The 2025 Big 12 football season is widely considered to be one of the most unpredictable and stacked conferences in the nation, defined by its incredible parity and a lack of a single, dominant powerhouse. While it may not have a top-five juggernaut like the SEC or Big Ten, the depth of talent and the number of teams with a legitimate shot at the conference championship make it a must-watch league.

The Contender Cluster

Instead of one or two favorites, the Big 12 has a large cluster of contenders. Preseason rankings and expert picks show a high level of confidence in several teams. For example, some experts place Arizona State and Utah in the top 20 nationally, giving the Big 12 two teams with a strong chance to make a run at the College Football Playoff. Other teams consistently mentioned in the mix include Kansas State, Texas Tech, and Iowa State. Even programs like Baylor, BYU, TCU, and Kansas are seen as having the potential to compete for the championship.

A New Era of Parity

With the departure of Texas and Oklahoma, and the arrival of new teams from the Pac-12, the Big 12 has become a true free-for-all. The conference's new single-standings, non-divisional format ensures that the top two teams in the league will face off for the championship, making every conference game critical. The wide-open nature of the league is highlighted by the fact that the Big 12 has featured a new participant in its championship game in seven of the past eight seasons.

Key Factors Contributing to the Depth

Quarterback Play: Many teams return experienced and talented quarterbacks, a key ingredient for success in a competitive conference. Names like Avery Johnson (Kansas State), Rocco Becht (Iowa State), and Sam Leavitt (Arizona State) give their teams a chance to win every week.

Transfer Portal Impact: Teams like Texas Tech have used the transfer portal and NIL to assemble what some are calling the most expensive roster in the country. This has allowed programs to rapidly improve their talent and close the gap on top contenders.

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