Big 12 Basketball Power Rankings: Week 1 of 2025-26 Season
The new season of Big 12 basketball has begun, bringing anticipation for another competitive year. The conference enters its second season as a 16-team league, aiming to reestablish itself as the premier basketball conference in the nation.
Big 12’s Position in College Basketball
Last season, despite the SEC’s dominance, the Big 12 had a strong showing with seven teams making the NCAA Tournament. Houston reached the National Championship Game, and they are favored again this season to win a third straight regular-season title under coach Kelvin Sampson.
Rising Freshman Stars
This year’s Big 12 basketball is energized by standout freshmen talent. Key newcomers include:
- AJ Dybantsa from BYU
- Darryn Peterson, the nation’s No. 2 recruit, at Kansas
- Baylor’s Tounde Yessoufou
- Houston’s Chris Cenac
- Arizona’s Koa Peat
Teams to Watch
Four Big 12 teams reached the Sweet 16 last season—Houston, BYU, Texas Tech, and Arizona—all of which appear poised to maintain or improve their performance this year. Houston’s roster is younger than usual, boosted by the highly praised freshman class led by Chris Cenac.
Weekly Coverage
KSL Sports will provide weekly Big 12 basketball power rankings every Monday throughout the college basketball season.
“Big 12 basketball tips off the second season of the 16-team era. The Big 12 is looking to reclaim its spot as the top conference in America again in the 2025-26 season.”
“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.”
Author’s summary: The Big 12 basketball season kicks off with high expectations, led by Houston’s strong title chase and a fresh wave of talented freshmen energizing the conference's competition.