Three Big 12 Teams Just Cracked ESPN’s New Top 25

ESPN’s latest update to the Football Power Index (FPI) delivered a notable boost for the Big 12 Conference, with three programs landing inside the Top 25 ahead of the 2025 season.

Kansas State leads the group at No. 18, building momentum with a proven foundation under head coach Chris Klieman. The Wildcats return quarterback Avery Johnson and a veteran core on both sides of the ball. FPI currently gives Kansas State a 19.9 percent chance to win the Big 12, the highest among all league programs.

BYU checks in at No. 23, remaining in the national conversation despite losing its starting quarterback to Tulane. The projection reflects belief in the Cougars’ incoming talent and coaching continuity under Kalani Sitake. With Stanford transfer Bear Bachmeier pushing to start at quarterback and a reloaded backfield behind him, BYU looks more equipped to compete in year two of Big 12 play.

Arizona State rounds out the trio at No. 24. Kenny Dillingham’s squad is starting to show returns after a transitional first season in the league. The Sun Devils bring back several key starters and add depth through the portal, particularly in the trenches. FPI gives them a 13 percent chance to win the conference, placing them firmly in the thick of the Big 12 title race.

All three teams sit behind the top national contenders in the model, but their inclusion reflects how much competitive depth the Big 12 is building. While preseason polls have looked fairly similar, FPI suggests that Kansas State, BYU, and Arizona State could each play a major role in shaping the postseason field.

With kickoff just weeks away, the numbers are already putting the league in position for a strong national push.