National attention turned toward the Big 12 this week as Sleepers Media released its rankings of the top 10 programs with the best combined head football and basketball coaching duos.
Out of the 10 programs highlighted, two came from the Big 12: Iowa State, with head football coach Matt Campbell and men’s basketball coach T.J. Otzelberger, and BYU, with head football coach Kalani Sitake and men’s basketball coach Kevin Young.
For Iowa State, the recognition reflects the steady rise of both programs under Campbell and Otzelberger. Campbell is now in his 10th season at the helm of Cyclones football, a run that has seen him transform the program from an afterthought into a consistent Big 12 contender. His teams are physical, disciplined, and tough to beat, especially in Ames. Pair that with Otzelberger, who has rejuvenated Cyclones basketball with deep NCAA Tournament runs and a brand of basketball that fits Iowa State’s fanbase perfectly, and the case for Iowa State becomes clear. When your school can count on competitive excellence in both major sports, national media takes notice.
BYU’s placement on the list is also a given. Sitake is entering his ninth season leading Cougar football, and his tenure has been defined by stability and a strong cultural identity. He has shepherded BYU into a legit threat in the Big 12 while keeping the program competitive against some of the toughest programs in the country. On the basketball side, Kevin Young is the new face of the operation, taking over in 2024 after years of experience as an NBA assistant coach. His presence brings a sense of excitement and forward-thinking innovation to a program that already boasts a strong history. The duo of Sitake and Young represents a balance of tradition and modern vision that positions BYU well in the coming years.
The broader takeaway is that the Big 12 continues to be recognized for its depth of coaching talent across multiple sports. Other leagues may boast traditional bluebloods, but the Big 12’s strength lies in its competitiveness and the quality of leadership at institutions like Iowa State and BYU. These rankings from Sleepers Media underscore the fact that Big 12 programs are not just hanging with the rest of the country in one sport. They are building national credibility in both.
For fans in Ames and Provo, the nod is a point of pride. For the league, it is further evidence that the Big 12 brand has never been stronger.
