4 National Coach of the Year candidates in Big 12 that make SEC look fragile ft. Deion Sanders 

While the SEC is about to likely dominate the College Football Playoff selection field, the Big 12 could have even better coaches. While the SEC's usual favorites are competing for the CFP, the Big 12 has cellar-dwelling teams brought back to life.

Here's a closer look at four Big 12 coaches who could win the National Coach of the Year award – and who are as good or better than their SEC counterparts.

4 National Coach of the Year Candidates in Big 12

Arizona State and coach Kenny Dillingham have overachieved significantly in 2024 (Image Source: IMAGN)

#4. Matt Campbell, Iowa State

Campbell and Iowa State are a solid 8-2. This is par for the course for Campbell, who is in his ninth season at Iowa State. Only twice in that run have the Cyclones missed a bowl. Campbell's 61-50 ISU record is astonishing. To find the last ISU coach who ended up with a better winning percentage, the search has to go to 1919.

Iowa State was picked to finish sixth in the league in the pre-season. Instead, they're tied for third with Arizona State. If Iowa State can win 10 games, which is not improbable, it'd be the first time that's ever happened in school history. Campbell is a great coach.

#3. Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State

Arizona State was picked to finish dead last in the conference back in the preseason. Instead, they're tied for third and Dillingham's 8-2 season has been remarkable. In just his second year as a head coach, Dillingham has certainly upped the bar from a 3-9 season last year.

The Sun Devils haven't won 10 games since 2014 but Dillingham is on pace to do it this year. Freshman QB Sam Leavitt has been solid and transfer RB Cam Skattebo has certainly surprised. Dillingham's coaching star will be on the rise in a hurry, and ASU will have to cough up some big money to keep him.

#2. Kalani Sitake, BYU

BYU has been patient with Sitake, who is now in his ninth season, and he's delivered some impressive moments in exchange. The Cougars are 9-1 now, and Sitake is almost guaranteed to deliver this third 10+ win season to the program in the last five years. Sitake has proved a solid successor to Bronco Mendenhall.

The Cougars were picked 13th in the Big 12 in the preseason media poll. Instead, Sitake has them tied for first in the league and solid candidates for a College Football Playoff berth. It's not unreasonable to expect major schools to come knocking on his door soon.

#1. Deion Sanders, Colorado

Possibly the most controversial coach in college football, "Coach Prime" has dealt out healthy servings of crow to his detractors all season long. Sanders was 27-6 at FCS Jackson State but was just 4-8 at Colorado last year. Of course, the last time Colorado won over five games was 2016, and Sanders has long eclipsed that mark this season.

Not only has Sanders led the Buffaloes to the top of the standings (in a tie, anyway). He's done so despite being picked No. 11 in the Big 12's preseason poll. Additionally, he has made Colorado fun and relevant, which is something that hadn't happened there in a very long time.

What do you think of these Big 12 coaching stars? Do you think any of them could win the National Coach of the Year award? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section! below.