Andy Katz dropped his 2025 “Power 37” rankings this week, and the Big 12 made a serious showing. Seven conference teams cracked the list: Houston at No. 2, Texas Tech at No. 9, Kansas at No. 10, BYU at No. 14, Arizona at No. 16, Iowa State at No. 18, and Kansas State at No. 33.
This isn’t just noise. It’s a statement. To land seven spots in a national top‑tier power ranking indicates depth, respect, and relevance. Houston’s placement at No. 2 is the headline, reaffirming what analysts and fans alike have expected: this team is not a contender, it’s the contender to beat. And Texas Tech, sitting top ten, confirms that the Red Raiders are no longer a surprise; they’re part of the upper tier of programs.
Kansas, at No. 10, continues to get respect from insiders, even amid roster turnover and skepticism. BYU and Arizona show that some of the league’s recent additions are making their presence felt. Iowa State’s inclusion is a nod to its consistency and competitiveness, and one of the best home-court environments in basketball. Kansas State’s inclusion at No. 33 is more modest, but still notable. Those are the kinds of seeds or reputation chips that can matter late in the season.
Power rankings from writers like Katz function as both validation and narrative starters. When several of your league’s teams make the list, it helps fend off arguments that the Big 12 is top-heavy or shallow. It reminds you, and the rest of the country, that the league isn’t about one or two show programs. It’s about a collective profile.
But these are early days. These rankings will fluctuate as schedules deepen, injuries set in, and results pile onto scrutiny. Still, for now, the Big 12 can feel good: this week, in Katz’s eyes, it stands tall among conferences, not as an underdog.
