The Big 12 may not have stolen the spotlight this season the way the Big Ten did, but don’t let that fool you - this conference brought more to the table than it got credit for. Quietly, and in some cases not-so-quietly, several programs made serious noise throughout the 2025-2026 college football season. And by the time the final AP Top 25 rolled out, the Big 12 had five teams in the mix - a strong showing for a league that’s been in the middle of a reinvention.
Let’s start at the top. Texas Tech finished the season ranked No. 7 in the country, and that’s no fluke.
The Red Raiders put together a complete campaign, stacking wins and showing they belong in the national conversation. Right behind them, BYU came in at No. 11, while Utah held firm at No.
- Houston cracked the list at No. 22, and TCU rounded things out at No.
- That’s five Big 12 teams in the final AP rankings - a testament to the depth forming in this reshaped conference.
What stands out here isn’t just the number of ranked teams, but the quality at the top. Texas Tech, BYU, and Utah each hit double-digit wins, and they didn’t pad those totals against cupcakes.
These were hard-fought victories, earned in a conference that’s growing more competitive by the year. Houston joined that 10-win club as well, and while the Cougars may not have had the same national buzz, their climb into the Top 25 speaks volumes about the program’s trajectory.
Of course, not every Big 12 team had a season to celebrate. Oklahoma State, for one, hit rock bottom with a 1-11 finish - a stunning fall for a program that’s been a steady presence in the conference for years.
That led to a major shakeup, with longtime head coach Mike Gundy stepping aside. In his place, the Cowboys brought in Eric Morris, a former Texas Tech standout with head coaching experience and a knack for offensive innovation.
Add in a transfer portal haul that’s already turning heads, and Oklahoma State could be a quick turnaround candidate.
Coaching changes weren’t limited to Stillwater, either. Several programs across the Big 12 are hitting reset buttons, and with the portal playing such a big role in roster building now, we could see some fast risers next fall. That’s part of what makes this conference so intriguing heading into next season - there’s a real sense of movement, of programs trying to level up and close the gap between the middle tier and the top.
And speaking of the top - don’t sleep on Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are coming off a statement year, and with momentum on their side, they’ve got a real shot to lead the Big 12 again next season.
But they won’t be alone. BYU and Utah look like they’re settling into their new conference home with confidence, and Houston’s upward trend is hard to ignore.
So while the Big 12 may not have produced a national champion this season, it showed something just as important: staying power. This is a league with rising teams, bold coaching moves, and enough talent to make Saturdays unpredictable.
If you’re a college football fan, keep your eyes on the Big 12. The conference is evolving - and it’s only getting more interesting from here.