Big 12 Scraps Preseason Media Poll After Wild 2024 Season

In a significant shift, Big 12 athletic directors and coaches have voted to eliminate the league’s preseason media poll, according to a report from Action Network’s Brett McMurphy. The decision comes after a chaotic 2024 season that saw the poll’s credibility take a major hit.

While the preseason all-conference teams will still be released, the traditional media poll — typically unveiled during Big 12 Media Days — is no more.

Why the Change?

The move follows a season in which Arizona State was picked to finish dead last (16th) in the preseason poll, only to win the Big 12 and earn a College Football Playoff berth. Meanwhile, preseason favorite Utah stumbled to a 5-7 finish and missed a bowl game.

2024 Preseason Poll vs. Reality

Here’s a quick look at how the 2024 preseason rankings stacked up against actual results:

• Utah – Picked 1st, finished T-13th (5-7, 2-7 Big 12)
• Arizona State – Picked 16th, finished T-1st (11-3, 7-2 Big 12)
• BYU, Colorado, Iowa State – All tied for 1st with 7-2 league records
• Oklahoma State – Picked 3rd, finished last (3-9, 0-9 Big 12)
• Kansas State, West Virginia, Kansas – All finished mid-pack
• Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech – Each posted 6-3 league records

The disparity between projections and performance was stark — and likely the final straw for league decision-makers.

What’s Next?

While the poll is gone, preseason all-conference teams will still be announced, keeping the spotlight on individual talent. Expect names like Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt, WR Jordyn Tyson, Baylor’s Josh Cameron, and Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez to headline those lists.

Big 12 Media Days are set for July 8–9 in Frisco, Texas, where the new format will debut.