Top Big 12 Coaches Recognized in Recent Sports News Rankings

In a recent list from Sports News’ Bill Bender, five Big 12 Conference coaches were recognized as some of the top college football coaches in the nation. Leading the pack was Utah’s Kyle Whittingham, who claimed the seventh spot on the list.

Bender praised Whittingham for his success in guiding the Utes through the Mountain West Conference and Pac-12, noting that despite not winning a third straight Pac-12 championship last season, Whittingham still managed to put together an eight-win season without starting quarterback Cam Rising. Bender even posed the question of whether Utah could be considered the best program that didn’t make the College Football Playoff, highlighting the power of Whittingham.

Following Whittingham on the list was Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy at No. 13. Bender commended Gundy for his longevity and track record, pointing out the Cowboys’ 18 consecutive winning seasons and recent appearances in the Big 12 championship game.

TCU’s Sonny Dykes and Kansas State’s Chris Klieman were also recognized on the list, coming in at No. 16 and No. 17, respectively. Bender discussed Dykes’ volatile two seasons with the Horned Frogs and Klieman’s success at Kansas State, noting the potential for both programs to thrive in the new-look Big 12.

Rounding out the list of Big 12 coaches was Kansas’ Lance Leipold at No. 25. Despite his .500 career record in the FBS, Bender highlighted Leipold’s success at Kansas, including back-to-back bowl appearances and the potential for the Jayhawks to compete for the Big 12 title.

While these five coaches have garnered well-deserved recognition, the Big 12 Conference as a whole boasts a wealth of talent and leadership that continues to drive the conference toward national relevance. With a mix of experienced veterans and up-and-coming stars, the Big 12 is poised for an exciting future in college football.