The college football season may have concluded 40 days ago, but anticipation for the upcoming year is already building. The Big 12 conference has been renowned for its competitive balance in recent seasons, making predictions both exciting and challenging. Here’s an early look at how the 2025 season might unfold, highlighting key teams and players poised to make significant impacts.
Potential Standouts and Contenders in the 2025 Big 12
In the heart of autumn, the Big 12 conference is set to witness another thrilling season. Arizona State, the reigning champions, retains a strong roster despite losing running back Cam Skattebo to the NFL. They’ve welcomed Kanye Udoh from Army, who demonstrated remarkable prowess with 1,117 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Quarterback Sam Leavitt returns, along with a formidable defense, positioning ASU as the top contender.
Kansas State follows closely behind, bolstered by the return of quarterback Avery Johnson and running back Dylan Edwards. After a successful 9-4 campaign and a Rate Bowl victory, Chris Klieman’s team looks ready to challenge for the title. Iowa State, fresh off an 11-3 season and a Big 12 title game appearance, aims to maintain its momentum under quarterback Rocco Becht and defensive coordinator Jon Heacock.
BRYU, after an impressive 11-2 record and a No. 13 AP ranking, returns quarterback Jake Retzlaff and boasts the conference's stingiest defense. Texas Tech, buoyed by a stellar transfer class, and Baylor, riding high from a late-season surge, also show promise. Kansas, led by Jalon Daniels, and Utah, under Kyle Wittingham, aim to rebound from setbacks, while Colorado faces the challenge of replacing Deion Sanders’ son Shedeur and star player Travis Hunter.
Houston, under Willie Fritz, and TCU, despite a mixed 2024 performance, are looking to improve. Oklahoma State, after a disastrous 3-9 finish, brings in new coordinators and talent. Cincinnati, with Brendan Sorsby at quarterback, and Arizona, facing significant departures, will need to rebuild. West Virginia, now coached by Rich Rodriguez, and UCF, with Scott Frost returning, face uphill battles to regain their former glory.
The Big 12 promises to be a battleground of talent and strategy, where every team has a shot at glory.
From a journalist’s perspective, this early prediction underscores the unpredictability that makes college football so captivating. Each team brings unique strengths and challenges, creating a season filled with potential upsets and triumphs. The coming months will reveal which teams can translate these early projections into on-field success. Regardless of the outcome, fans can look forward to another exhilarating chapter in Big 12 football history.