Arizona State, Texas Tech Lead Big 12 Football Race

Arizona State University is entering the 2025 college football season as the preseason Big 12 favorite after a dramatic 2024 turnaround that saw them win the conference and nearly reach the College Football Playoff semifinals. The Sun Devils, led by coach Kenny Dillingham, received the most first-place votes in the Tulsa World’s preseason poll and further strengthened their 2026 class with the commitment of four-star tight end Landen Miree from Ohio. A key matchup against Texas Tech, another national contender, is expected to be pivotal for the conference race. Meanwhile, Oklahoma suffered a recruiting setback, losing four-star athlete Jacob Eberhart to Illinois, and currently ranks No. 34 in 2026 recruiting after a disappointing 2024 season. Experts note that while Arizona State’s late-season surge was impressive, replicating such success in close games may be difficult. Both Arizona State and Texas Tech are seen as well-positioned for long-term Big 12 success.