Phil Steele High on Big 12 With Five Teams in Top 25

Phil Steele’s annual preseason Top 25 projections are out, and the Big 12 is well represented with five teams cracking the list.

Leading the way is Baylor at No. 13, followed by Utah at No. 18, Iowa State at No. 21, Arizona State at No. 23, and Kansas State rounding things out at No. 24.

Baylor’s spot just outside the top 10 shows how much momentum Dave Aranda’s program is carrying into the fall. The Bears return several key starters on both sides of the ball and could be a dark horse playoff contender if Sawyer Robertson takes a leap at quarterback.

Utah’s placement speaks to the trust Steele has in Kyle Whittingham, who brings back a veteran core in his second Big 12 campaign. The Utes struggled with injuries last season but are viewed nationally as a team poised for a bounce-back season.

Iowa State comes in just inside the top 25 after an 11-win season and a Pop-Tarts Bowl championship. Matt Campbell has a rising star in quarterback Rocco Becht, and the Cyclones have quietly assembled one of the better defenses in the conference.

Arizona State’s inclusion this low may surprise some, but the Sun Devils won the Big 12 in 2024 and return a strong nucleus, especially on offense. Kenny Dillingham’s rapid rebuild in Tempe has turned heads, and Steele is clearly buying in, just not as much as others.

Kansas State rounds out the list at No. 24, and it’s easy to see why. Quarterback Avery Johnson and running back Dylan Edwards are two of the most dynamic young playmakers in the league, and Chris Klieman’s track record speaks for itself.

With five programs in the mix, the Big 12 enters 2025 with as much national credibility as it’s had in years. Steele’s rankings reflect the league’s depth and its potential to shake up the College Football Playoff race.