Conference championship Saturday is here. With College Football Playoff spots up for grabs and consistent upsets throughout a wild season, fans can expect more fireworks with titles on the line. TPR dives into top transfer stars to watch in each of the day’s matchups. (Odds via ESPN Bet)
Big 12 Championship, Noon EST-ABC: No.16 Iowa State vs No.15 Arizona State (-1.5)
Kenny Dillingham’s Arizona State Sun Devils enter the conference title game riding high off of five straight wins, two against ranked opponents.
However, the Sun Devils will be without its top wideout, Colorado transfer Jordyn Tyson.
Tyson, a 6’1” sophomore, suffered a season ending upper body injury in the 49-7 victory over in-state rival Arizona Saturday.
He finished 2024 with 1,101 receiving yards on 75 catches and ten touchdowns, all career highs. With that said, the Sun Devils will look to lean more heavily on signal caller Sam Leavitt.
Leavitt, a Michigan State transfer, has thrown for 2,444 yards, 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions.
Look for Dillingham and Leavitt to get Cam Skattebo plenty of touches. The tailback leads the team in rushing with 1,398 yards and ranks second in receiving with 468.
On the other side, Matt Campbell’s Cyclones started the season 7-0 before dropping two in a row. After three straight wins to end the regular season, Iowa State returns to the conference championship for the first time since 2020.
Sophomore QB Rocco Becht has over 3,000 yards passing on the season.
Jaylon Jackson, an Eastern Michigan transfer, tallied 373 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the regular season.
The Cyclones boast the No.1 defense in the conference, giving up just 19.6 points per game. On the other side, the Sun Devils score just under 32 per game.
Expect fireworks in Arlington.
