Big 12 Well-Represented in Athlon Sports’ 2025 Preseason Poll

The Big 12 isn’t just talking the talk, it’s also walking the walk.

Kansas State, Arizona State, Iowa State, and Texas Tech all landed on Athlon Sports’ Preseason Top 25 list, signaling the conference’s growing respect in college football.

Kansas State leads the way at No. 13, earning national respect under Chris Klieman after a solid 2024 campaign. The Wildcats return several key contributors and are widely expected to contend for a Big 12 title with rising star Avery Johnson under center.

Following Kansas State are the Arizona State Sun Devils at No. 14, who enter the rankings on the heels of a conference championship and College Football Playoff appearance in their inaugural Big 12 season. Kenny Dillingham’s group surged late in the year and returns a core that has them positioned to defend their title.

Texas Tech lands at No. 22 following an offseason that included hiring offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich and making several key additions in the transfer portal. After an up-and-down 2024, Joey McGuire’s squad has all the talent necessary to break through in Year 4.

Finally, Iowa State rounds out the Big 12’s ranked teams at No. 23. Matt Campbell’s program rebounded in a big way last season, finishing 11-3 and capping the year with a Pop-Tarts Bowl victory. With bona fide star Rocco Becht at quarterback and a solid supporting cast around him, expectations are high in Ames.

The four Big 12 programs represent one of the strongest showings among all conferences in the early preseason rankings. The league, entering its second year post-realignment, continues to prove it has both depth and top-end talent.