MLB contenders are scouring the league for tradeable talent as they approach the trade deadline. What if college football teams could do the same before training camp opens?
In my opinion, three Big 12 teams are true conference title contenders: Iowa State, Oklahoma and Texas. While Baylor, TCU and Oklahoma State could surprise, they're not true title contenders at the moment. If each of those three contenders could make a preseason trade, what might it be?
The only rule: One trade per team. The trade may include multiple players but only one trade per team.
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Iowa State
Trade Partner: Missouri
Receive: Tre'Vour Wallace-Simmons (OT), DeMarkus Acy (CB)
Send: Jirehl Brock (RB), Joseph Scates (WR), Joey Ramos (OT)
Iowa State could offer the farm for an elite corner like Virginia's Bryce Hall, though that's unlikely (in this very real trade exercise). It's also unlikely Virginia would accept the farm for an All-American corner.
Instead, Matt Campbell acquires two seniors from Mizzou: First-Team All-SEC offensive tackle Tre'Vour Wallace-Simmons to bolster an experience but inconsistent offensive line and Second-Team All-SEC cornerback DeMarkus Acy to replace Brian Peavy as Anthony Johnson, Datrone Jones and other youngsters ease into bigger roles.
The Tigers, banned from postseason play, acquire three key freshmen (two true, one redshirt) for the future, including four-star 2019 running back Jirehl Brock.
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Oklahoma
Trade Partner: Utah State
Receive: David Woodward (LB) and DJ Williams (CB)
Send: Theo Wease (WR), Miguel Edwards (CB), Tanner Mordecai (QB)
To acquire the junior Woodward and senior Williams for a retooled defense, Oklahoma surrenders three young players, including five-star true freshman receiver Theo Wease. It's a heavy price but worth it for one of the nation's best linebackers in Woodward — 12.5 tackles for loss and five sacks last season, and can play both inside and outside — and a much-needed veteran corner in Williams.
Utah State loses high-end, immediate-impact talent but gets four long-term pieces that would instantly sit among the most talented in the Mountain West.
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Texas
Trade Partner: Cal
Receive: Evan Weaver (LB)
Send: Moro Ojomo (DT) De'Gabriel Floyd (LB), Josh Moore (WR)
Three promising freshmen for one senior linebacker might not be enough when that senior linebacker is one of the most disruptive defenders in the country, one who could provide big plays and reliability for a gutted front seven. If I'm Texas, I make the offer.
Texas could also target an elite cornerback to play alongside safeties Caden Sterns and Brandon Jones. (Or add another piece to get Camryn Bynum from Cal.)
