Although teams are still retooling their rosters via the transfer portal and filling coaching vacancies, it’s never too early to begin looking ahead to the 2025 college football season.
In the Big 12 Conference, Colorado will enter next season with a new starting quarterback, but expectations remain high in Boulder following a nine-win 2024 campaign. Head coach Deion Sanders and the Buffs are looking to take the next step by winning a conference title.
However, defending conference champion Arizona State, BYU, Iowa State, Kansas State and other top-flight Big 12 teams won’t make things easy on the Buffs.
Below are my way-too-early Big 12 football power rankings ahead of the 2025 season:
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Final 2024 Record: 4-8 (2-7 Big 12)
Despite owning several talented offensive and defensive players, UCF was again trampled in Big 12 play last season. I don’t see things improving in Orlando — at least in 2025 — under new head coach Scott Frost.
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Final 2024 Record: 4-8 (2-7 Big 12)
Arizona’s success in 2025 will depend on quarterback Noah Fifita returning to his 2023 form. However, that may be difficult with elite wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan moving on to the NFL. Plus, the Wildcats watched star cornerback Tacario Davis transfer to the Washington Huskies.
(Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
Final 2024 Record: 3-9 (0-9 Big 12)
While longtime head coach Mike Gundy is a proven winner, I’m not convinced the Cowboys will have better quarterback play in 2025. TCU transfer Hauss Hejny, a former four-star prospect, will compete with Garret Rangel, Maealiuaki Smith and Zane Flores for OSU’s starting job.
Syndication: Gadsden Times
Final 2024 Record: 6-7 (5-4 Big 12)
Returning for his second stint in Morgantown, new head coach Rich Rodriguez has a decent foundation to build on with West Virginia winning six games last season.
Syndication: The Enquirer
Final 2024 Record: 5-7 (3-6 Big 12)
Cincinnati returns quarterback Brendan Sorsby and multiple other key players, but I’m not sure the Bearcats have enough overall talent to compete with the Big 12’s best. We could be looking at another mediocre season under head coach Scott Satterfield.
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Final 2024 Record: 5-7 (2-7 Big 12)
Similar to Oklahoma State, Utah has an elite head coach in Kyle Whittingham, but the Utes’ future at quarterback remains uncertain. Devon Dampier, a dual-threat transfer from New Mexico, will likely lead Utah under center in 2025.
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Final 2024 Record: 4-8 (3-6 Big 12)
Houston, which nearly knocked off BYU late last season, might finally have a quarterback to complement its strong defense. Texas A&M transfer and former five-star prospect Conner Weigman should lead Houston to success in 2025.
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Final 2024 Record: 9-4 (6-3 Big 12)
With one of the conference’s best passing attacks, TCU was a surprise team in 2024. Unfortunately for the Horned Frogs, their incoming transfer portal class ranks No. 14 in the Big 12 (per 247Sports).
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Final 2024 Record: 8-5 (6-3 Big 12)
Baylor was a nice surprise in 2024, winning its final six regular season games. Quarterback Sawyer Robertson exceeded expectations and will return to lead the Bears.
(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
Final 2024 Record: 5-7 (4-5 Big 12)
Kansas proved late last season that it can compete with the conference’s top teams. With quarterback Jalon Daniels returning, expect the Jayhawks to find more consistency in 2025.
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Final 2024 Record: 8-5 (6-3 Big 12)
Texas Tech has brought in an elite transfer portal class this offseason, highlighted by EDGE Romello Height, defensive lineman Lee Hunter and cornerback Brice Pollock. Those three and others should help the Red Raiders’ defense take a needed step forward in 2025.
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Final 2024 Record: 9-4 (7-2 Big 12)
Losing quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and several other top offensive weapons won’t be easy to recover from, but head coach Deion Sanders owns the Big 12’s second-best incoming transfer class and a highly-talented group of incoming freshmen.
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Final 2024 Record: 11-3 (7-2 Big 12)
After a disappointing performance in the Big 12 championship game, Iowa State’s hard-fought win over Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl gave the Cyclones some needed momentum entering the offseason. Quarterback Rocco Becht will return and should take another step forward in his third college season.
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Final 2024 Record: 9-4 (5-4 Big 12)
Few expected Kansas State to drop out of the Big 12 championship race late last season, so I’m expecting a motivated group of Wildcats to hit the field next season. Quarterback Avery Johnson and running back Dylan Edwards should put up some monster numbers in 2025 as well.
Syndication: Arizona Republic
Final 2024 Record: 11-3 (7-2 Big 12)
Running back Cam Skattebo, the Sun Devils’ heart and soul from last season, is gone, but Arizona State does return several big names on both sides of the ball. Sam Leavitt and Jordyn Tyson should be one of the best quarterback/wide receiver duos in the Big 12, and ASU returns star safety Xavion Alford.
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Final 2024 Record: 11-2 (7-2 Big 12)
Following an impressive regular season, BYU sent a statement to the college football world last month with a dominant win over Colorado in the Alamo Bowl. Although head coach Kalani Sitake hasn’t landed much in the transfer portal this offseason, the Cougars return most of their key players, including quarterback Jake Retzlaff and running back LJ Martin.
