The 2025 Big 12 season begins August 23 with one of the deepest and most unpredictable conference races in years. With no Texas or Oklahoma, the title race is wide open. Kansas State and Arizona State open as co-favorites, but as many as eight teams are projected to have realistic shots at the championship. Odds range from +550 for the favorites to +6600 for the longest shots.
The Big 12 has seen five different champions in the past five years. This season features proven quarterbacks, new coaches, and key transfers across the league. With parity at the top and competitive depth throughout, bettors will have value plays in both futures and week-to-week matchups. Check all the latest odds and run your own book this season with WagerHome.
Arizona State Sun Devils Preview – Can the Champs Repeat?
Odds: +600 | Win Total: 8.5
Arizona State returns 79% of its production from last season’s Big 12 championship run. Quarterback Sam Leavitt enters as a Heisman candidate, and receiver Jordyn Tyson is back healthy. Army transfer Kanye Udoh steps in at running back to replace Cam Skattebo. The Sun Devils’ defense is physical and opportunistic, with experience in the secondary.
The schedule includes tough road trips, but the returning talent gives ASU a strong chance to defend its title. The challenge will be avoiding the slow start that plagued them last year.
Kansas State Wildcats Preview – Johnson Leads the Charge
Odds: +550 | Win Total: 8.5
Kansas State has one of the most complete rosters in the league. Quarterback Avery Johnson is healthy and brings elite dual-threat ability. The receiving corps has size and speed, and freshman tight end Linkon Cure could be an early factor. The Wildcats also feature a disciplined defense led by linebacker Austin Romaine.
K-State benefits from a favorable schedule with key matchups at home. If Johnson stays on the field, this team has a clear path to the Big 12 Championship Game.
Texas Tech Red Raiders Preview – Money Well Spent?
Odds: +550 | Win Total: 8.5
Texas Tech used NIL resources to land one of the nation’s top transfer classes, adding defensive standouts David Bailey and Lee Hunter. Quarterback Behren Morton returns, but consistency will be key. The offense can score quickly, and the defensive upgrades aim to fix last season’s late-game issues.
The Red Raiders face Kansas State and Arizona State on the road. If they win one of those, they’ll be in strong title contention.
Utah Utes Preview – Looking for a Bounce Back
Odds: +600 | Win Total: 7.5
Utah went 5-7 in its Big 12 debut but made big changes. New offensive coordinator Jason Beck brings quarterback Devon Dampier, who rushed for over 1,100 yards at New Mexico. The defense remains a strong point under Kyle Whittingham.
The Utes’ ability to win close games will decide their season. With better injury luck, they could surprise in the standings.
Baylor Bears Preview – Momentum from 2024
Odds: +700 | Win Total: 7.5
Baylor won six straight to end the 2024 regular season. Quarterback Sawyer Robertson, running back Bryson Washington, and receiver Josh Cameron headline an experienced offense. Dave Aranda’s defense is built to stop the run and force turnovers.
If Robertson continues to progress, the Bears could be the league’s most improved team.
TCU Horned Frogs Preview – Hoover Back Under Center
Odds: +800 | Win Total: 6.5
Quarterback Josh Hoover threw for nearly 4,000 yards last season. The offense remains explosive, but road trips to Arizona State, Kansas State, and BYU will test them. The defense improved late last season under Andy Avalos.
TCU’s high-powered offense makes them dangerous, but their schedule is challenging.
Iowa State Cyclones Preview – Strong Coaching, New Targets
Odds: +1200 | Win Total: 7.5
Quarterback Rocco Becht is back after leading the Cyclones to their first 11-win season. The team must replace top receivers but has a solid line and a tough defense. Matt Campbell’s teams are rarely outcoached.
Iowa State’s manageable schedule puts them in the mix for another double-digit win season.
Kansas Jayhawks Preview – Hoping for a Healthy Daniels
Odds: +1600 | Win Total: 6.5
Jalon Daniels returns at quarterback after an injury-plagued 2024. Lance Leipold has rebuilt Kansas into a competitive program, but the defense is inexperienced. Replacing running back Devin Neal will be a challenge.
If Daniels stays healthy, Kansas will be in bowl contention.
BYU Cougars Preview – New QB, Same Expectations
Odds: +2000 | Win Total: 6.5
BYU won 11 games last year but must replace quarterback Jake Retzlaff. The new starter will come from a three-man competition. The skill positions are deep, and the defense is physical.
With solid line play, the Cougars could outperform their odds.
Colorado Buffaloes Preview – Year 2 Under Prime
Odds: +2500 | Win Total: 5.5
Colorado must replace Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and freshman Julian Lewis compete for the QB job. The roster saw heavy transfer turnover, especially along the lines.
The Buffs’ schedule is softer than last year, offering a shot at bowl eligibility.
Cincinnati Bearcats Preview – Solid QB-Defense Combo
Odds: +3000 | Win Total: 6.5
Brendan Sorsby returns at quarterback, and DT Dontay Corleone anchors the defense. The run game will be led by transfers Evan Pryor and Tawee Walker. Last year’s 3-win Big 12 record was competitive, with several close losses.
If they close out tight games, Cincinnati could exceed expectations.
Houston Cougars Preview – Fritz’s Next Step
Odds: +3500 | Win Total: 6.5
Conner Weigman takes over at quarterback after transferring from Texas A&M. Coach Willie Fritz improved the defense but must replace both coordinators. Home matchups with Texas Tech and TCU could decide their season.
Houston is a potential dark horse if Weigman plays to his talent level.
West Virginia Mountaineers Preview – RichRod Returns
Odds: +4000 | Win Total: 5.5
Rich Rodriguez is back, bringing a fast-paced offense. RB Jahiem White is the focal point. QB is undecided between Nicco Marchiol and two transfers. The roster has more than 50 new players.
West Virginia will be exciting but inconsistent in 2025.
Arizona Wildcats Preview – Brennan Starts Over
Odds: +5000 | Win Total: 4.5
Noah Fifita returns at QB after a tough 4-8 season. The offense must replace top NFL pick Tetairoa McMillan. The running game struggled last year and must improve to take pressure off Fifita.
Arizona’s path to six wins is steep in 2025.
Oklahoma State Cowboys Preview – Trying to Rebound
Odds: +5000 | Win Total: 4.5
Mike Gundy enters after his first losing season since 2005. Both coordinators are new, and the defense is rebuilt. The Cowboys face road games at BYU, UCF, and Baylor.
This could be another rebuilding year in Stillwater.
UCF Knights Preview – Frost’s Second Era
Odds: +5000 | Win Total: 5.5
Scott Frost returns to UCF with a roster featuring only one returning offensive starter. The defense is being rebuilt with transfers. It’s a transition year for the Knights.
Expect growing pains early before improvement later in the season.
PPH Betting Prediction
This is the most even Big 12 race in years. Kansas State, Arizona State, and Texas Tech are the safest picks for the title, with Baylor and Iowa State as strong value plays. BYU and Houston are intriguing long shots based on schedule and roster depth.
The projected Big 12 Championship matchup is Kansas State vs. Arizona State, with the Wildcats winning. Futures bettors should also consider Baylor at +700 as a value play. Manage your own futures action this season with WagerHome and take advantage of the competitive lines.
Pick: Kansas State to win Big 12 (+550)
