The Players Era Championship isn’t just a flashy new name on the calendar-it’s officially here to stay. And thanks to a $50 million equity partnership, the Big 12 is making sure it has a permanent seat at the table.
Eight conference teams are locked into the 32-team field moving forward, and each program is guaranteed $1 million in NIL funding. That’s not just a win for exposure-it’s a financial game-changer.
But let’s be honest: the format still needs some work.
Take Iowa State, for example. The Cyclones knocked off St.
John’s and Creighton-two solid wins-but didn’t get a shot at the showcase games that come with NIL payouts. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a team that clearly earned more than just moral victories.
Thankfully, there’s momentum behind a new structure: four eight-team pods, with the winners advancing. Cleaner, fairer, and frankly, overdue.
Still, despite the snub, Iowa State walks away with something arguably more valuable: credibility. They look like a real threat in the Big 12 race, and that’s reflected in this week’s updated power rankings after a strong Feast Week showing for the conference.
Big 12 Power Rankings (Week of Dec. 1)
1. Arizona
Last week: 1
This week: vs.
Auburn (Saturday)
Arizona’s November was red-hot, and even with wing Ivan Kharchenkov picking up an ankle injury against Norfolk State, the Wildcats aren’t slowing down.
They’re playing like a team with national title aspirations-and the talent to back it up.
2. Houston
Last week: 2
This week: vs.
Florida State (Saturday), vs. Jackson State (Dec.
Kelvin Sampson doesn’t mind taking a few lumps early if it means building something better long-term.
A 2-1 showing in the Players Era, with the lone loss coming in a tight one to Tennessee, is solid considering how many freshmen are logging key minutes. The Cougars are only going to get better.
3. Iowa State
Last week: 5
This week: vs.
Alcorn State (Wednesday), at Purdue (Saturday), vs. Iowa (Dec.
They didn’t get the NIL payout, but they did get national respect.
The Cyclones looked sharp in Vegas, and even with Tamin Lipsey nursing a groin injury, they’re showing the kind of depth and grit that wins in March. A big test looms at Purdue.
4. BYU
Last week: 3
This week: vs.
California Baptist (Wednesday), vs. Clemson (Jan.
BYU took home the ESPN Events Invitational title, but there are some cracks showing.
No bench points against Dayton? That’s a red flag, especially after losing veteran Dawson Baker to a significant injury.
Depth is now a real concern.
5. Kansas
Last week: 6
This week: vs.
UConn (Tuesday), vs. Missouri (Dec.
Kansas finished third in the Players Era Championship without freshman phenom Darryn Peterson.
That’s a testament to Bill Self’s system and the depth of this roster. They’re not at full strength yet, but they’re still dangerous.
6. Texas Tech
Last week: 4
This week: vs.
LSU (Dec. 7)
Getting handled by Purdue was a reality check, but it might be just what this transfer-heavy roster needed. JT Toppin continues to look like the real deal, and once the new pieces fully click, the Red Raiders could be a handful.
7. Baylor
Last week: 8
This week: vs.
Sacramento State (Tuesday), at Memphis (Saturday), vs. Norfolk State (Dec.
The Bears went 2-1 in Vegas while running a tight seven-man rotation.
Not bad, considering the injury situation. Once they get healthy, Baylor could be one of the most complete teams in the conference.
8. Oklahoma State
Last week: 9
This week: vs.
Sam Houston (Tuesday), vs. Grand Canyon (Saturday)
Steve Lutz promised an up-tempo, high-scoring brand of basketball, and so far, he’s delivered. The Cowboys have scored 85+ in each of their first seven games-a program first.
This team is fun and fast, and they’re starting to find a rhythm.
9. TCU
Last week: 13
This week: vs.
Notre Dame (Friday), vs. North Texas (Dec.
Talk about a bounce-back.
TCU took down Florida and Wisconsin to win the Rady Children’s Invitational, and those are the kind of résumé wins that can flip a season. Don’t underestimate the impact of those victories come Selection Sunday.
10. Kansas State
This week: vs. Bowling Green (Monday), vs.
Seton Hall (Saturday), vs. Mississippi Valley State (Dec.
PJ Haggerty finally had a rough night, and unfortunately, it came in a tough road environment at Indiana.
The Wildcats go as he goes, and that game was a reminder of how much they rely on their star guard to set the tone.
11. Cincinnati
Last week: 7
This week: vs.
Tarleton State (Monday), at Xavier (Friday)
Losing to Eastern Michigan-a team hovering around No. 200 in KenPom-isn’t just a bad loss, it’s one that could haunt Cincinnati down the line.
The Bearcats need to regroup and fast.
12. Colorado
Last week: 15
This week: vs.
California Baptist (Monday), at Colorado State (Saturday)
Quietly undefeated, Colorado is turning heads.
Barrington Hargress, a transfer from UC Riverside, has been a revelation, and the Buffs are playing with energy and confidence. They’re young, but they’re making noise.
13. UCF
Last week: 14
This week: vs.
Towson (Dec. 7)
Jamichael Stillwell’s story is remarkable-four colleges and nearly walked away from the game altogether. Now he’s UCF’s best player and one of the top rebounders in the Big 12.
He’s averaging 8.1 boards per game and making every minute count.
14. West Virginia
Last week: 11
This week: vs.
Coppin State (Wednesday), at Wake Forest (Saturday), vs. Arkansas-Little Rock (Dec.
The Charleston Classic was a nightmare, capped by blowing a double-digit lead to Clemson.
It’s the kind of week that can derail a season before it even gets going. West Virginia needs to regroup-quickly.
15. Arizona State
Last week: 12
This week: vs.
Oklahoma (Saturday), vs. Northern Arizona (Dec.
Maurice Odum is doing everything he can to keep Arizona State competitive.
He’s sixth in the league in scoring and knocking down 3.4 triples per game. But the Sun Devils need more around him to climb out of the basement.
16. Utah
Last week: 16
This week: at Cal (Tuesday), vs.
California Baptist (Saturday)
Utah finally showed some life with a statement win over Ole Miss.
Ranked No. 137 on KenPom, they knocked off a team sitting at No. 35.
That’s a signature win for new head coach Alex Jensen and a sign that the Utes might be turning a corner.
The Big 12 is flexing early this season, and the Players Era Championship-format flaws and all-has only added fuel to the fire. With conference play looming, these rankings are sure to shift, but one thing’s clear: this league is deep, dangerous, and already delivering drama.