The National Championship game was played on Monday night, and many outlets love putting together a way-too-early Top 25 for the 2026-27 college basketball season. I’m a fan. But it’s also so early since we really don’t know what the college basketball rosters are going to look like with the transfer portal opening up this week. But regardless, it’s fun to do. And one thing is clear: When it comes to the Big 12 Conference, everyone is all over the place.
The Field of 68
The Field of 68 has Arizona leading the Big 12 at No. 6, followed by Houston at No. 11, Iowa State at No. 13, Texas Tech at No. 17, Kansas at No. 22, BYU at No. 24 and TCU rounding out the Top 25.
FOX Sports
At FOX Sports, the Big 12 had six teams ranked, with Arizona at No. 5, followed by Iowa State (No. 9), Kansas (No. 14), Houston (No. 16), BYU (No. 20) and Texas Tech (No. 24).
ESPN
At ESPN, their Top 25 was put together on Tuesday, and it started with Arizona at No. 5, followed by Houston in the No. 10 slot, and then it was Iowa State at No. 12, TCU at No. 16 and BYU at No. 22. Kansas and Texas Tech both just missed the Top 25.
Sports Illustrated
SI.com‘s list included Arizona at No. 4, Houston at No. 10, Iowa State coming in at No. 14, Kansas at No. 19, Texas Tech at No. 23 and TCU at No. 24.
Conclusion
While there’s clearly belief the Big 12 will be solid and deep again, the only consistency appears to be that Arizona should remain a Top 5 team, but after that, it’s anyone’s guess. Like I said, it’s too early to really get a feel for where next season is going to go with recruiting and the transfer portal still needing to shake out, but it’s also a good chance to see how the national folks perceive the Big 12.
Two things stand out too: The shine for Kansas has worn off. And TCU is getting a lot of love. But now, Jamie Dixon is going to need to get the cash from the University and NIL to keep this team together to make a serious run in 2026. Let’s hope he can do it.
