What would it take for the Big 12 to send two teams to the College Football Playoff without assistance from the Big Ten or SEC? This idea might seem outlandish at first, but an analysis reveals that it might be more doable than expected.

The Big 12’s landscape is intriguing, especially with the exit of Texas and Oklahoma, giving rise to a level playing field devoid of overwhelming brand biases. Projected win totals across the conference suggest strong competition, which could help create opportunities for multiple teams to reach the playoffs.

However, deeper issues exist, particularly regarding talent acquisition compared to other Power Five conferences. The conference will primarily rely on quarterbacks, as they are pivotal in shaping playoff bids. With 10 out of 16 teams returning their starting quarterbacks, the potential for success remains viable.

Additionally, the Big 12 must capitalize on its nonconference matchups and outperform other conferences to improve its playoff prospects. Achieving this could set the stage for a dramatic season where multiple teams, instead of just one, could represent the Big 12 in the playoffs.

While it remains uncertain if two teams will indeed get into the playoffs, the combination of quarterback depth and potential shifts in competing conferences could create an unexpected outcome for teams in the Big 12.