The Big 12 promised to be an unpredictable, wide-open race once again in 2025, and so far that has played out. BYU is off to an undefeated start once again, after going 9–0 to begin the 2024 season, and finds itself atop the conference as the College Football Playoff race gets into gear.
The Cougars debuted at No. 7 in the initial CFP rankings, released on Tuesday night. Conference rival Texas Tech slides in one spot below at No. 8. With fellow Big 12 power Utah in the mix at No. 13—all three Big 12 programs ahead of any ACC or Group of 5 program—the conference appears to be in healthy shape to land at least two bids in the CFP. Even so, Saturday’s game in Lubbock, Texas between these two programs is a critical opportunity for both to take a big step towards locking up spaces in the conference championship game and keep themselves in playoff position.
