Big 12 football power rankings after spring portal closes: Did Wildcats get better?
The spring transfer portal window is officially closed and the Wildcats made a splash with one big recruit.
![Oct 28, 2023; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats running back DJ Giddens (31) runs the ball up the middle against the Houston defense. Oct 28, 2023; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats running back DJ Giddens (31) runs the ball up the middle against the Houston defense.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4565,h_2567,x_0,y_81/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/172/01hwtygfbzh0etpdasz3.jpg)
2. . Big 12 power rankings. . . . . . 843.
Utah comes in as the highest-rated newcomer from the Pac-12 in these power rankings. The Utes did lose nine players in the month of April, which isn't a great look, but they did at least bring in tow players which isn't nothing.
The Utes will have quarterback Cam Rising returning for another season which bodes well for the offense and its explosive nature that was shown in 2023. The not losing a lot of guys on the defensive side of the ball, this sets up Utah to compete for a Big 12 title immediately in their first season in the conference.
Utah has the ability to be competitive, but will they let the easy games go, or will they step up to the plate and be ready for anything any team throws at them.