As 2025 comes to a close, it’s a good time to look back not just at the biggest Big 12 stories — but the ones that resonated most with you, the readers of Heartland College Sports. From realignment conversations in the off-season, to coaching speculation in the season, and gambling probes, these were the five most-read Big 12 stories on HCS in 2025, based on total pageviews throughout the year.
1. Realignment Swaps, Because Why Not?
Story: The Athletic Mailbag Suggests Big 12-ACC Six-Team Trade
The folks love conference realignment, even when it’s not happening! And this summer, The Athletic proposed a Big 12-ACC six-team trade. We wrote about it and opined on the idea at Heartland College Sports. And this is the article the largest number of you read this year.
2. A Big Ten Official Likes Utah
Story: Big Ten Officials Say There’s a ‘Great Deal to Like’ About This Big 12 Team For Expansion
To keep on the theme of realignment, Utah fans obviously got excited and shared this one, when a Big Ten officially reportedly said there is a “great deal to like” about Utah. Does it mean anything for the future? Who knows at this point!
3. An Oklahoma State Coaching Target
Story: Oklahoma State Might Not Need a Coaching Search at All
Oklahoma State fans were already in “new coach” mode before Mike Gundy was technically fired. This is a story highlighting former Cowboys quarterback and current NFL assistant Zac Robinson as a target for Oklahoma State. It obviously didn’t work out that way, but the possibility was exciting to Pokes fans.
4. Gambling Ring Bets on Big 12 Game
Story: Big 12 Basketball Game Tied to Massive Gambling Ring Investigation
Gambling issues was a staple at all levels of sports this year, unfortunately. And a Big 12 game getting loosely tied into a gambling ring investigation was a story that naturally drove a lot of interest from Big 12 fans, and college sports fans, across the country.
5. Matt Campbell Would Take an NFL Interview
Story: Big 12 Coach is Reportedly Open To Taking NFL Interview
Who would have thought this would have been the year that Campbell finally left Ames, and this story may have been a harbinger of things to come. Matt Campbell has been tied to many jobs around the country, at the college and NFL level, and this one obviously stood out to Big 12 fans.
The stories that drove the most traffic in 2025 highlight just how passionate Big 12 fans remain during a pivotal time for the conference. As we head into 2026, Heartland College Sports will continue delivering independent coverage focused on the issues and moments that matter most to the league.
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