(BCSNN) — With the Big 12 Media Days wrapping up at The Star in Frisco, a unique preseason poll conducted by On3 has revealed how the league’s 16 head football coaches view the upcoming 2025 conference championship race.
Following the media preseason poll picking Arizona State to finish last, before the Sun Devils won the conference in 2024, the Big 12 opted not to have an official preseason poll. However, On3 anonymously surveyed the coaches, asking each to select two teams they believe will reach the Big 12 title game. Coaches were prohibited from voting for their own programs, adding a layer of objectivity to the results.
The outcome of the poll points to a potential showdown between Kansas State and Iowa State, with the Wildcats receiving eight votes and the Cyclones close behind with seven. Arizona State followed with six votes, while Texas Tech earned five. TCU, Baylor, and Utah also received votes, though none garnered more than three, indicating a clear top tier in the coaches’ minds.
Kansas State’s emergence as the favorite is no surprise given the return of quarterback Avery Johnson and the addition of offensive coordinator Matt Wells. Head coach Chris Klieman emphasized the importance of continuity and quarterback development, noting that Johnson’s leadership and dual-threat ability could be pivotal in navigating a deep and balanced Big 12 slate.
Iowa State, meanwhile, is riding high after a historic 11-win season in 2024 and a narrow loss in the conference title game to Arizona State. Head coach Matt Campbell returns quarterback Rocco Becht, who led the Cyclones to their first championship appearance in over a century. Despite losing key receivers to the NFL, Campbell expressed confidence in his team’s depth and resilience during media sessions.
Arizona State, the defending Big 12 champions, surprisingly fell just short of the top two in the coaches’ poll. Head coach Kenny Dillingham returns 17 starters, including quarterback Sam Leavitt, but the Sun Devils’ omission from the projected title game reflects the league’s parity and the skepticism surrounding repeat success in a conference known for volatility.
Texas Tech’s strong showing in the poll reflects optimism around its top-ranked transfer class, which includes 21 new additions. Head coach Joey McGuire has built momentum through aggressive portal recruiting, and the Red Raiders are viewed as a dark horse capable of disrupting the championship picture if their new pieces gel quickly.
Notably absent from the coaches’ top picks were the Colorado Buffaloes, despite a 9-4 finish and a 7-2 conference record in 2024. Head coach Deion Sanders acknowledged the challenge of integrating new quarterbacks Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis, both of whom are expected to play early. Sanders remained confident in his team’s upside, but the lack of votes suggests skepticism about Colorado’s ability to contend immediately.
With the Big 12 eliminating its preseason media poll this year, the On3 coaches’ survey offers a rare glimpse into how insiders view the competitive landscape. The consensus points to a tightly contested race, with Kansas State and Iowa State leading the pack, but several programs lurking just behind. As the season approaches, the league’s depth and unpredictability promise another thrilling campaign.
