The Big 12 landscape has been completely reshaped following No. 24 Arizona State’s pivotal 26-22 triumph over No. 14 Texas Tech. This victory not only propelled the Sun Devils into a strong conference position but also left No. 11 BYU and No. 21 Cincinnati as the sole undefeated teams in Big 12 play, intensifying the championship race with five weeks left in the regular season.
The echoes of last season’s Big 12 championship are growing louder for Arizona State. After their thrilling 26-22 win over Texas Tech, the Sun Devils find themselves in an almost identical conference standing as a year ago, when they embarked on a six-game winning streak that culminated in a Big 12 title and their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. The pressure is on, and head coach Kenny Dillingham perfectly captured the current mindset, stating, “It’s like survive and then survive again — and then keep trying to survive.”
This win, detailed in an AP News report, moved Arizona State to 3-1 in conference play, creating a logjam at the top. While BYU and Cincinnati maintain perfect 4-0 conference records, three other teams, including Texas Tech and Houston, are just a half-game back. Adding to the competitive landscape, six more teams are a game behind at 2-2, making every upcoming matchup critical as the league approaches the second half of its demanding schedule.
The Undefeated Duo: BYU and Cincinnati Leading the Charge
BYU (7-0, 4-0 Big 12)
Coach Kalani Sitake’s 10th season has been nothing short of spectacular, with the Cougars passing every test thrown their way. Their undefeated record, however, hasn’t come without challenges. They narrowly escaped Colorado by three points, needed double overtime to defeat Arizona, and most recently ground out a 24-21 victory over rival Utah, securing their third consecutive “Holy War” win. This latest triumph was highlighted in another AP News article.
A major force behind their success has been a stout defense, consistently ranking in the top 20 nationally in both total and scoring defense. Offensively, freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier has been a revelation, becoming the first freshman in program history to start a season at quarterback and delivering superb performances.
BYU’s upcoming schedule presents a significant challenge, including road games at Iowa State and Texas Tech, and a crucial road trip to Cincinnati after hosting TCU. They will conclude their regular season at home against UCF.
Cincinnati (6-1, 4-0)
The Bearcats have emerged as one of the nation’s biggest surprises this season. They earned their first AP Top 25 ranking in three years just last week and have since extended their winning streak to six straight games, including a dominant 49-17 blowout of Oklahoma State.
After an initial three-point loss to Nebraska to open the season, Cincinnati has been on a tear, defeating Kansas, then-No. 14 Iowa State, and UCF before dismantling the Cowboys. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby has been a driving force, amassing 1,752 yards and 17 passing touchdowns. The Bearcats’ offense is second in the Big 12, averaging 37.9 points per game, bolstered by an offensive line that is tied for the national lead in allowing just two sacks.
Their schedule features a home game against Baylor on Saturday, followed by a challenging road game at Utah. Key matchups include home games against BYU and Arizona before they close out the regular season on the road against TCU.
The Contenders: Who Else Can Make a Run?
Texas Tech (6-1, 3-1)
Despite their recent loss to Arizona State, the Red Raiders are very much in the Big 12 title hunt. Their primary challenge moving forward will be managing a growing list of injuries. Quarterback Behren Morton has been sidelined in three games this season, including missing the Arizona State matchup due to a knee injury. Additionally, defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard is out for the season after ankle surgery. Despite these setbacks, Texas Tech still boasts one of the nation’s top defenses.
The Red Raiders will host a struggling Oklahoma State team this Saturday before heading on the road to face Kansas State. Their schedule also includes home games against BYU and UCF, with the regular-season finale set at West Virginia.
Houston (6-1, 3-1)
Under coach Willie Fritz, the Cougars are experiencing a significant upswing. After a 4-8 record in Fritz’s inaugural season, Houston has already achieved bowl eligibility for the first time in three years and is enjoying its best start since 2021. This impressive turnaround was highlighted by a walk-off 31-29 victory over Arizona.
While their offensive and defensive statistics place them in the middle of the Big 12 pack, the Cougars consistently find ways to win, showcasing their resilience and clutch play.
Houston faces a tough road ahead, with one of their most challenging games coming this Saturday at Arizona State. They will then host West Virginia before concluding their season against TCU and a road game at Baylor.
Arizona State (5-2, 3-1)
The Sun Devils’ performance often hinges on the presence of quarterback Sam Leavitt. Arizona State boasts an impressive 11-0 record in Big 12 games when Leavitt starts. Their only conference loss this season occurred last week against Utah, a game Leavitt missed due to a foot injury.
Given their history of winning their final six games last season to secure the Big 12 title and a CFP berth, it would be premature to count the Sun Devils out of contention.
Their remaining schedule includes hosting Houston this Saturday, followed by road games at Iowa State and home against West Virginia. Arizona State will close out their regular season with road game at Colorado and a home game against rival Arizona.
The Road Ahead: Navigating the Final Five Weeks
As the Big 12 season hurtles towards its conclusion, every game becomes a playoff atmosphere. The depth and competitiveness of the league mean that upsets are always a possibility, and consistent performance will be key for any team hoping to lift the championship trophy. Fans are keenly watching how the undefeated streaks of BYU and Cincinnati will hold up against increasingly difficult opponents, and if teams like Arizona State, Texas Tech, and Houston can maintain their momentum and capitalize on any stumbles from the frontrunners.
The Big 12 is living up to its reputation as one of college football’s most exciting and unpredictable conferences. The next five weeks promise intense matchups and dramatic shifts in the standings, making for a thrilling conclusion to the regular season.
