Big 12 Basketball Power Rankings: Week 1 Of 2025-26 Season
The new Big 12 basketball season is underway, kicking off another competitive year. The conference enters its second season with 16 teams, aiming to reclaim its status as the nation's top basketball conference for 2025-26.
Big 12 Outlook
Last season, the Big 12 trailed the SEC but still demonstrated strength with seven teams qualifying for the NCAA Tournament. Houston stood out by advancing to the National Championship Game and is favored again. Coach Kelvin Sampson’s team pursues a third straight regular-season title.
Freshman Talent to Watch
This season features exciting new talent, with standout freshmen leading the headlines:
- BYU’s AJ Dybantsa
- Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, the nation's No. 2 recruit
- Baylor’s Tounde Yessoufou
- Houston’s Chris Cenac
- Arizona’s Koa Peat
Strong Contenders
Four Big 12 teams reached the NCAA Sweet 16 last year and appear just as formidable this season:
- Houston
- BYU
- Texas Tech
- Arizona
"It’s a younger team than we’re used to seeing in Houston, with a heralded freshman class in the program led by Chris Cenac."
Weekly Updates
KSL Sports will provide weekly Big 12 basketball power rankings every Monday throughout the college hoops season.
Author's summary: The 2025-26 Big 12 basketball season promises high-level competition fueled by standout freshmen and a Houston team aiming for its third consecutive regular-season title.