Our colleagues at Sooners Wire recently ranked each team’s returning production in the Big 12 conference.
The percentages were generated by ESPN’s Bill Connelly, who ranked each FBS team in terms of their returning starters (link requires a paid subscription).
It’s no secret that Texas will be entering a new era in 2021 after the departure of four-year starter Sam Ehlinger and an entirely new coaching staff. Eight players from last season have chosen to enter the NFL draft, while several others entered the NCAA transfer portal.
Needless to say, it will be an uphill battle for new head coach Steve Sarkisian. According to Connelly’s rankings, the Longhorns are last in the Big 12 in returning production.
Texas is returning 61% of starters overall. For reference, Iowa State leads the conference with a whopping 88% returning. Take a look at where each Big 12 team fell in the rankings below.
10. Texas (61%)
9. Kansas (64%)
8. Texas Tech (69%)
7. Baylor (72%)
6. Kansas State (72%)
5. Oklahoma State (72%)
4. Oklahoma (76%)
3. TCU (79%)
2. West Virginia (81%)
1. Iowa State (88%)
Sarkisian has praised his coaching staff for their ability to develop players on and off the field. Texas will need that to ring true in 2021 if they hope to compete for a Big 12 title.