Big 12’s Depth on Display in Sporting News Preseason Rankings

The Sporting News just dropped its Preseason Composite Top 25 rankings ahead of the 2025 season, and the Big 12 made a strong showing.

Compiled from 11 prominent publications, including Action Network, Athlon, The Athletic, Bleacher Report, CBS, ESPN, 247Sports, Sports Illustrated, USA Today, On3, and Sporting News itself, the list blends expert takes to paint a clear preseason picture of the nation’s best.

Five Big 12 squads cracked the Top 25: Arizona State at No. 12, BYU at No. 15, Kansas State at No. 17, Iowa State at No. 20, and Texas Tech at No. 22. Texas leads the composite, followed by Ohio State, Penn State, Clemson, and Georgia rounding out the top five.

Arizona State’s ranking underscores its rising star status, fueled by last season’s College Football Playoff run. Their lofty spot ahead of traditional powerhouses is a clear signal that the Sun Devils aren’t just back, they’re knocking on the door of elite company. BYU and Kansas State also show up strong, proving early expectations for multiple league members.

Iowa State and Texas Tech creeping into the lower twenties adds important depth to the Big 12’s profile. It’s not just about top-tier performance; it’s about conference-wide credibility. When nearly half your league earns national rankings before fall camps even roll out, you’ve built some momentum.

This composite preview also sets a tone for what Commissioner Brett Yormark said at Media Days: the Big 12 expects to deliver multiple College Football Playoff bids in 2025. With five ranked teams, the groundwork is laid, but now it’s on the field.

Fans should view this as more than preseason bragging rights. This composite suggests the Big 12 has both top-end talent and depth this season, a duality that could define the conference’s national reputation in the months to come.