Among the four power conferences, the Big 12 might have the most competitive championship chase in 2025. It’s hard to find a clear-cut favorite to win the conference title and reach the College Football Playoff. Last year, Arizona State was the league’s only representative, and there’s no guarantee the Big 12 will get more than one team in this season. That begs the question of what team is best-equipped not just to reach the CFP but to make some noise once it gets there. Let’s look closely at the top contenders and figure out which team has the best chance to make the Big 12 proud in the 2025 CFP.
Kansas State
Experience at the quarterback position is undoubtedly key to CFP success. Kansas State has that with Avery Johnson, who threw for over 2,700 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. Johnson is poised to grow as a passer in 2025, on top of being a serious rushing threat. The Wildcats also have stability at head coach, with Chris Klieman entering his seventh season. Klieman has done a nice job of roster construction, putting an experienced team behind Johnson. If Kansas State’s quarterback can continue to develop and have a breakout season on the national stage, the Wildcats could be ready to go toe to toe with any team if they reach the CFP.
Arizona State
Last year’s success will surely benefit Arizona State this season. The Sun Devils gave Texas all they could handle in the quarterfinals, so if they can get back to the CFP, they will be confident that they can beat any team they face. While replacing star running back Cam Skattebo will be difficult, Sam Leavitt returning as the starting quarterback helps. More importantly, the Sun Devils will bring back nine starters from a defense that gave up just 22.6 points per game in 2024. If that unit is even better this year, Arizona State could have a championship-caliber team.
Utah
Don’t let Utah’s 5-7 record last season fool you. The Utes had to get accustomed to the Big 12 while also dealing with tons of injuries. Given the program that Kyle Whittingham has been building since 2005 (and has been a part of since 1994), the Utes could bounce back in a big way this season. New Utah quarterback Devon Dampier threw for over 2,700 yards and rushed for over 1,100 yards at New Mexico last season. He has genuine star potential with a better supporting cast around him. Plus, Utah had one of the Big 12’s best defenses in 2024. Whittingham’s teams are always strong on that side of the ball, so they’ll be in every game they play in 2025.
Texas Tech
Many view the Red Raiders as the favorites to win the Big 12, potentially setting them up to be the CFP’s surprise team. Texas Tech has received a massive infusion of players from the transfer portal thanks to a huge NIL investment. Specifically, they added players who will help them win in the trenches, which is necessary to compete with the top teams in the SEC and Big Ten. Don’t forget that Behren Morton is among the most experienced quarterbacks in the country. If all of Texas Tech’s new pieces fall into place, the Red Raiders have a quarterback who can take them a long way.
Baylor
After finishing the 2024 regular season with six straight wins, Baylor is a team that could carry that momentum into 2025. Quarterback Sawyer Robertson caught fire during that winning streak, finishing the season with over 3,000 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. He looks poised for a big year and could end up being one of the best quarterbacks in the country. If Robertson has that type of season, the Bears could surprise people the way Indiana did last year on its way to the College Football Playoff.
Iowa State
Under Matt Campbell, the Cyclones have constantly surprised people. That was true last year when Iowa State won 11 games. Despite losing some key pieces, there is stability at quarterback with Rocco Becht coming back after throwing for over 3,500 yards in 2024. Somehow, Iowa State won 11 games last year without having a defense that was up to Campbell’s usual standards. Improvement on that side of the ball, combined with a veteran quarterback, could mean big things for the Cyclones in 2025.
The Verdict
Clearly, the Big 12 has several teams capable of winning the conference title and giving themselves a chance in the CFP. You could find free bets sports promotions at top sportsbooks and make a bet on a Big 12 team making some noise in the Playoff. If you had to pick one, the best option is Arizona State. Granted, Texas Tech and Kansas State are also appealing. But the Sun Devils have the quarterback, defense, and experience needed to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff.
