Big 12 Basketball Power Rankings: Week 1 Of 2025-26 Season
The new season of Big 12 basketball has officially begun, promising another competitive year. As the conference enters the second year of its 16-team era, it aims to regain its position as the top basketball conference in the country during the 2025-26 season.
Last Season Recap
Despite trailing behind the SEC last year, the Big 12 had a strong showing with seven teams qualifying for the NCAA Tournament. Houston stood out by making it all the way to the National Championship Game. The Cougars, coached by Kelvin Sampson, are chasing their third consecutive regular-season title and are the favorites to lead the conference again.
Key Freshmen to Watch
This season features several star freshmen expected to impact the Big 12 landscape:
- AJ Dybantsa from BYU
- Darryn Peterson, the nation's No. 2 recruit, at Kansas
- Tounde Yessoufou from Baylor
- Chris Cenac from Houston
- Koa Peat from Arizona
Top Teams Returning
Four Big 12 teams that reached the Sweet 16 last year are poised to be just as strong or possibly better 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
Every Monday throughout the college basketball season, KSL Sports will release weekly power rankings for Big 12 basketball fans to follow.
Author's summary: The Big 12 basketball season opens with strong contenders and highly touted freshmen, as Houston aims for its third straight title amid a highly competitive conference landscape.