Predicting order of finish for each Big 12 football team in 2023 season

8. UCF

If you have to bank on a Big 12 newcomer to win some big games in their launch year, UCF would be the logical choice. Ex-Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn and the Knights maintain the third-most returning production from 2022, including electric dual-threat quarterback John Rhys Plumlee.

The wide receiver corps is relatively strong, and the defense can hold its own. Javon Baker is a former Alabama receiver that should be a tremendous deep threat. Even if the transition to the conference is difficult, Malzahn is an experienced coach who should habituate his players to their new situation quickly.

Last year’s team struggled down the stretch, but most of their guys return and can seek revenge for their bowl game loss to Duke. I expect them to finish a tad below the middle of the pack.