The AP Preseason Poll came out Monday, and the Big 12 is flexing early. Six teams from the conference made the cut: Houston at No. 2, BYU at No. 8, Texas Tech at No. 10, Arizona at No. 13, Iowa State at No. 16, and Kansas at No. 19. (Kansas State fell just short, receiving 13 votes, and Baylor drew one nod)
That level of representation is significant. These preseason rankings aren’t just vanity; they set expectations, frame narratives, and give Big 12 programs momentum before a ball is even tipped. Houston landing at No. 2 is the centerpiece: the Cougars are being viewed not just as a conference contender, but as one of the national elite.
But this is deeper than Houston. BYU cracking the top ten is a statement from the voters, one that reflects both internal confidence and external respect. BYU’s roster additions, returns, and hype seem to have translated into credibility in the eyes of pollsters.
Texas Tech hitting No. 10 reinforces that last season’s success wasn’t a fluke. The Red Raiders are being seen as more than a dark horse under Grant McCasland; they’re part of the upper echelon of the Big 12 from day one. Arizona, Iowa State, and Kansas, rounding out the list, show that the depth of the conference is being acknowledged, too.
The snubs are interesting, though. Kansas State getting 13 votes means they’re on the fringe. Baylor’s solitary vote suggests they’re more in the “watch list” discussion than a preseason expectation. But that’s not a shock; both programs faced roster turnover or uncertainty entering this season.
Preseason polls always carry caveats. Injuries, early chemistry, scheduling quirks, they all shake rankings fast. But Big 12 programs can lean on this now: whether recruiting, media narratives, or confidence, having six ranked teams sets a higher bar. The league is being told it matters.
So now the message is out: the Big 12 isn’t waiting for outsiders to believe. Pollsters, voters, fans, they’re giving some respect in advance. The season’s real work still begins on the floor, but for now, the Big 12 enters under bright lights.
