The Big 12 Conference’s North division appears to be as open as it was last season, with no real front-runner for the title.

Nebraska

This will be an important season for second-year coach Bill Callahan. He led the Cornhuskers to a disappointing 5-6 record last season, when the team failed to make a bowl game for the first time in more than two decades. With one of the top recruiting classes in the nation, the Cornhuskers have high expectations for next season. Sophomore quarterback Joe Dailey will have to battle for the job and may lose it to incoming quarterback Harrison Beck , who is the third-ranked prospect according to Rivals.com. The ’Huskers will likely improve after having one season to adjust to Callahan’s West Coast offense.

Kansas

It has been a long time since the expectations for Kansas football have been so high, but it is for good reason. The Jayhawks have a chance to make it to their first-ever Big 12 Conference championship game and a return to a bowl game for the second time in three seasons. The defense, which improved drastically last season, returns first team All-Big 12 selections sophomore wide receiver and cornerback Charles Gordon and junior linebacker Nick Reid. The team has lost its leading rusher, sophomore running back John Randle, who was dismissed from the team just before spring practices began in March. Junior Clark Green and freshman Gary Green, however, will fill in for Randle and both have been impressive in spring practices thus far.

Missouri

Last year’s season began with promise as coach Gary Pinkel touted his junior quarterback Brad Smith as a Heisman candidate. Smith struggled last season and the Tigers finished 5-6. But he will be back for his senior season and will attempt to live up to the hype of being a dual-threat quarterback. The Tigers will be young at the running back position, with four freshman competing for the job. Missouri also returns its top receiver, junior Sean Coffey.

Colorado

The Buffaloes won the division by default last season, reaching the championship game when Iowa State lost, in overtime, in the final regular-season game. Once again, the off-season was full of off-the-field distractions, particularly when the university president resigned due to scandals, including the football recruiting violations that allegedly occurred over the summer of 2003. The team returns junior quarterback Joel Klatt, but loses last season’s leading rusher, senior tailback Bobby Purify.

Iowa State

Although the Cyclones may be the youngest team in the conference, their youth may cause problems for other conference teams now that they have a full season, including a bowl trip, under their belt. The team returns all the key pieces on offense, including freshman quarterback Bret Meyer, sophomore running back Stevie Hicks Jr., and freshman wide receiver Todd Blythe. Blythe had a breakout year last season, including catching 39 passes and nine touchdowns, but he tore his ACL in March. He was named a freshman second team All-American by The Sporting News and is expected to be ready for the season opener on Sept. 3.

Kansas State

Last season was one of the Wildcats’ most disappointing in a long time. They won the Big 12 Championship the previous year, but followed it with a 4-7 record, including missing a bowl game, last season. The biggest loss from last season is senior running back Darren Sproles. Junior running back Carlos Alsup will likely replace Sproles. Sophomore quarterback Dylan Meier also left the team to attend Pittsburg State.

The South: It appears that next season will be similar to last year. Texas and Oklahoma will lead the division and, ultimately, the entire conference.

Texas

With sophomore quarterback Vince Young under center, the Longhorns could be the early favorite to win the conference. A non-conference road game against Ohio State in September will dictate if the team is as good as advertised. Young will have to deal with the loss of senior running back Cedrick Benson, who led the team and the conference in rushing last season. The team also lost senior linebacker Derrick Johnson to graduation. But the team does return a solid offensive line, led by junior offensive tackle Jonathan Scott.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma lost more than just the National Championship game last season. It also lost a large number of seniors. Seven Associated Press first-team All-Conference players graduated. But it won’t be surprising if Oklahoma doesn’t miss a beat. Heisman Trophy runner-up freshman running back Adrian Peterson will dictate the success of the Sooners this season. With the loss of 2003 Heisman winner Jason White to graduation, the Sooners will likely be inexperienced at the quarterback position. The Sooners also have a gap at the linebacker position, because of the graduation of Dan Cody.

Texas Tech

One thing is certain about the Red Raiders next season: They will continue the high-flying offense they have used every season under coach Mike Leach. The team does lose senior quarterback Sunny Cumbie, who passed for more than 4,700 yards last season. But expect senior Cody Hodges and freshman Graham Harrell to compete for the job. Hodges, who passed for 54 yards and two touchdowns, was the only other quarterback to see action last year. The team will return leading rusher Taurean Henderson.

Oklahoma State

The Cowboys will have a different coach this spring, as Mike Gundy replaced Les Miles, who left the program to coach at Lousiana State. Oklahoma State went 7-5 last season. Freshman Donovan Woods will continue to lead the Cowboys at quarterback into next year. He passed for 1,628 yards last year, many of which went to his brother and one of his favorite targets, D’Juan Woods. Donovan is also efficient at running the ball. The team did lose The Associated Press All-Big 12 first-team selections and seniors Sam Mayes, offensive lineman, and Billy Bajema, tight end.

Texas A&M;

The Aggies rebounded from a disappointing 2003 season with a 7-5 record last fall. The Aggies look to build upon last year’s showing and challenge for the Big 12 South title. The Aggies will have to rebuild their offensive line, where they lost senior center Geoff Hangartner. They also lost defensive lineman Mike Montgomery. At quarterback, Reggie McNeal will be the starter. He started all 12 of the Aggies games last season.

Baylor

Same story, different day for the Baylor Bears, as they will likely be the conference’s cellar representative. Like many conference schools, Baylor will also have a quarterback controversy during the spring and summer months. The Bears lost Dane King, who left the team after last season. Sophomore Shawn Bell and freshman Terrance Parks should compete for the job.