Preseason Forecasts Stir Big 12 Buzz
A recent media poll that enlisted a beat writer for each of the conference’s 16 programs has generated early buzz about how the league might unfold this coming season. The methodology, which awards points on a 16‑15‑14‑13‑12‑11 scale based on the writer’s ranking, was applied by publications ranging from the Tulsa World to the Orlando Sentinel.
According to the aggregated results, Texas Tech emerged as the clear favorite, collecting 14 first‑place votes and positioning itself at the top of the projected standings. Arizona and Houston, meanwhile, are locked in a tie for third place, underscoring the depth of competition among the contenders.
Arizona State’s placement at seventh marks a notable turnaround. The Sun Devils had finished the previous cycle at the bottom of the forecast, but the latest poll reflects a substantial rise that aligns with national outlets ranking them between sixth and ninth in the 16‑team league.
The Big 12 decided to discontinue its official preseason conference poll after the 2024 season, leaving the assembled media rankings as one of the few barometers available to fans and analysts. The shift has prompted a variety of outlets — including the Salt Lake Tribune, the Deseret News and the Kansas City Star — to publish their own assessments, each using the same beat‑writer point system.
While the poll offers a snapshot of current expectations, it also highlights the fluid nature of conference dynamics, especially as programs continue to evolve roster talent and coaching strategies. The upcoming season will ultimately determine whether these early predictions hold true on the field.