Arizona State and BYU lead Big 12 championship contenders

The Big 12 Conference is gearing up for an exciting 2025 college football season. Several teams are in contention for a College Football Playoff spot. Last season, Arizona State surprised everyone by winning the conference after being picked to finish last. This success has many believing they could do it again. Arizona State returns many key players, including star quarterback Sam Leavitt. They added running back Kanye Udoh to help fill the gap left by graduated player Cam Skattebo. The team will face tough road games against Baylor, Utah, and Iowa State. BYU also looks strong after finishing with a 10-2 record last season. Their quarterback, Jake Retzlaff, and top receiver, Chase Roberts, are back. The Cougars' defense was impressive, and they hope to build on last season's successes. Baylor had a strong finish to last season, winning six straight games. With quarterback Sawyer Robertson and running back Bryson Washington returning, they aim to improve on their early-season performance. They face tough competition right out of the gate with matchups against strong teams like SMU and Arizona State. Kansas State had a challenging year but expects better results in 2025. Quarterback Avery Johnson is returning for his second year, and the team has brought in new receivers to support him. Coach Chris Klieman is known for developing talent, which keeps hopes high. Texas Tech is making big changes as they look to improve. They have brought in several talented transfers, especially to bolster their defense. With returning quarterback Behren Morton leading the offense, there is hope for a better season. However, two of their most significant games come late in the season, which will be crucial for their playoff chances.