CBS Sports updates Big 12 Football rankings ahead of 2025 college football season

CBS Sports updated its Big 12 football rankings ahead of the 2025 college football season and it promises to be an exciting race. Arizona State won it all last year and is the current favorite.

But, the Big 12 is pretty random and some could certainly throw a dart at a board, picking a random team and yes, they might end up winning it. There’s a clear talent gap with some teams, but this conference is anyone’s game.

Let’s dive into the Big 12 rankings per CBS Sports, starting at the top. The number in parentheses is the team’s national rank.

1. Arizona State (11)

The Sun Devils come into the 2025 season as the defending Big 12 champions. After being picked to finish last by polls last year, CBS has them as the top ranked team in the conference.

Notably, Sam Leavitt is back at QB for a team that looks to return to the CFP. Army RB Kanye Udoh transferred in and Jordyn Tyson is back at WR. The sole transfer expected to start as of now on defense is Kyndrich Breelove at DB.

2. Kansas State (14)

The headliner is QB Avery Johnson returning at QB for the Wildcats. They’ll go as far in the Big 12 as he’ll take them. RB Dylan Edwards is also back, so there will be explosive options on offense.

Gabe Powers (LB) and Gunner Maldonado (DB) transferred in to aid the defense as well. Kansas State is firmly in the top 15 overall by CBS, so this should be a solid team to watch.

3. Iowa State (19)

The Cyclones have come up short for a Big 12 title a couple of times under Matt Campbell. But, this program has held a steady hand and they should contend for the conference crown this year.

Rocco Becht returns at QB and he’ll be aided by transfer wide receivers Chase Sowell and Xavier Townsend. The defense has plenty of experience with all but two projected starters being juniors or older.

4. Texas Tech (21)

The Red Raiders spent a lot in NIL in terms of their recruiting and transfer portal additions. Joey McGuire didn’t want to have any misses this season and on paper, CBS has them in the top 25.

As far as winning the Big 12? Well, it can certainly happen considering they’re top four preseason wise. QB Behren Morton will have three new linemen in front of him and offensive weapons Reggie Virgil (WR) and Quinton Joyner (RB) as transfers to beef up the offense.

5. Utah (25)

Can Kyle Whittingham get the Utes back to the top? That seems to be the consensus among preseason pollers. However, this is a completely different Utah team from the one that dominated the Pac-12 in the final days of that conference.

Devon Dampier transferred in at QB, along with RB Wayshawn Parker. Not only that, there are three new starting WRs projected to start, all transfers. The defense is veteran heavy, so Whittingham hopes this team can gel fast to compete for the Big 12.

6. Baylor (26)

Dave Aranda already has a Big 12 title under his belt while at Baylor. Since then, it hasn’t been great, but it seems like the Bears are due for a major bounce back this fall.

Sawyer Robertson is the veteran QB under center and Kobe Prentice transferred in to bolster the WR corps. On defense, Baylore features three new linebackers and nose tackle Adonis Friloux, all transfers.

7. TCU (31)

Sonny Dykes has had a solid tenure with the Horned Frogs, but they’re in the middle of the pack in the Big 12 right now. But, they’re just on the outside of CBS’ top 25 overall.

Transfer WRs Jordan Dwyer and Joseph Manjack IV should help on offense greatly. On defense, TCU has all senior linebackers, so there’s veteran leadership across the board.

8. BYU (36)

BYU, like another team coming up, fell just short of the Big 12 title game last year, but had a great year. The Cougars have to figure out the QB situation with Jake Retzlaff transferring out.

BYU beefed up the offensive line with two transfers and did the same on the defensive side of the trenches. They’re outside the top 25, per CBS, but right in the middle of the conference and probably have an outside shot.

9. Kansas (39)

Lance Leipold had virtually nothing to work with when he took over Kansas. He’s turned them into a competitive program once again.

While they might not be the Big 12 favorites, this conference is very random. Veteran QB Jalon Daniels is back for one more season and if healthy, could be one of the more exciting players in this league.

10. Colorado (46)

Deion Sanders doesn’t have son Shedeur at QB nor Heisman winner Travis Hunter playing two ways anymore. But, the buffaloes added transfers on the offensive line again and brought in some other key players.

QB Kaidon Salter and freshman Julian Lewis will battle for the starting gig and the team seemingly has an NFL-caliber tackle in Jordan Seaton. Protection up front and solid defense will be key to this squad, perhaps, surprising some at the top of the Big 12 this year.

CBS Sports updates Big 12 Football rankings

11. Cincinnati(52)
12. Houston (53)
13. Oklahoma State (64)
14. West Virginia (65)
15. Arizona (68)
16. UCF (74)