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Utah Poised to Lead Big 12 in 2025 Season

CBS Sports Releases Updated Big 12 Football Rankings for the 2025 Season

As the college football landscape continues to evolve with conference realignments, player transfers, and coaching changes, CBS Sports has provided an updated outlook on the Big 12 conference rankings heading into the 2025 season. This assessment comes at a pivotal time, following the expansion of the conference and the departure of powerhouse programs like Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC. The Big 12 now features a mix of established contenders and emerging teams, with a focus on depth, recruiting success, and on-field performance from the previous year. The rankings reflect not only past achievements but also projections based on returning talent, incoming recruits, and strategic roster adjustments through the transfer portal. Let's dive into the detailed breakdown of how CBS Sports sees the conference stacking up, highlighting key factors for each team's placement.

At the top of the heap sits Utah, pegged as the frontrunner for the 2025 Big 12 title. The Utes have built a reputation for physical, disciplined football under head coach Kyle Whittingham, and their transition from the Pac-12 has been seamless. A major strength lies in their defense, which ranked among the nation's best last season, allowing minimal yards per game and forcing turnovers at a high rate. Offensively, the return of quarterback Cam Rising, who missed significant time due to injury in recent years, is a game-changer. Rising's experience and leadership, combined with a stout offensive line and emerging skill players, position Utah to dominate. CBS Sports notes that Utah's ability to adapt to the Big 12's style of play, which often features high-scoring affairs, will be crucial. If they can maintain their defensive identity while boosting offensive output, a conference championship and potential College Football Playoff berth seem within reach.

Trailing closely is Kansas State, slotted in the second position. The Wildcats have been a model of consistency under Chris Klieman, leveraging a balanced attack that emphasizes a powerful running game and opportunistic defense. Deuce Vaughn may be gone, but the emergence of new running backs and the steady hand of quarterback Avery Johnson provide optimism. Johnson's dual-threat capabilities add a dynamic element, allowing Kansas State to exploit mismatches. The team's success in developing underrated talent through recruiting and the portal has kept them competitive. CBS Sports highlights their road warrior mentality, with impressive wins away from home in recent seasons, as a key asset in the competitive Big 12 schedule. However, questions remain about depth in the secondary, which could be tested against pass-heavy offenses like those from Oklahoma State or Texas Tech.

Oklahoma State claims the third spot, buoyed by the return of veteran quarterback Alan Bowman and a high-octane offense led by running back Ollie Gordon II, who was a Heisman contender last year. The Cowboys' explosive playmaking ability makes them a threat in any matchup, but defensive inconsistencies have plagued them in the past. Improvements in that area, including new transfers bolstering the linebacker corps, could elevate them further. CBS Sports praises their home-field advantage at Boone Pickens Stadium, where the crowd noise and atmosphere often disrupt opponents. Yet, the ranking acknowledges the challenges of a tougher conference slate, predicting that Oklahoma State's success will hinge on reducing turnovers and improving red-zone efficiency.

Arizona rounds out the top four, a somewhat surprising placement given their recent entry into the Big 12 from the Pac-12. Under Jedd Fisch's guidance, the Wildcats have shown rapid improvement, particularly with quarterback Noah Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan forming one of the conference's most potent passing duos. Their offensive creativity and ability to stretch the field vertically make them a dark horse. Defensively, Arizona has invested in speed and athleticism, aiming to counter the Big 12's spread offenses. CBS Sports points to their upset potential, citing last season's victories over ranked teams as evidence of their growth. However, adapting to the physicality of Big 12 play and managing injuries will be critical tests.

In the middle tier, Colorado sits at fifth, generating buzz due to the high-profile coaching of Deion Sanders and the star power of players like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. The Buffaloes' flash and athleticism are undeniable, with Hunter's two-way prowess drawing comparisons to elite NFL prospects. Offensively, they boast a quick-strike capability, but defensive lapses and offensive line struggles have been exposed in big games. CBS Sports tempers expectations by noting the need for more consistent line play and depth, suggesting that while Colorado could win high-profile matchups, sustaining success over a full season remains a question mark.

Kansas follows in sixth, continuing their remarkable turnaround under Lance Leipold. From perennial doormats to bowl contenders, the Jayhawks' rise is fueled by quarterback Jalon Daniels, whose mobility and arm strength keep defenses guessing. Their balanced approach, with a solid rushing attack and improving defense, positions them as spoilers. CBS Sports emphasizes their recruiting gains in the Midwest, which have added talent to both sides of the ball.

Iowa State occupies seventh, known for their gritty, defensive-minded style under Matt Campbell. The Cyclones excel at forcing mistakes and controlling the clock, with a veteran secondary leading the charge. Offense has been a weak point, but young quarterback Rocco Becht shows promise. The ranking reflects their ability to compete with anyone on a given day, though offensive firepower might limit their ceiling.

Texas Tech slides into eighth, with their air-raid offense under Joey McGuire capable of putting up big numbers. Quarterback Behren Morton and a deep receiving group are highlights, but defensive vulnerabilities persist. CBS Sports sees them as a team that could climb with better pass protection.

Ninth is TCU, still riding the wave of their 2022 national championship appearance but facing rebuilding pains. Quarterback Josh Hoover provides stability, and their speed on the edges is a plus, but overall depth is a concern.

West Virginia claims tenth, with a run-heavy offense and tough defense suited for the conference. Neal Brown's squad has shown resilience, particularly at home.

Eleventh goes to UCF, bringing athleticism from the American Conference. Their up-tempo style could surprise, led by transfer quarterback KJ Jefferson.

Baylor sits at twelfth, hoping to rebound with improved recruiting and a focus on fundamentals under Dave Aranda.

Cincinnati is thirteenth, adjusting to Power Five play with a defense-first mentality but needing offensive sparks.

Houston ranks fourteenth, facing challenges post their Big 12 entry but with potential in young talent.

Arizona State is fifteenth, building under Kenny Dillingham with an emphasis on speed and local recruiting.

Finally, BYU rounds out the list at sixteenth, relying on their unique culture and veteran presence to navigate a demanding schedule.

Overall, CBS Sports' rankings paint a picture of a wide-open Big 12, where parity reigns and any team could emerge as a contender. The conference's blend of traditional powers and newcomers promises exciting rivalries and high-stakes games, setting the stage for what could be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory. Factors like the expanded playoff format will add intrigue, as multiple teams vie for at-large bids. As spring practices loom, these projections will undoubtedly shift, but for now, they offer a compelling snapshot of the conference's hierarchy. (Word count: 1,048)

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