Could the Big 12 Land More Than One No. 1 Seed? Absolutely - And Here’s Why
It’s not a stretch. In fact, it’s a very real possibility.
The Big 12 isn’t just deep this season - it’s a gauntlet. A league where elite teams beat up on each other nightly, and where six teams currently sit among the top 16 seeds in the latest bracket projections.
That’s not just depth - that’s dominance. So yes, while Arizona seems locked into the top overall seed right now, the Big 12 has more than one team with a legitimate shot to climb into that top line come Selection Sunday.
Let’s break it down.
First, the Lay of the Land
Arizona is the clear-cut No. 1 right now. Undefeated at 20-0 and steamrolling through their schedule, they’ve earned their spot atop every major bracket projection. Joe Lunardi has them there, and it’s hard to argue against it.
Behind them, the current projected No. 1 seeds include Duke, Michigan, and UConn. All three have just one loss apiece, and at this stage of the season, that puts them in strong position. But things can change quickly in college basketball - especially when you’ve got a league like the Big 12 that’s loaded with teams capable of stacking Quad 1 wins.
Making the Case for the Big 12’s Best
Iowa State is the first team that jumps off the page. The Cyclones are 18-2 overall, with a spotless non-conference record and only two losses coming in league play.
More importantly, they’re 5-1 in Quad 1 games - a stat the Selection Committee pays close attention to. If they keep winning against ranked Big 12 opponents, that résumé is going to be hard to ignore.
They’re not just beating up on lesser teams - they’re taking down heavyweights.
Houston is right there too. The Cougars have been a consistent force under Kelvin Sampson, and this season is no different.
They’re 17-2, and like Iowa State, they’ve got a 5-1 record in Quad 1 games. Defensively, they’re still elite - arguably the best in the country - and their physical style of play is tailor-made for March.
With Sampson at the helm and a team that knows how to win ugly, Houston’s ceiling is as high as anyone’s.
Texas Tech just beat Houston head-to-head, 90-86, in a statement win that reminded everyone the Red Raiders are for real. They’re 16-4 overall, and while their 5-4 record in Quad 1 games isn’t quite as clean as Iowa State or Houston’s, they’ve avoided any bad losses.
That’s key. The committee weighs quality wins heavily, but it also punishes avoidable stumbles.
So far, Tech’s holding the line.
BYU is quietly building a case of their own. Led by standout freshman AJ Dybantsa, the Cougars are 17-2 with both losses coming against Quad 1 opponents.
Their NET ranking sits at No. 12 - higher than Texas Tech - and their 4-2 record in Quad 1 games puts them right in the mix. They’re balanced, disciplined, and have the kind of offensive firepower that can swing games in March.
And then there’s Kansas. The Jayhawks haven’t been as dominant as some of Bill Self’s past teams, but they’re still hanging around.
At 15-5, they’ve taken some lumps, especially in Quad 1 play (just 3-5), but they’re improving. The emergence of Melvin Council and Flory Bidunga has added new dimensions to their game, and if Darryn Peterson returns soon, Kansas becomes a different kind of threat.
They’re sitting at No. 15 in the NET and trending upward - not a bad place to be in late January.
The Road Ahead
For any of these Big 12 teams to snag a No. 1 seed, they’ll need help. That means one or more of the current top-line teams - Duke, Michigan, or UConn - will have to slip. Michigan, in particular, has a Q2 loss on their résumé, which could open the door if things tighten up down the stretch.
But the Big 12’s biggest asset is its schedule. These teams face tough tests night in and night out.
That means more opportunities to rack up quality wins - and more chances to impress the committee. If Iowa State, Houston, or another contender can finish strong and maybe win the Big 12 Tournament, it’ll be hard to deny them a spot at the top.
Final Word
Arizona’s spot as the No. 1 overall seed looks safe - for now. But beyond that, the race is wide open.
The Big 12 has proven itself as the deepest, most competitive conference in college basketball this season. With six teams in the top 16 and multiple squads stacking elite wins, it’s not just possible - it’s plausible - that the league lands a second No. 1 seed.
There’s still a lot of basketball to be played. But if the Big 12 keeps delivering high-stakes, high-level matchups, don’t be surprised if Selection Sunday ends with more than one team from the conference sitting on the top line.