Examining where Texas ranks in one early Big 12 prediction

One Big 12 standings prediction puts Texas football atop the conference.

College football writers are taking notice of the Longhorns’ loaded returning roster. 247Sports writer Kevin Flaherty joined Athlon Sports in predicting Texas to finish first in the Big 12 conference.

The more we read of Texas as the clear cut favorite to win the league, the more it sets up as an evaluation year for Steve Sarkisian and company. The vibe is like that of the 2020 offseason, where Texas returned senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger and an experienced and talented roster.

Obviously, Sarkisian has plenty more time left on his contract and has a strong chance to coach the full duration. Nevertheless, we could have a good idea of how the tenure will go after this season.

The talent advantage paired with the returning production is such that missing the conference title would be tantamount to fumbling on the one-yard line. The reference to the 2020 game between Texas and TCU was not intended, but is an apt comparison.

Texas needs to win the Big 12 this season. Here’s a look at Flaherty’s Way-Too-Early Big 12 standings prediction.

Michigan State football commit Ethan Boyd rises in latest 247Sports rankings

Boyd jumps to the top of MSU’s class in 247’s latest re-rank.

The latest re-rank done by recruiting website 247Sports was quite kind to at least one Michigan State football commit.

East Lansing’s Ethan Boyd, a 6-foot-7 offensive tackle, jumped to an 88 rating, which puts him at the top of MSU’s 2021 class. Boyd is now ranked by 247 as the No. 12 prospect in Michigan, up nine spots from his previous ranking of 21. The jump was enough to put Boyd atop MSU’s class in the 247Sports composite rankings as well, which factor in scores from other recruiting services.

Elsewhere in the class there wasn’t much movement up or down for MSU commits. Oak Park running back Davion Primm rose one spot in the state of Michigan, as did Warren Mott defensive end Tyson Watson. Defensive back Atontion Boothe, out of DeMatha Catholic in Maryland, fell ten spots in his state rankings after dropping from an 84 rating to an 83 on 247.

MSU’s 2021 class is currently ranked No. 51 in the country and No. 11 in the Big Ten.

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