Big 12 Basketball Power Rankings: Week 1 of 2025-26 Season
The Big 12 basketball season is underway, kicking off the second year of the 16-team era. The conference aims to regain its status as the top basketball league in the nation for the 2025-26 season.
Recap of the Previous Season
Despite playing second fiddle to the SEC last year, the Big 12 had a strong campaign. Seven teams qualified for the NCAA Tournament, including Houston, which made it to the National Championship Game.
The Coogs look to be the favorite once again in the Big 12, as Kelvin Sampson’s squad is chasing a third consecutive regular-season title.
Rising Freshmen to Watch
This season features a talented group of freshmen, many expected to make an immediate impact:
- 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
Top Teams to Follow
Four Big 12 teams reached the Sweet 16 last year and appear poised to maintain or improve on that success 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 Power Rankings
KSL Sports will provide weekly Big 12 basketball power rankings every Monday throughout the college basketball season, keeping fans up to date with the latest team performances.
Author’s summary: The 2025-26 Big 12 basketball season starts strong with a mix of proven contenders and promising freshmen aiming to reclaim national prominence.