The 2014 All-Big 12 first team featured 13 seniors including Paul Dawson, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and Tyler Lockett, one of the most explosive receiver-returner combinations in conference history.
None of those playmakers are going to be easy to replace but some voids will be harder to fill than others. Here's a look at the five toughest players to replace in the Big 12.
Paul Dawson, TCU
What the Horned Frogs will miss: The 2014 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year was outstanding for TCU during his final season. He finished with 136 tackles including 20 for loss, six sacks and four interceptions. Dawson saved his best performances for the biggest games with double-digit tackles against Oklahoma (11), Oklahoma State (13), Baylor (18) and Texas (10).
Candidates to replace him: Several linebackers, including true freshman Mike Freeze, should help replace the productivity of Dawson. Freeze enrolled early and impressed during the spring, landing atop the post-spring depth chart. Junior Sammy Douglas, the only option with experience, was second on the post-spring depth chart and remains in the battle to replace Dawson.
Tyreek Hill, Oklahoma State
What the Cowboys will miss: Hill made several game-changing plays during his only season in Stillwater. His kick returns for touchdowns against Oklahoma, Kansas and Iowa State played a major role in OSU's seven-win season. His speed put fear in the hearts of defensive coordinators and special teams coordinators alike.
Candidates to replace him: On offense, several names -- including junior college running back Chris Carson and sophomore receiver James Washington -- could help fill the playmaking void left by Hill. Carson will need to prove his big-play ability but he has the size and athleticism to make an immediate impact. Senior receiver Brandon Sheperd has kick and punt return experience and could play that role but keep an eye on speedy freshman Jeff Carr, who could end up being used on returns.
Tyler Lockett, Kansas State
What the Wildcats will miss: Lockett single-handedly changed games for the Wildcats as a senior. He was always a threat when he touched the ball and recorded at least 100 all-purpose yards in every game except one as a senior. He finished with 2,296 all-purpose yards while accounting for 13 touchdowns.
Candidates to replace him: Redshirt freshman Dominique Heath could be the best bet to mimic Lockett's importance to the Wildcats in the long term. But he's never played a college game so it's too much to ask him to be a game changer immediately. Nonetheless, he could be a legit return threat and appears ready to be an impact player at receiver as well. Ultimately it will be several players, not just one, who hope to match Lockett's production.
Ben Heeney, Kansas
What the Jayhawks will miss: Kansas will miss one of the most productive linebackers in Big 12 history. Heeney finished his Jayhawks career with 335 tackles, including 35.5 for loss. He was a mainstay in the middle of Kansas' defense for the past three seasons
Candidates to replace him: South Carolina graduate transfer Marcquis Roberts has earned praise from coach David Beaty and defensive coordinator Clint Bowen after joining the Jayhawks during the summer. He looks like he could play an immediate role for Kansas this fall. Sophomore Kyron Watson could also fit the bill after serving as Heeney's understudy last season.
Kevin White, West Virginia
What the Mountaineers will miss: A one-on-one nightmare for defensive backs who could provide a safety net for the quarterback even if he didn't appear to be open. White was strong, fast and athletic while proving to be one of the nation's top receivers.
Candidates to replace him: Shelton Gibson, Jovon Durante, Ka'Raun White and Gary Jennings are the outside receivers on the two-deep for West Virginia midway through the preseason. Gibson, the only returning receiver of this foursome, has terrific speed and should provide a deep threat while newcomers Durante, Ka'Raun White and Jennings have helped remove concerns around Morgantown about the chances of replacing White.