Big 12 Preview and Predictions

The Big 12 football 2025 media days was the first of the power conferences last month. After Arizona State shocked most everyone and won the Big 12 championship last year after being picked by the media and most prognosticators to finish at or near the bottom of the conference, the league decided there would not be a media poll this season. 

But the Big 12 appears to be the most wide open of the power conferences with at least a half dozen teams most capable contenders to reach and win the Big 12 championship. That includes the Arizona State Sun Devils, who won just 3 games two seasons ago, and then went 11-3 last season and included a tough College Football Playoff loss to Texas 39-31 in OT after winning the Big 12 in their first season in the conference. 

I like Baylor as a top win contender in 2025 with an experienced core, cohesive coaching units and top senior QB operating behind a highly-rated Big 12 offensive line. 

Two Big 12 teams made Phil Steele's Most Improved list (top 12) led by Utah (2) with Cincinnati No. 8. But Utah (4), Arizona State (6), Baylor (8) and Iowa State (11) make Steel's 2025 Surprise Teams list followed by next tier in the top 20 of Kansas State (13), TCU (16) and Texas Tech (17). Baylor and Utah make Steele's top-20 rankings with Iowa State, Arizona State and Kansas State starting the season in the top-25. 

Check out the SEC football preview along with Big Ten football and ACC football coverage and previews I provide here at Off Shore Gaming Association with information you can bet on. 

Watch out for these freaks in 2025 😈#Big12FB | @TheAthleticCFB pic.twitter.com/NZTth9Xz9L

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) August 6, 2025

Big 12 Teams, Odds, Season Wins And Position/Unit Rankings 

Here are the Big 12 teams with regular season O/U wins, odds to win the conference and national championship plus position and unit rankings for each team in the Big 12 conference. Check back for more added stats and notes. 

College football odds from BetOnline, BetUS and Bookmaker, plus other leading online sportsbooks and reduced juice books like rebranded BetAnyThing (formerly BetAnySports) and Heritage Sports refresh periodically and are subject to change, including on props and live betting.

Baylor 

Head coach: Dave Aranda (6th year)
Season Wins: O/U 7.5 (under -120)  
Last 2 years: 8-5, 3-9 
National Title: +15000 (BetUS)
Big 12 Title: +650 (BetOnline)
Big 12 Unit rankings: QB (1), RB (1), REC (2), OL (2), DL (6), LB (2), DB (5), ST (1), Coach (1)

Notes: Bye Weeks 7 and 11. The Bears open the first month of football in September with one of the toughest schedules in the country vs. Auburn, at SMU and back home vs. Arizona State. But the offense looks ready to explode after averaging 34 points per game last season, and Aranda is a defensive specialist with the Bears defense better than 26.7 PPG allowed last season. Bye weeks before playing at TCU and home vs. Utah sets up well, along with the Bears top-rated special teams.  

Utah

Head coach: Kyle Whittingham (21st year)
Season Wins: O/U 7.5 (over -172 , BookMaker)  
Last year: 5-7 (first Big 12) 
National Title: +10000 
Big 12 Title: +475 
Big 12 Unit rankings: QB (4), RB (10), REC (12), OL (1), DL (3), LB (1), DB (3), ST (9), Coach (1)

Notes: Bye Weeks 6 and 11. The Utes have underperformed the last two seasons, but they are expected to bounce back with strength along the offensive and defensive line. Duel QB Devon Dampier comes in from New Mexico, along with his offensive coordinator. The Utes should start strong with their toughest game vs. Texas Tech before a bye to also face Arizona State at home followed by rival BYU in Provo. Coach Whittingham is the best, and a Big 12 Championship game appearance and College Football Playoff could mark the end of a 21-year career coaching the Utes.  

Iowa State

Head coach: Matt Campbell (10th year)
Season Wins: O/U 7.5 (under -140)  
Last 2 years: 11-3, 7-6 
National Title: +20000 
Big 12 Title: +1200 
Big 12 Unit rankings: QB (4), RB (1), REC (9), OL (2), DL (12), LB (7), DB (3), ST (7), Coach (1)

Notes: Bye Weeks 4 and 11. Iowa State's best year in school history produced 11 wins, and the bar is high for the Cyclones to return to the Big 12 Championship game. It will be tough with plenty of roster turnover, and the opening Week 0 game in Dublin, Ireland vs. Kansas State will be a most watched and wagered event with two top-rated QB's moving the offenses against weaker backend units (over). Both ISU QB Rocco Becht and Kansas State QB Avery Johnson are juniors and passed for 25 TD's last season while rushing for 7-8 more touchdowns.  

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Arizona State

Head coach: Kenny Dillingham (3rd year)
Season Wins: O/U 8.5 (under -125)  
Last year: 11-3  (first Big 12)
National Title: +10000 
Big 12 Title: +600 
Big 12 Unit rankings: QB (4), RB (5), REC (6), OL (2), DL (3), LB (2), DB (1), ST (7), Coach (8)

Notes: Bye Weeks 6 and 11. A most improbable season for the Sun Devils in 2024 saw them win the Big 12 championship after being picked to finish last. Arizona State lost an instant classic in overtime to Texas, 39-31 in the College Football Playoff. Now ASU returns 17 players with starting experience including star Soph QB Sam Leavitt with strength along the offensive and defensive line. A move up from 33 points per game on offense is expected with an improved defense as well that allowed 22.6 points per game last season. But a tougher schedule includes road games against Mississippi State, Baylor, Utah, Iowa State and Colorado.

Kansas State

Head coach: Chris Kleiman (7th year)
Season Wins: O/U 8.5 (under -122)  
Last 2 years: 9-4, 9-4 
National Title: +10000 
Big 12 Title: +600 
Big 12 Unit rankings: QB (4), RB (1), REC (4), OL (7), DL (1), LB (7), DB (7), ST (9), Coach (1)

Notes: Bye Weeks 7 and 10. Coach Kleiman has done masterful work in Manhattan following four FCS championships at North Dakota State. The Wildcats offense should produce more than 30.8 points per game from last year with experience and expecially four seniors along the offensive line. The defense has been solid four-straight seasons allowing 23.5 points last year as the high mark, and this year's defensive front is top-rated in the Big 12.  

Texas Tech

Head coach:Joey McGuire (4th year)
Season Wins: O/U 8.5 (over -158)  
Last 2 years: 8-5, 7-6 
National Title: +10000 
Big 12 Title: +550 
Big 12 Unit rankings: QB (1), RB (7), REC (1), OL (4), DL (1), LB (2), DB (7), ST (3), Coach (8)

Notes: Bye Weeks 5 and 13. Texas Tech is spending big on players and NIL, and a flux of starting talent has arrived through the portal. Coach McGuire has his most talented team after posting winning conference records in his first three seasons with last year's offense among the top-5 scoring teams vs. FBS opponents at 36.4 PPG and 10 offensive players returning with starting experience. Road games and results at Utah to open conference play, Arizona State and Kansas State will determine whether TT can make it to the Big 12 championship game.  

TCU

Head coach: Sonny Dykes (4th year)
Season Wins: O/U 6.5 (over -158)  
Last 2 years: 9-4, 5-7 
National Title: +15000
Big 12 Title: +850 
Big 12 Unit rankings: QB (1), RB (10), REC (2), OL (7), DL (6), LB (6), DB (1), ST (3), Coach (1)

Notes: Bye Weeks 2 and 10. Texas Christian opens at North Carolina in a high-profile game Monday, Sept. 1. The Horned Frogs play the Big 12's toughest schedule with SMU, Baylor and Iowa State at home and ASU, K-State and BYU on the road. Coach Dykes has a talented team with a  stronger defensive front 7 than the ratings suggest. Junior QB Josh Hoover nearly passed for 4,000 yards last season, but needs more support in the running game that dipped to 114 YPG last season - worst in past 7 years for TCU.  

BYU

Head coach: Kalani Sitake (10th year)
Season Wins: O/U 7 (under -147)  
Last 2 years: 11-2, 5-7 
National Title: +25000 
Big 12 Title: +1800 
Big 12 Unit rankings: QB (13), RB (10), REC (9), OL (10), DL (12), LB (2), DB (5), ST (1), Coach (8)

Notes: Bye Weeks 3 and 10. BYU started 9-0 last season and cracked the Top 25 in Week 5 following a blowout win over No. 13 Kansas State. The Cougars made it to No. 7 in the nation before close losses to Kansas and Arizona State and finished with 11 wins following a bowl win over Colorado as 'Dog. The loss of QB Jake Retzlaff to Tulane due to a planned suspension for violating the school's honor code leaves an open competition to follow for the Cougars starting quarterback. BYU will fall back in wins despite playing the second-easiest schedule in the Big 12, according to Steele with their toughest games in mid-Oct to early Nov. vs. Utah, at Iowa State and at Texas Tech.  

Cincinnati

Head coach: Scott Satterfield (3rd year)
Season Wins: O/U 6.5 (under -150)  
Last 2 years: 5-7, 3-9 
National Title: +100000 
Big 12 Title: +2500 
Big 12 Unit rankings: QB (8), RB (5), REC (6), OL (7), DL (6), LB (9), DB (11), ST (9), Coach (11)

Notes: Bye Weeks 4 and 11. Cincinnati lost their final five games last season while also going 0-5 ATS to finish 5-7. The Bearcats are considered a most improved team with an experienced group of returning starters but a tough Week 1 non-conference game to kickoff the season vs. Nebraska on neutral field in Kansas City. Still, coach Satterfield made big gains at Appalachian State in his early tenure and the Bearcats offense could be much improved and one to watch to move up sharply from 25 PPG last season and improved defense with more pressure up front. Over 6.5 wins at plus money is a preferred play. 

Kansas

Head coach: Lance Leipold (5th year)
Season Wins: O/U 7.5 (under -195)  
Last 2 years: 5-7, 9-4 
National Title: +20000 
Big 12 Title: +1600 
Big 12 Unit rankings: QB (8), RB (7), REC (12), OL (4), DL (12), LB (15), DB (13), ST (9), Coach (7) 

Notes: Bye Weeks 3 and 11. A big dropoff for the Jayhawks last season with 5 close losses vs. their first five FBS opponents after starting the season ranked in the Top 25. They finished 4-2 over their final six games beating three top 20 conference foes. The Jayhawks offense has averaged 200+ yards rushing and passing the past two season. Kansas returns to play home games at remodeled Memorial Stadium, where more read-option offense will have fans excited as senior QB Jalon Daniels returns to 2023 production. The defense lacks experience, but hit the portal pretty hard for the new defensive coordinator but unit rankings suggest another season allowing at least 26 PPG making over game totals in play with a productive offense.    

Houston

Head coach: Willie Fritz (2nd year)
Season Wins: O/U 6.5 (under -130)  
Last 2 years: 4-8, 4-8 
National Title: +50000 
Big 12 Title: +2800 
Big 12 Unit rankings: QB (11), RB (7), REC (9), OL (14), DL (6), LB (13), DB (7), ST (3), Coach (11)

Notes: Bye Weeks 4 and 12. Coach Willie Fritz is working another rebuild and is expected to improve on back-to-back 4 win seasons. The offense was bottom-5 in the country in scoring last season (14 PPG) just two years removed from averaging 36 points per game. More experienced returners on offense and fewer turnovers will produce a sharp uptick in production with junior QB Conner Weigman in from Texas A&M. The Cougars defense was solid enough last season allowing less than 23 points and 325 yards per game and held Utah and Kansas State below 20 points in a pair of back-to-back upset home wins. A very managable schedule suggests at least 2 more wins and improved talent and players could double it to 8 with another over season win total preferred. 

Central Florida

Head coach: Scott Frost (1st year)
Season Wins: O/U 5.5 (under -112)  
Last 2 years: 4-8, 6-7 
National Title: +50000 
Big 12 Title: +5000 
Big 12 Unit rankings: QB (15), RB (10), REC (16), OL (12), DL (3), LB (13), DB (13), ST (15), Coach (16)

Notes: Bye Weeks 3 and 9. Head coach Scott Frost returns to UCF in Orlando, where he led the Knights as coach to a 13-0 record in 2017 before leaving to coach his alma mater at Nebraska. Central Florida has failed to produce a winning record the last three years moving from the American Athletic Conference to the Big 12 for the 2023 season. That despite averaging at least 30 points per game. Thus, the Knights defense has been deficient, but looks much better up front this season. Former highly-touted Indiana QB Tayven Jackson competes with Florida Atlantic transfer QB Cam Fancher for the starting job, and the winner will have a shot to build confidence with a pair of soft opening opponents before a bye ahead of North Carolina at home - one of seven games in Orlando. November road games at Baylor, Texas Tech and BYU will be tough as double-digit underdogs. 

Colorado 

Head coach: Deion Sanders (3rd year)
Season Wins: O/U 6.5 (under -190)  
Last year: 9-4 (first Big 12)
National Title: +40000 
Big 12 Title: +2500 
Big 12 Unit rankings: QB (13), RB (16), REC (4), OL (10), DL (6), LB (9), DB (11), ST (9), Coach (11)

Notes: Bye Weeks 8 and 12. Coach Prime rebuilt the Buffaloes in two seasons with unmatched excitement and energy. Heisman Trophy winner and 2-way starter Travis Hunter was a top pick in the NFL, and Deion's sons and former Buffs, QB Shedeur Sanders and DB Shilo are trying to make NFL rosters. Deion's health issues have set him back ahead of the season, and his team is expected to drop back with heavy juice under 6.5 wins after 9 wins last season. Liberty transfer QB Kaidon Salter is expected to start, but 17-year-old freshman 5* recruit QB Julian Lewis is one to watch as the long-term rock at the position in Boulder after flipping his commitment from the USC Trojans late last year. Four of the first five games at home including the opener vs. Georgia Tech with money pouring in on the Yellow Jackets. The Buffs don't play Baylor, Utah or Texas Tech, but the defense won't be nearly as good as the 23 points per game allowed last year, which was an 11 PPG improvement from Sanders first year coaching Colorado.    

Oklahoma State

Head coach: Mike Gundy (21st year)
Season Wins: O/U 5.5 (under -188)  
Last 2 years: 3-9, 10-4 
National Title: +50000 
Big 12 Title: +4000
Big 12 Unit rankings: QB (15), RB (10), REC (9), OL (15), DL (15), LB (13), DB (13), ST (3), Coach (1)

Notes: Bye Weeks 3 and 11. What a fall off for the Cowboys last season, going from 10 wins and a Big 12 title game to just 3 including a winless Big 12 campaign despite being picked as a potential Big 12 contender. Coach Mike Gundy has passed 20 years coaching his alma mater, and last year was just his second losing season in Stillwater. The defense was a disaster, allowing 35 points per game, 500 yards per game and 6.7 yards per play. Another losing season ahead as Oklahoma State plays all the top teams in the Big 12 other than SMU, and travels Week 2 to Eugene to play Oregon as a huge underdog. Many transfers and uncertainty and under season wins or alternative line with less juice is in play.   

Arizona

Head coach: Brent Brrennan (2nd year)
Season Wins: O/U 5.5 (under -114)  
Last year: 4-8 (first Big 12) 
National Title: +100000 
Big 12 Title: +2800 
Big 12 Unit rankings: QB (8), RB (10), REC (6), OL (12), DL (15), LB (9), DB (7), ST (15), Coach (14)

Notes: Bye Weeks 4 and 9. From 1 win to 10 wins two seasons ago to just 4 in coach Brent Brennan's first season in Tucson. But Brennan turned around San Jose State from longtime loser to a winner, and many returners and more familiarity in the system should see improved play, but not necessarily more wins. Plenty of transfers as well including along the offensive line, but this team declined by more than 10 points per game on both offense and defense last season. The rise back up is steep once they hit conference play.  

West Virginia

Head coach: Rich Rodriguez (1st year)
Season Wins: O/U 5.5 (under -150)  
Last 2 years: 6-7, 9-4 
National Title: +30000 
Big 12 Title: +4000 
Big 12 Unit rankings: QB (11), RB (1), REC (12), OL (15), DL (11), LB (9), DB (15), ST (9), Coach (14)

Notes: Bye Weeks 7 and 13. Longtime West Virginia coach and alumni Rich Rodriguez returns to Morgantown for another try having coached the Moutaineers in the early 2000's. Questions at quarterback and zero starting offensive lineman return. The defense allowed 32 points per game last season and has holes and transfers trying to fit in and fill the void. West Virginia avoids Baylor and SMU, but not sure there's even 1-2 wins in conference play making under the only way to look if betting season wins. 

Key Big 12 Contests And Game Of The Year Odds

Key games between Big 12 teams and preseason Game of the Year college football odds from BetOnline to compare to betting lines and adjustments each week when the matchups take place. Betting favorites in (  ). 

Week 0 - Aug. 23
Iowa State vs. Kansas State (-3), 49.5 - Dublin, Ireland
Fresno State at Kansas (-13.5), 50.5

Week 1 - Aug. 28-30
Nebraska (-6.5) at Cincinnati, 52.5
Auburn (-2) at Baylor, 57.5
Georgia Tech (-4.5) at Colorado, 55
Hawaii at Arizona (-13.5), 55.5
Utah (-6.5) at UCLA, 50.5
TCU (-3) at North Carolina, 59 (Sept. 1) 

Week 2 - Sept. 6
Iowa at Iowa State
Kansas at Missouri
Oklahoma State at Oregon

Week 3 - Sept. 12-13
Kansas State at Arizona
Pittsburgh at West Virginia

Week 4 - Sept. 20
Arizona State at Baylor
Texas Tech at Utah
SMU at TCU
Wyoming at Colorado

Week 5 - Sept. 27
BYU at Colorado

Week 6 - Oct. 4
Kansas State at Baylor
Texas Tech at Houston

Week 7 - Oct. 11
TCU at Kansas State

Week 8 - Oct. 18
Utah at BYU
Baylor at TCU
Texas Tech at Arizona State

Week 9 - Oct. 25
Kansas State (-4) at Kansas
Baylor at Cincinnati

Week 10 - Nov. 1
Arizona State at Iowa State
Oklahoma State at Kansas

Week 12 - Nov. 15
Utah at Baylor
Kansas State at Oklahoma State

Week 13 - Nov. 22
Duke at North Carolina (-1.5)
SMU at Houston
Kansas at Iowa State

Week 14 - Nov. 28-29
Houston at Baylor
Arizona at Arizona State
Texas Tech at West Virginia

Check back for more updates and team notes, stats and follow the Big 12 Conference football schedule, weekly odds, picks and information you can bet on

FairwayJay is a proven sports handicapper and loves college football. He's been handicapping and betting college football for more than two decades and is recognized as one of the sports industry's most insightful analysts. He chips in additional sports betting coverage and reporting on industry news and events. Follow FairwayJay here at OSGA.com and on X @FairwayJay for more sports and betting insights.