Big 12 Football 2025: Power Rankings, Key Players, and Must-See Games

CFP Outlook

Should be in: Arizona State. The Sun Devils, after a surprising 2024 season, are poised to make another strong run. With 79% of their production returning, including Heisman candidate Sam Leavitt, they are the favorites despite the conference's unpredictability.

In the running: Texas Tech, Kansas State, Iowa State, Utah, Baylor, Kansas, BYU, TCU, and Colorado. Each of these teams has a legitimate shot at the conference title or an at-large bid, given the Big 12's competitive nature.

Long shots: West Virginia, UCF, Oklahoma State, Houston, Cincinnati, Arizona. These teams have potential for upsets and could surprise many this season.

Must-See Games

1. Iowa State vs. Kansas State (Aug. 23): A Week 0 showdown in Dublin sets the tone for the season.
2. TCU at Kansas State (Oct. 11): A crucial mid-season game that could impact the conference title race.
3. Texas Tech at Arizona State (Oct. 18): The defending champs face the offseason's most talked-about team.
4. Texas Tech at Kansas State (Nov. 1): A pivotal game that could decide the Big 12 champion.
5. Kansas State at Utah (Nov. 22): A late-season clash with potential title game implications.

Three Freshmen to Watch

1. Julian Lewis, QB, Colorado: A highly-touted recruit ready to make an impact.
2. Carde Smith, OT, Colorado: A powerful lineman with college-level strength.
3. Linkon Cure, TE, Kansas State: A versatile athlete expected to shine in the Wildcats' offense.

Three Top Transfers

1. David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech: A disruptive edge defender with NFL potential.
2. Howard Sampson, OT, Texas Tech: A massive tackle with first-round draft pick potential.
3. Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech: A force in the middle of the defense.

Numbers to Know

• 5: Different teams have won the Big 12 championship over the past five years.
• 2: New coaches in the Big 12, both returning for their second stint.
• +550: The odds of Kansas State winning the Big 12 title, the longest for a power conference favorite since 2008.

Power Rankings

1. Arizona State: The defending champs are ready for another strong season.
2. Texas Tech: Aggressive offseason moves make them a top contender.
3. Kansas State: Consistent and always a tough opponent.
4. TCU: A strong offense and improved defense keep them in the mix.
5. Utah: A redesigned offense could lead to a turnaround.
6. Baylor: A dark-horse contender with a strong offensive unit.
7. Iowa State: Doubt Matt Campbell at your own peril.
8. BYU: Looking to choose a new starter and replace key players.
9. Kansas: Jalon Daniels returns for a hopefully injury-free season.
10. Colorado: A fascinating year in Coach Prime's rebuild.
11. Cincinnati: Brendan Sorsby and Dontay Corleone are key pieces.
12. Houston: Willie Fritz looks to turn things around.
13. Oklahoma State: Mike Gundy aims to bounce back from a tough year.
14. Arizona: Noah Fifita is determined to return the Wildcats to their former status.
15. UCF: Scott Frost returns, but expectations are tempered.
16. West Virginia: Rich Rodriguez is back, but it's a rebuilding year.