles translated into the recruiting trail. The Mountaineers finished with a middle-of-the-pack Big 12 class, failing to land any game-changing recruits.
The biggest issue? Missed opportunities in the transfer portal and a lack of high-end talent. West Virginia lost several key recruiting battles to conference rivals, including Kansas State and Oklahoma State. With Brown’s job security still a question mark, recruits seem hesitant to commit long-term to the Mountaineers.
If WVU doesn’t show significant improvement on the field in 2024, next year’s recruiting class could be even worse.
Baylor: Dave Aranda’s Struggles Continue
Baylor’s recruiting class was underwhelming, to say the least. Despite a few solid additions, they failed to land any major impact players, which could set them back in an increasingly competitive Big 12.
A lack of offensive firepower was a major issue for Baylor in 2023, and this recruiting class doesn’t do much to address that. If Aranda can’t turn things around soon, Baylor could quickly fall behind the new Big 12 landscape.
Iowa State: Missing Out on Top Talent
Matt Campbell has built Iowa State into a respectable program, but the Cyclones failed to secure a strong recruiting class this cycle. While Iowa State typically relies on development rather than raw recruiting rankings, their inability to land top-tier prospects could hurt them down the line.
The Big 12’s Changing Landscape
This recruiting cycle highlighted the new reality of the Big 12. With Texas and Oklahoma departing for the SEC, the conference is entering a new era. Here’s what we learned:
- Oklahoma is still recruiting like an elite program, despite leaving for the SEC. Their class is miles ahead of the rest of the Big 12.
- Kansas State and TCU are positioning themselves as top contenders in the new Big 12, consistently landing strong classes.
- West Virginia, Baylor, and Iowa State are falling behind, and if they don’t improve quickly, they could get left in the dust.
The Big 12 will need a new alpha program moving forward. Teams like Kansas State, TCU, and even Texas Tech have a chance to step into that role, but recruiting success will be crucial.
Final Thoughts
National Signing Day is always unpredictable, and this year was no exception. Oklahoma’s dominant class proves that they’re ready for the SEC, while West Virginia and Baylor have major work to do if they want to stay competitive in the new Big 12.
As the 2024 season approaches, these recruiting wins and losses will start to materialize on the field. Some teams will reap the benefits of strong classes, while others will struggle to recover from a lackluster recruiting cycle.
One thing is certain—college football’s new era is here, and the Big 12’s next chapter is just beginning.
