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2025 Big 12 Football Preview: New Faces, Old Rivalries, and Pure Unfiltered Mayhem

The Big 12 in 2025 is a conference without a safety net — every week is a landmine.16  teams. Four time zones. Two playoff contenders. Zero margin for error.


Let’s break it down by contenders, risers, spoilers, and full-on “hold my beer” chaos agents.


Top Contenders - My Top Five


  1. Arizona State - The Sun Devils aren’t just dark-horse contenders; they're the favorites this year after an implausible title run last season. With 79% of returning production - the second highest nationally - they’re poised to repeat.


Courtesy of Arizona Sports
Courtesy of Arizona Sports

  1. Texas Tech - After a portal haul that brought in top defensive pieces like David Bailey, Lee Hunter, and Howard Sampson, the Red Raiders are a force again.


Courtesy of Texas Tech
Courtesy of Texas Tech

  1. Kansas State – Steel-forged consistency from K-State. Avery Johnson returns at QB, with linebacker Austin Romaine anchoring the defense.


Courtesy of Kansas State
Courtesy of Kansas State

  1. TCU – Big schedule ahead with early road tests. Josh Hoover returns to lead the offense, and the defense shows second-half potential.


Courtesy of TCU
Courtesy of TCU

  1. Utah – Rebounding with a revamped offense led by dual-threat QB Devon Dampier and new production at WR after a down 2024.


Courtesy of Utah Utes
Courtesy of Utah Utes

Storylines To Watch


Iowa State vs. Kansas State in Dublin - Week Zero , across the pond, with Guinness in hand and jet lag for both teams. It’s more than a tone-setter — this game has legit Big 12 title implications before Labor Day.


TCU at Kansas State - Could be the game that decides who makes it to Arlington. Last season’s matchup was a one-score slugfest until the fourth quarter.


Texas Tech at Arizona State - Defending champion vs offseason hype creates the perfect formula for a midseason litmus test.


Kansas State at Utah - A late-season collision course. The winner likely books a ticket to the Big 12 Championship.


Key Players and Transfers To Watch

Top Freshmen


  • Julian Lewis (QB, Colorado) – High IQ passer with elite mechanics, ready to win the job fast.


Courtesy of the Denver Post
Courtesy of the Denver Post

  • Carde Smith (OT, Colorado) – Massive and athletic, already making a trench impact in preseason.


Courtesy of the Colorado Buffaloes
Courtesy of the Colorado Buffaloes

  • Linkon Cure (TE, Kansas State) – First five-star in K-State history, offers flexibility and reliability for Johnson.


Courtesy of Kansas State
Courtesy of Kansas State

Impact Transfers


  • David Bailey (OLB, Texas Tech) – Stanford edge-rush standout with 14.5 career sacks, brings heat and presence.


Courtesy of Texas Tech Athletics
Courtesy of Texas Tech Athletics

  • Howard Sampson (OT, Texas Tech) – 6'8", smooth-footed blocker adding elite size and skill to Tech’s offensive front.


Courtesy of Texas Tech Athletics
Courtesy of Texas Tech Athletics

  • Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech) – UCF disruptor with the best interior pressure rate in conference play last year.


Courtesy of Texas Tech Athletics
Courtesy of Texas Tech Athletics

Way Too Early Championship Prediction


Utah 27, Kansas State 20 - Utes’ defensive line overwhelms and they earn a CFP berth.


And The Heisman Goes To...


Even though Texas isn’t in the Big 12 anymore, Arch Manning’s Heisman chase is hanging over the conference like an old flame’s Instagram story - you’re not together anymore, but you can’t help checking in. Come mid-December, Arch may have some new hardware to brag about to his uncles…


Final Word


The 2025 Big 12 is shaping up to be a volatile powder keg of talent, unpredictability, and high-stakes drama. From international bouts to breakout QBs and shadow contenders, every week feels like make-or-break.


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