Joel Klatt Discusses CFP Rankings Valuing the Big 12

“Big 12 getting three teams this high in the first rankings, that tells you something,” Klatt said in a clip that’s now making the rounds. And he’s right. For a league that’s been doubted, restructured, and picked apart over the last few years, this kind of early national respect actually matters.

BYU came in at No. 7, Texas Tech landed at No. 8, and Utah showed up at No. 13. That’s not fluff. That’s not “oh, let’s throw in a few Big 12 schools for balance.” Those rankings reflect what those teams have done through 10 weeks. BYU’s still undefeated, Texas Tech has looked sharp since their early loss, and Utah has done enough to stay relevant even with a couple of setbacks. More importantly, all three are playing the kind of football that looks sustainable.

This isn’t just good news for those programs; it’s a win for the Big 12 across the board. The league has been chasing national validation since Oklahoma and Texas bolted. And now? The playoff committee is giving it. You don’t put three teams that high unless you think they belong. And the fact that Klatt, a guy who doesn’t exactly hand out compliments lightly, called it out on air means it’s getting noticed beyond just Big 12 circles.

Now, to be clear, this isn’t a trophy. Rankings don’t mean a thing if you don’t back it up on the field. But they do tell you where you stand. And right now, the Big 12’s standing looks a whole lot better than it did a month ago.