The Big 12 Conference is gearing up for another chaotic season in 2025, this after lat year saw Arizona State, a preseason afterthought, claimed the title, BYU a afterthought finishes tied for 1st, while favorites like Utah and Oklahoma State crashed. This sets the stage for a wild 2025. With transfer portal moves, coaching changes, and new faces stepping into key roles, the Big 12 remains a battleground where any team can rise or fall. This ranking reflects a bold but realistic assessment, placing BYU tied for first and Utah near the bottom based on returning production, schedule analysis, coaching momentum, and recent performance trends. Here’s the real Big 12 football power ranking as the season approaches:
T-1. BYU Cougars:
BYU’s meteoric rise to a shared No. 1 spot is no fluke. After a breakout 2024 campaign that saw them flirt with the Big 12 title game, the Cougars return a roster loaded with potential. While quarterback Jake Retzlaff’s departure creates uncertainty, Bear Brockmeier (Transfer form Stanford), and Treyson Bourguet (Transfer from Western Michigan) bring experience to the quarterback battle, with Brockmeier’s dual-threat ability giving him a slight edge. Running back LJ Martin, the highest-graded returning rusher in the Big 12, anchors a ground game that should dominate. Linebackers Jack Kelly and Isaiah Glasker lead a defense that returns seven starters, making it one of the conference’s most cohesive units. Coach Kalani Sitake’s ability to maximize talent, combined with a manageable schedule featuring home games against Arizona State and Kansas, positions BYU for a title run. A Week 1 clash with TCU could set the tone. If the quarterback play stabilizes, BYU could EASILY crash the College Football Playoff.
T-1. Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas State shares the top spot thanks to their balance and coaching stability. Quarterback Avery Johnson, a dual-threat star with Heisman potential, leads an offense bolstered by Colorado transfer Dylan Edwards, who could lead the nation in rushing. The Wildcats’ offensive line returns four starters, and while the secondary needs new faces, their pass rush remains formidable. Coach Chris Klieman’s track record of consistent wins—9-4 or better in three of the last four seasons—gives K-State an edge. Their schedule, including a high-profile Week 0 showdown with Iowa State in Dublin, is favorable, avoiding Baylor and Texas Tech. If Johnson takes a leap and the defense gels, Kansas State could not only win the Big 12 but make a deep playoff run.
3. Texas Tech Red Raiders:
Texas Tech is a trendy pick for 2025, thanks to coach Joey McGuire’s transfer portal haul. Edge rushers David Bailey (Stanford) and Romello Height (Georgia Tech) transform a defense that was porous in 2024 (34.8 points allowed per game). Quarterback Behren Morton provides continuity, and offensive tackle Howard Sampson (North Carolina) shores up the line. Texas Tech’s schedule is daunting, with trips to Arizona State and Kansas State, but their improved defensive front could make them a spoiler. If Morton elevates the offense and the defense gels, the Red Raiders could sneak into the title game.
4. Arizona State Sun Devils:
The defending champions sit at No. 4, not because they’ve fallen off, but because BYU, TTU, and Kansas State edge them in stability. Arizona State returns 79% of its production from 2024, including quarterback Sam Leavitt, a rising star with Heisman buzz. The loss of running back Cam Skattebo is massive, but Army transfer Kanye Udoh and a deep running back room should keep the ground game humming. Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, a Biletnikoff contender, gives Leavitt a go-to target. Coach Kenny Dillingham’s momentum is undeniable, but a tougher schedule—road games at Texas Tech and Kansas State—could trip them up. The Sun Devils remain a playoff threat if their defense, which allowed 24.1 points per game last year, holds firm.
5. Baylor Bears
Baylor’s late-season surge in 2024—winning six of their last seven games—makes them a sleeper. Quarterback Sawyer Robertson, a potential NFL Draft pick, leads an offense with a veteran offensive line and Alabama transfer Kobe Prentice at receiver. Coach Dave Aranda’s defense, which struggled last year, gets a boost from transfer linebacker Travion Barnes (Florida International). Baylor’s schedule, with home games against Arizona State, Kansas State, and TCU, sets up well for a title push. If the defense improves to a top-half Big 12 unit, the Bears could climb higher.
6. Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State’s consistency under Matt Campbell keeps them in the top half. Quarterback Rocco Becht is a reliable passer, but the loss of receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel stings. Transfers Chase Sowell and Xavier Townsend must step up, especially in the opener against Kansas State. The offensive line returns significant experience, and linebacker Caleb Bacon’s return bolsters a defense that struggled with injuries in 2024. A home-heavy schedule for their toughest games gives Iowa State a chance to repeat their 2024 title game appearance, but they’ll need offensive firepower to match last year’s output.
7. Arizona Wildcats:
Arizona’s 2024 freefall (four wins) continues to sting. Quarterback Noah Fifita returns, but the loss of Tetairoa McMillan and a bottom-five Big 12 offense hurt. Transfers Kris Hutson and Ismail Mahdi add spark, but a defense that allowed 31.8 points per game needs a complete overhaul. A brutal schedule buries them further. Brent Brennan’s rebuild is a multi-year project.
8. Kansas Jayhawks:
Kansas’ 2024 season showed flashes of brilliance, with wins over three ranked opponents, but inconsistency plagued them. Quarterback Jalon Daniels is a game-changer when healthy, but the loss of running back Devin Neal and defensive stars like Cobee Bryant hurts. Coach Lance Leipold’s transfer additions at receiver and linebacker must deliver. Road games at Texas Tech and Iowa State are tough, and Daniels’ health remains the X-factor. Kansas could easily surprise, but they’re a step behind the top tier.
9. Colorado Buffaloes:
Colorado loses Shedeur Sanders and Heisman winner Travis Hunter, dropping their ceiling. Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and freshman Julian Lewis compete for QB1, with Salter’s dual-threat ability likely winning out. A rebuilt offensive line (80% new) and thin receiver corps raise concerns, but a strong pass rush and corner DJ McKinney keep the defense competitive. Coach Deion Sanders’ charisma fuels optimism, but a tough late-season slate against Arizona State and Kansas State limits their upside. Colorado could pull off an upset or two but is likely mid-tier.
10. Houston Cougars:
Houston gets a boost with Texas A&M transfer quarterback Connor Weigman and tight end Tanner Koziol. Coach Willie Fritz’s second year should show progress, but the defense, which lost key pieces like A.J. Haulcy, remains a concern. A favorable schedule avoiding Kansas State and Iowa State helps, but Texas Tech and Arizona State are challenges. Houston could reach a bowl game if Weigman returns to form, but defensive depth keeps them here.
11. Cincinnati Bearcats
Cincinnati’s 5-7 record in 2024 was a step forward, but Scott Satterfield’s squad needs more. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s dual-threat ability is a plus, and defensive tackle Dontay Corleone anchors the front. A rebuilt secondary and thin receiver corps face issues in a pass-heavy league. Avoiding Arizona State helps, but road games against Kansas and Utah are tough. Six wins feel like the ceiling.
12. West Virginia Mountaineers:
Rich Rodriguez’s return brings hope, but the roster is thin. Running back Jahiem White is a star, but the quarterback battle between Nicco Marchiol and Jaylen Henderson is unsettled, and the offensive line needs work. Transfer Jimmori Robinson (UTSA) bolsters the defense, but West Virginia feels a year away from contending. They could steal a win or two but rank low.
13. Oklahoma State Cowboys:
Oklahoma State’s 2024 disaster (0-9 in conference) was a low point for Mike Gundy. Transfers like Kyran Duhon and Freddie Brock provide potential, but an unproven quarterback room and a tough schedule (31st-hardest nationally) keep them at the bottom. Gundy’s experience might yield a surprise win, but the Cowboys are a year away from relevance.
14. TCU Hornfrogs:
TCU boasts the Big 12’s highest-graded returning passer in Josh Hoover (83.1 grade), paired with receivers like Eric McAlister and Joseph Manjack IV. The offense is explosive, but a weak rushing attack (3.7 yards per carry in 2024) and a shaky secondary hold them back. Coach Sonny Dykes’ squad faces a brutal schedule, with road games at Arizona State, Kansas State, and BYU. If the defense improves and Hoover continues to shine, TCU could climb into the playoff conversation, but their ceiling feels capped.
15. UCF Knights:
Scott Frost’s return to UCF sparks intrigue, but a gutted roster—losing projected starter Dylan Rizk and others—hurts. A three-way quarterback battle (Tayven Jackson, Jacurri Brown, Cam Fancher) and a tough schedule (road games at Baylor, Texas Tech, BYU, and Kansas State) spell trouble. Defensive additions like Sincere Edwards offer hope, but UCF is in rebuild mode.
16. Utah Utes:
Utah’s shocking 2024 collapse (2-7 in conference) lands them at the bottom. New offensive coordinator Jason Beck and New Mexico transfer quarterback Devon Dampier, the FBS leader in rushing touchdowns last year, bring a new tempo. The offensive line, led by Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu, is elite, but the loss of receivers like Tobias Merriweather and a defense that allowed 27.9 points per game last season raise red flags. Kyle Whittingham’s track record earns some trust, but a tough schedule with Kansas State and Baylor on the road makes a rebound unlikely. Utah needs a miracle to climb higher.
Final Thoughts:
The Big 12’s parity makes it college football’s most unpredictable conference. BYU’s momentum and Kansas State’s balance tie them for the top spot, with Arizona State and Texas Tech nipping at their heels. Utah’s fall to near the bottom reflects their 2024 struggles and roster questions, but the conference’s depth means no team is safe. The race to the title game in Dallas will be a slugfest, with upsets guaranteed.
BY: Adam King
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