How Many Big 12 Teams are Featured in Jon Rothstein’s Top 45?

In his latest Rothstein 45 rankings, college basketball insider Jon Rothstein placed nine Big 12 teams among the top 45 programs nationwide.

Leading the way is Houston at No. 2, followed by BYU (8), Texas Tech (10), Arizona (13), Iowa State (15), Kansas (32), Cincinnati (40), Kansas State (44), and Baylor (45). That strong showing highlights the depth the conference brings entering the 2025‑26 season.

Houston’s placement at No. 2 caps off a two-year run of dominance under Kelvin Sampson, including back-to-back Big 12 titles and deep NCAA tournament runs. BYU and Texas Tech also received high marks, reflecting consistent performances in the expanded conference’s first full season.

Arizona and Iowa State rank as well-respected heavyweights. Arizona sits at No. 13 with a blend of transfer talent and returning contributors, while Iowa State lands at No. 15 after a strong postseason showing in Kansas City and solid continuity in coaching.

Kansas remains in the mix at No. 32, a position that speaks to respect for their tradition and recent performances. Cincinnati’s inclusion at No. 40 further reinforces the impact of programs that recently joined the Big 12. Kansas State and Baylor round out the list at No. 44 and No. 45, respectively, indicating room for growth but still capturing national attention without fading from relevance.

For fans tracking the Big 12’s positioning on the national stage, Rothstein’s list sends a clear message. This is a conference that now places nearly a full quarter of its roster in the top tiers of the sport. Houston, Texas Tech, BYU, and others tie into the league’s new top-heavy identity. Even teams on the tail end remain competitive in national outlooks.

It’s a statement that the Big 12 is no longer just football deep. In basketball, it has both power and depth, and this list confirms it.