College Hoops Guru Endorses Big 12 as Nation’s Best League

Hammer’s take matters because early conference narratives are increasingly hard to identify in the pre‑season phase, and for the Big 12 to be singled out this strongly puts a spotlight on the league’s evolving identity. Houston enters the season as a clear frontrunner, while the presence of Texas Tech and Kansas reflects historical power. BYU and Iowa State represent emerging programs with momentum, and Arizona rounds out the list as a program trying to reclaim its national relevance.

That spread of teams suggests not a league with one dominant power but a collection of credible contenders, a depth Hammer argues is unmatched this year. In a landscape where parity and the transfer portal continue to reshape rosters and trajectories, the Big 12 appears to be positioned differently than past seasons, at least in his view. This kind of assertion sets expectations, elevates stakes, and signals to recruits, media, and fans that the league deserves even more attention.

Nevertheless, assertions alone are not outcomes. The reality of season‑long performance will depend on cohesion, health, scheduling, and intra‐league balance. For the Big 12’s top six programs cited, the pressure to deliver is higher now. If any falter, the label of “best top six” will fade quickly. On the other end, programs outside that list see hope and opportunity to exploit the gap.

Hammer’s early endorsement reaffirms that the Big 12 is not just part of the Power Four conversation but potentially leading it in depth and competitive balance. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how his forecast holds up, and whether the league’s heavy hitters live up to the bold prediction.