Seven Big 12 Teams Make ESPN’s Playoff Contender List

ESPN college football insider Heather Dinich launched her list of 32 teams with realistic playoff chances for 2025, and seven Big 12 programs made the cut.

Based on probability, they rank as follows: Kansas State at No. 17, Arizona State at No. 24, Kansas at No. 26, BYU at No. 27, Baylor at No. 29, TCU at No. 31, and Texas Tech at No. 32. Each team earned placement based on analytics from ESPN’s Playoff Predictor.

Kansas State sits at the top of the Big 12 group for its second straight season. ESPN’s projected odds show the Wildcats with nearly a 20 percent shot at making the CFP, another vote of confidence for one of the league’s most consistent programs. Avery Johnson returns at quarterback, and Chris Klieman’s team enters 2025 with a manageable schedule and playoff momentum.

Arizona State, ranked No. 24 on the list, earned attention for its ability to close the previous season strong under Kenny Dillingham. Despite being one of the few Big 12 teams listed, Dinich flagged the Sun Devils as underappreciated by analytics models.

Kansas lands at No. 26, reflecting positive projections in quarterback play and improving recruiting cycles. BYU checks in at No. 27, securing a reputation for consistency in just its second year in the Big 12. Baylor appears at No. 29 behind its explosive offense and growing national visibility. TCU and Texas Tech round out the league’s teams with long‑shot projections, but both show upside and the potential for surprise runs.

Seven teams from the same conference making the top 32 is rare. Dinich’s configuration reflects both the parity and rising perception of Big 12 programs heading into 2025. The real test will be turning analytics sentiment into results when the games begin.