Big 12 Power Rankings: BYU Soars, Utah Rises, West Virginia Up, Texas Tech Soars, Kansas Drops, UCF?

Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast

Big 12 football is known for its remarkable depth and competitiveness, which sets it apart from other conferences. Unlike leagues where a few powerhouses dominate year after year, the Big 12 boasts a wide range of teams capable of competing at a high level. Programs like Oklahoma State, Kansas State, TCU, and Baylor have all enjoyed periods of success, making the conference unpredictable and exciting.

Recent additions like BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston add even more talent and depth to the conference. BYU, in particular, brings a storied history and a national fanbase that enhances the conference's profile. UCF, with its recent undefeated season in 2017 and impressive success in the American Athletic Conference, brings a high level of talent to the Big 12. Meanwhile, Cincinnati made a splash with their College Football Playoff appearance in 2021, further showcasing the conference’s growing depth.

This depth creates a league where almost any team can win on a given Saturday. Upsets are common, and even the lower-ranked teams like Texas Tech or West Virginia can pull off shocking wins. With this level of competition, every game becomes a potential thriller, and no victory is guaranteed, making the Big 12 a truly tough environment for any team to emerge as a clear frontrunner.

The competitiveness can also be a challenge, though, as teams often "cannibalize" each other, hurting the conference's chances of having a clear playoff contender. But in terms of excitement and parity, few conferences can match the depth and unpredictability that Big 12 football brings to the table.

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