The Big 12 released its annual All-Big 12 pre-season team on Wednesday ahead of the conference media days scheduled for next week. Unlike in recent seasons, there is a real balance between pre-season picks.
Four teams had between four and six picks with Kansas State surprisingly leading with six. Baylor ranked close with five picks, including three players in the trenches. West Virginia and Iowa were close to four each, although they did stand out as quarterbacks and linebackers respectively.
In most years, Oklahoma has ranked among the leaders in selection processes. However, after Lincoln Riley’s departure, the Sooners are looking for new shareholders. Bunter Michael Turk was the only Oklahoma starter voted for the Preseason All-Big 12 team, which tied with Kansas. For comparison, OU had nine picks in 2021. Texas also had just two picks: running Bijan Robinson and receiver Xavier Worthy.
Robinson and Kansas State dropping Deus Vaughn were the only unanimous choices on the list. Robinson was named Offensive Player of the Year, with Korean State’s defensive end Felix Anodic-Uzuma named Defensive Player of the Year. UCF transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel awarded Oklahoma this year’s Newcomer Award.
Overall, nine of the top 10 teams had at least one team selection, with the rebuilding of the Texas Tech squad under Joey McGuire being the only exception. Here are all the picks for the Preseason All-Big 12 soccer team ahead of the 2022 season.
An asterisk means unanimous choice.
