Big 12 football power rankings after spring portal closes: Did Buffaloes get better?

Coach Prime and his family have talked a big game out all offseason in Boulder, but where do the Buffs realistically stack up in the new-look Big 12? It might not be as high as Sanders and Colorado fans hope.

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2)
Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) | Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
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Key losses: Gabe Hall, Blake Shapen Key additions: DeQuan Finn, Michael Trigg

Baylor struggled to put together an effective offense last year, which is a big problem when your defensive-minded head coach produces the 12th-ranked defense in the 14-team conference. 

Dave Aranda is on the hot seat this season, so he was smart to put his faith in Toledo transfer DeQuann Finn as his quarterback. Even if Aranda can’t construct a competent unit on his side of the ball, Finn will keep the Bears in games and lead the team to more than three wins. There just isn’t enough talent around Finn in Waco to expect much more. 

Baylor could be fighting for bowl eligibility late into the season, but that might not be enough for Aranda to keep his job. 

Schedule

Schedule