Big 12 Football: Spring 2025 Power Rankings

1. Arizona State

The Sun Devils are a team on the rise after last year’s Big 12 Championship. Running back Cam Skattebo will be missed, but quarterback Sam Leavitt is among the best in college football.

2. Kansas State

Quarterback Avery Johnson should be even better in his second year as the starter. Coach Chris Klieman’s team has a few holes to plug along the offensive line and on defense.

3. BYU

Two close losses kept BYU out of the Big 12 title game (and the College Football Playoff) last season. A revamped defensive line and receiving corps are question marks, but quarterback Jake Retzlaff is back.

4. Iowa State

Another trip to the Big 12 Championship Game is within reach for the Cyclones in 2025 with quarterback Rocco Becht returning. Restocking the receiving corps, defensive line, and secondary are the top spring priorities.

5. Texas Tech

The Red Raiders landed one of the nation’s top transfer portal hauls, which should allow coach Joey McGuire’s team to contend for the Big 12 title. A revamped coaching staff is another boost, and quarterback Behren Morton will return to 100 percent after offseason shoulder surgery.

6. Utah

The Utes will be one of the Big 12’s best on defense once again. But contending for the conference title will hinge on how far new coordinator Jason Beck and transfer quarterback Devon Dampier (New Mexico) can take the offense in ’25.

7. Baylor

The Bears took a big step forward last season after a slow start by winning six out of their final seven games. Quarterback Sawyer Robertson is one of the best in the conference.

8. TCU

Coach Sonny Dykes’ squad brings back nine starters from a team that won nine games in ’24. Restocking the skill talent around quarterback Josh Hoover is a top priority this spring.

9. Kansas

The Jayhawks played better late in the ’24 season and have a chance to contend for the Big 12 title with quarterback Jalon Daniels returning. However, only three starters are back on defense.

10. Colorado

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders and receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter will be missed. However, the Buffaloes have plenty of staying power behind coach Deion Sanders.

11. Houston

The Cougars could be the Big 12’s most improved team in ’25 if transfer quarterback Conner Weigman (Texas A&M) makes an instant impact. Six starters return on defense.

12. West Virginia

The return of coach Rich Rodriguez to Morgantown has brought plenty of optimism. However, the Mountaineers lost all five starters on the offensive line and return just three starters overall.

13. Cincinnati

The Bearcats took a step forward in coach Scott Satterfield’s second season and should make a run at a bowl with quarterback Brendan Sorsby returning. Just four starters are back on defense and the offensive line needs an overhaul.

14. Arizona

Can the Wildcats improve after a disappointing debut under coach Brent Brennan? Quarterback Noah Fifita is back, but Arizona’s offensive line is revamped. The defense needs to take a big step forward.

15. Oklahoma State

Is this a make-or-break year for coach Mike Gundy? The Cowboys have major concerns after a three-win season and a roster counting on instant impacts from several transfers.

16. UCF

Can coach Scott Frost find instant success in his second act at UCF? The Knights have holes to fill with running back DJ Harvey, receiver Kobe Hudson, and defensive tackle Lee Hunter departing.