The Big 12 has continued to be the most unpredictable conference in college football in recent years, and the race for the championship is again wide open. Texas Tech, seen as the frontrunner, was taken by surprise with a loss to Arizona State, allowing for various teams to emerge as contenders.

As November approached last year, nine teams were still in contention for the title, largely due to complicated tiebreakers. In the end, four teams were tied for the top position, with Arizona State besting Iowa State for the championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Notably, the conference has seen seven different teams reach the Big 12 Championship Game over the past eight years, showcasing the competitive nature of the league. Several of the top teams are poised to make their first appearances in the title game, emphasizing the ongoing chaos in the Big 12.

Here’s a breakdown of how each team stands in the Big 12 title race, ranging from strong contenders to those struggling at the bottom.

The Top Contenders

• Texas Tech (6-1, 3-1): After a recent defeat, they still lead the pack. Their defense, particularly with standout linebackers David Bailey and Jacob Rodriguez recognized for Midseason All-America honors, remains formidable. If quarterback Behren Morton gets back to full health, they are still prime contenders in the Big 12.
• BYU (7-0, 4-0): Having navigated a relatively easier schedule, a recent win over Utah has positioned them in the upper echelon of the conference. Upcoming matches against Texas Tech and tough road trips to Iowa State and Cincinnati will be decisive.
• Arizona State (5-2, 3-1): This season parallels their previous one, experiencing challenges without quarterback Sam Leavitt. His remarkable performance of 319 yards against Texas Tech reignites their hopes in the title race, although the path forward is challenging.

On the Brink

• Cincinnati (6-1, 4-0): Emerging as a surprising force, they were close to an undefeated season but must now solidify their status against teams like Baylor and Utah.
• Utah (5-2, 2-2): Although a solid team, they face challenges with tiebreaker losses. Their chances are hindered by earlier defeats to both Texas Tech and BYU.
• Houston (6-1, 3-1): Under new leadership from Willie Fritz, they are exceeding expectations, having secured their first bowl eligibility since joining the Big 12 yet need to stabilize their offensive play.

Struggling Teams

Teams like Iowa State and TCU are fighting for better positioning as they face tough future matches. While Iowa State looks at a challenging schedule, TCU needs to relieve their recent inconsistencies.

The landscape of the Big 12 is marked by uncertainty as the championship race unfolds, and with each week more surprises are expected.