Big 12 Preseason Rankings & Preview: Kansas and Houston Headline National Championship Contenders Yet Again
By Rob Reinhart
The Big 12’s expanded format ensures that every night feels like a tournament game. With as many as eight or nine NCAA Tournament-caliber teams, the conference’s parity and physicality continue to define its identity. From the bluebloods in Lawrence and Waco to the upstarts in Cincinnati and Provo, there’s no easy path to a win.
As the 2025–26 season tips off, one thing is certain: the Big 12 remains the deepest, toughest, and most unpredictable conference in college basketball. Kansas may lead the way, but in this league, dominance is earned — one bruising, high-stakes battle at a time.
2025–26 Big 12 — Projected Standings & NCAA Outlook
Full 16-team Big 12 outlook for the 2025–26 season — an elite mix of veteran powers and rising programs across the nation’s toughest league.
| Rank | Team | Conf. Record | Projected Seed | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kansas | 15–3 | #1 Seed | Lock | Bill Self’s latest roster reload keeps Kansas atop the Big 12 hierarchy. |
| 2 | Houston | 14–4 | #2 Seed | Lock | Elite defense and veteran guards make Houston a national title threat. |
| 3 | Baylor | 13–5 | #4 Seed | Lock | Dynamic backcourt and deep bench keep Baylor in contention for a top seed. |
| 4 | Iowa State | 12–6 | #5 Seed | Likely Lock | T.J. Otzelberger’s defense remains elite; poised for another strong season. |
| 5 | Texas | 11–7 | #7 Seed | Lock | Athletic, experienced roster under Rodney Terry keeps Texas in tournament shape. |
| 6 | Texas Tech | 10–8 | #9 Seed | Likely In | Strong guard play and tough defense keep Tech in every game. |
| 7 | TCU | 10–8 | #10 Seed | Bubble – In | High-paced offense and athleticism give TCU postseason upside. |
| 8 | Cincinnati | 9–9 | #11 Seed (Play-In) | Bubble – Out/In | Physical, rebounding-heavy squad with March potential. |
| 9 | BYU | 9–9 | NIT 1-seed | Outside Bubble | Excellent shooting team but struggles to close late in tight games. |
| 10 | UCF | 8–10 | NIT 3-seed | Outside Bubble | Athletic, energetic group still developing scoring consistency. |
| 11 | Oklahoma State | 7–11 | — | Rebuilding | Promising young roster but inconsistent play limits ceiling. |
| 12 | Arizona | 7–11 | — | Rebuilding | Talented but adapting to Big 12 physicality and travel grind. |
| 13 | Colorado | 6–12 | — | Bottom Tier | Hard-nosed team with upside but lacks frontcourt depth. |
| 14 | Utah | 6–12 | — | Bottom Tier | Tough home environment; scoring droughts remain issue. |
| 15 | Arizona State | 5–13 | — | Bottom Tier | Energy and athleticism can’t overcome shooting woes. |
| 16 | West Virginia | 4–14 | — | Bottom Tier | New staff rebuilding from scratch; long-term project in Morgantown. |
Note: The 2025–26 Big 12 features 16 teams, including new additions Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah. Kansas, Houston, and Baylor lead a conference deep enough to send eight or more teams to the NCAA Tournament.
Championship Contenders
At the top, it’s the usual suspects. Kansas, Houston, and Baylor all project as top-10 national programs and clear NCAA Tournament locks. Kansas, reloaded with elite talent under Bill Self, remains the class of the league after another strong recruiting haul. The Jayhawks’ inside-out balance and suffocating half-court defense make them a legitimate title favorite once again.
Houston has adjusted seamlessly to Big 12 life, bringing its trademark toughness and defensive precision. Kelvin Sampson’s veteran guards and relentless pressure defense ensure the Cougars will contend for both the conference crown and another deep March run. Baylor, behind a dynamic backcourt and one of the nation’s most efficient offenses, remains a constant in the top tier.
Tournament Locks
Just behind the top three, Iowa State, Texas, and Texas Tech form a compelling second wave of contenders. Iowa State’s physical, defensive-first identity has made the Cyclones a nightmare matchup for opponents. Texas boasts high-end talent and depth, while Texas Tech continues to punch above its weight with disciplined defense and opportunistic offense.
TCU and Cincinnati round out the likely NCAA field, each embodying the league’s trademark toughness. The Horned Frogs’ up-tempo style gives them explosive upside, and the Bearcats’ interior strength and rebounding could push them into the Big Dance for the first time since joining the Big 12.
Bubble Watch
Programs like BYU and UCF remain competitive, capable of beating anyone on the right night but still searching for consistency. Meanwhile, Arizona headlines the incoming quartet from the Pac-12 — a program rich in talent but still adapting to the Big 12’s physical grind and travel demands. Colorado and Utah bring stability and experience, while Arizona State will rely on athleticism to stay competitive.
Rebuild Zone
Oklahoma State and West Virginia enter the year in rebuilding mode, working to reestablish footing in a league where there’s little margin for error.