UNDATED (AP) — Four Big 12 schools had a new head football coach for spring practice. Among them is 36-year-old Collin Klein at Kanas State, who was part of conference titles with the Wildcats as a Heisman Trophy-finalist quarterback in 2012, then as offensive coordinator 10 years later. Klein was away from K-State the past two seasons as offensive coordinator at Texas A&M, which went to the College Football Playoff last year. Utah also has one of its former players as head coach, when Morgan Scalley was promoted from defensive coordinator. Jimmy Rogers takes over as Iowa State while Eric Morris is Oklahoma State’s new coach.
UNDATED (AP) — There is hearty mix of returning football players and Big 12 newcomers that will be worth a watch next fall. Reigning Big 12 champion Texas Tech returns a top linebacker in Ben Roberts even after the graduation of All-American Jacob Rodriguez. Oklahoma State added the FBS passing and rushing leaders along with a coaching change, with Caleb Hawkins and Drew Mestemaker coming with coach Eric Morris from North Texas.
UNDATED (AP) — Former Saint Mary’s forward Paulius Murauskas is joining former coach Randy Bennett at Arizona State. Bennett was named Arizona State’s coach on March 23 and Murauskas announced on Instagram that he will be following his coach to the desert. St. John’s also made a big splash in the transfer portal, adding former Syracuse forward Donnie Freeman. The 6-foot-8 Murauskas saw limited action as a freshman at Arizona before thriving in two years at Saint Mary’s. The Lithuanian forward averaged 18.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists as a junior. Freeman averaged 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds last season, scoring at least 20 points eight times.
UNDATED (AP) — Establishing team chemistry in college football is tougher than ever with so many players not staying at the same school for four years. But it’s still doable. Succeeding in the transfer portal era requires altering offseason objectives. Players aren’t just getting to know the playbook. They’re getting to know one another. New Mexico provides a model example on how teams can build chemistry even after roster overhauls. The Lobos had 75 newcomers last year and still went 9-4 for their first winning season since 2016.
