The 2025 college football season is poised to be another competitive year for the Big 12 Conference, with nearly every team having a legitimate chance to contend for the title. Following a surprising championship run by the Arizona State Sun Devils in 2024, the landscape of the conference remains unpredictable. The Sun Devils were initially projected to finish last in the conference but defied expectations, reaching the College Football Playoff and pushing Texas to the limit. As the new season approaches, the spotlight shifts to several emerging contenders, including Texas Tech, which has made significant strides in talent acquisition during the offseason.
The Big 12’s unpredictable nature is exemplified by last season’s results, where four teams finished with seven conference wins. Iowa State, Colorado, and BYU were all in contention until the end. In 2025, Texas Tech aims to establish itself as an elite team, joining the ranks of Utah, TCU, Baylor, and Kansas, all of which are expected to compete fiercely for the title.
College Football Playoff Outlook
As the season begins, most analysts anticipate that Arizona State will remain a top contender. With 79 percent of last season’s production returning, the Sun Devils are well-positioned for success. Quarterback Sam Leavitt emerges as a potential Heisman candidate, supported by a healthy Jordyn Tyson at wide receiver. Despite the departure of running back Cam Skattebo, Army transfer Kanye Udoh is expected to fill the void effectively.
Other teams in contention include Texas Tech, Kansas State, Iowa State, Utah, Baylor, Kansas, BYU, TCU, and Colorado. The unpredictable results of the previous season, where the top teams faltered and the lower-ranked teams thrived, suggest that any team could emerge as the Big 12 champion this year.
Long-shot teams like West Virginia, UCF, Oklahoma State, Houston, Cincinnati, and Arizona are also looking for a breakthrough. The coaching changes at UCF and West Virginia with Scott Frost and Rich Rodriguez returning to their former programs add an intriguing layer to the season.
Must-See Games and Key Players
The Big 12 schedule is packed with exciting matchups worthy of attention. Notable games include:
– **Iowa State vs. Kansas State** in Dublin on August 23, a pivotal early-season duel.
– **TCU at Kansas State** on October 11, a matchup that could have significant implications for conference standings.
– **Texas Tech at Arizona State** on October 18, featuring the defending champions against a team eager to prove itself.
– **Texas Tech at Kansas State** on November 1, likely to impact the title race.
– **Kansas State at Utah** on November 22, where both teams could be vying for a title game berth.
Freshmen to watch include Julian Lewis, a quarterback for Colorado, who has drawn attention for his impressive high school performance. Lewis, alongside offensive tackle Carde Smith, is set to contribute significantly to Colorado’s offensive line.
At Kansas State, tight end Linkon Cure is another freshman standout whose versatility and athleticism could make him a key player in the Wildcats’ offense this season.
In the transfer market, David Bailey, an outside linebacker transferring from Stanford to Texas Tech, is expected to make an immediate impact. His impressive statistics from previous seasons indicate he could be a game-changer for the Red Raiders. Additionally, offensive tackle Howard Sampson and defensive tackle Lee Hunter are both set to bolster Texas Tech’s already formidable roster.
As the Big 12 approaches the new season, the excitement surrounding each team’s potential makes for an exhilarating year ahead. With the combination of high-profile transfers, emerging freshman talent, and a wide-open conference race, fans can expect a season filled with surprises and memorable moments.
