Texas Tech and BYU have established themselves as top-tier contenders in the Big 12 Conference for the 2025 college football season, primarily due to their strong starts, high rankings in various polls, and impressive performances on both offense and defense.

As of the current standings and power rankings (Week 6/7 of the 2025 season):

Both Texas Tech and BYU are undefeated in overall play (5-0) and tied for the best record in conference play (2-0), alongside Arizona State and Cincinnati.

They are consistently ranked in the AP Top 25 Poll and are frequently positioned as the top two or three teams in various Big 12 power rankings.

Texas Tech Red Raiders: Clear Frontrunner Status

Texas Tech is widely regarded by many analysts as the current clear frontrunner for the Big 12 title game, demonstrating dominant play through the first part of the season.

Key Strengths:

Dominant Performance: The Red Raiders have been exceptional, outclassing nearly every opponent in all facets of the game. They held an impressive 40.8-point average winning margin early in the season and had not trailed in any game at one point.

Signature Win: A dominant 34−10 victory over then-ranked Utah on the road solidified their standing as the team to beat.

Explosive Offense: They feature a dynamic passing attack and one of the fastest tempos in college football. Quarterback Behren Morton has been productive, and the team boasts multiple receivers contributing significantly.

Roster Investment: The team's successful investment in the roster, particularly through the transfer portal to build up the trenches, has paid off, leading some experts to predict a potential top-10 finish and a trip to the Big 12 title game.

BYU Cougars: Elite, Underrated Contender

BYU has performed well under the radar and holds a perfect record, proving to be a legitimate threat for the conference crown and earning a high standing in official rankings.

Key Strengths:

Perfect Record and High Standing: BYU is 5−0 overall, 2−0 in conference play, and is ranked in the AP Poll. ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) has even ranked the Cougars ahead of Texas Tech as the Big 12's top team, valuing their overall profile.

Freshman Quarterback Success: True freshman QB Bear Bachmeier has been a major factor, quickly developing into the centerpiece of the offense. His poise, physical style, and ability to extend plays are highly valued by predictive models like the FPI.

Stout Defense: Early in the season, the BYU defense carried the team, showcasing a disruptive and opportunistic front seven that has proven effective in conference play.

Consistency: The Cougars are seeking their second consecutive 5−0 start under head coach Kalani Sitake, demonstrating sustained high performance.

Why They are "Best in Class"

The primary reasons BYU and Texas Tech are considered the best in the Big 12 right now are their unbeaten records and their top positions in both the Big 12 standings and major power rankings. The conference's new 16-team format has led to great parity, making the consistency and dominance shown by these two teams particularly noteworthy.

While Texas Tech is often cited for its dominant wins and high-powered offense, BYU is recognized for its defensive strength, strong running game, and the unexpected high-level play of its freshman quarterback, which gives them a slightly stronger profile according to advanced metrics. The eventual conference championship race is widely expected to be determined by a group of contenders that includes both the Red Raiders and the Cougars.

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