The Big 12 Conference is capturing a lot of attention this college basketball season, and rightly so. While it’s still uncertain whether this league will outperform the SEC or Big Ten overall, its potential to produce multiple contenders for the national championship is undeniable. It’s also the breeding ground for promising NBA talents, particularly Darryn Peterson from Kansas and AJ Dybantsa from BYU, who are projected to go first and second in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Houston, Texas Tech, and BYU are emerging as significant contenders for the national title. This sentiment is reinforced by the experiences of top coaches like Bill Self of Kansas and Scott Drew of Baylor, both of whom have previously claimed national championships. Furthermore, a recent poll of over 100 college coaches highlighted Houston’s Kelvin Sampson as a likely candidate to bring home his first title this season, as his Cougars aim for a third consecutive Big 12 regular-season championship after a seamless transition from the American Conference.
Spotlight on Kansas Jayhawks
The Kansas Jayhawks have dominated the Big 12 for nearly twenty years, securing their place with an impressive streak of 14 consecutive league titles. However, recent seasons have seen a decline, with the team finishing outside the top four in both of the last two years and failing to advance beyond the Sweet 16 since 2022. Observers are keen to see if Coach Bill Self can reinstate the program’s former glory this year.
CBS Sports Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year
JT Toppin | Forward | Junior | Texas Tech
The reigning Big 12 Player of the Year, JT Toppin, is poised to secure the title again after an outstanding season in which he averaged 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds, helping Texas Tech reach the Elite Eight. However, with talented freshmen like Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa entering the league, securing the award won’t be a cakewalk for Toppin.
CBS Sports Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year
Darryn Peterson | Kansas | Guard
The competition for Freshman of the Year in the Big 12 is heating up, led by Peterson and Dybantsa, both of whom are also listed as preseason All-Americans. The Big 12 boasts an impressive roster of elite freshmen this season, making it essential for NBA scouts to closely follow the league.
Four More Players to Watch
AJ Dybantsa | Forward | BYU: Dybantsa was a strong contender for Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year, showcasing exceptional talent since high school. He is expected to play a pivotal role in what could be BYU’s best team to date.
PJ Haggerty | Guard | Kansas State: The AAC Player of the Year last season, Haggerty transferred to Kansas State and is projected to significantly contribute to the Wildcats as they look to rebound from two years without NCAA Tournament appearances.
Milos Uzan | Guard | Houston: Uzan, with an impressive last season averaging 11.4 points and 4.3 assists, returns as a vital piece of Houston’s roster. His decision to return provides the Cougars with veteran leadership.
Tamin Lipsey | Guard | Iowa State: Despite battling an MCL sprain, Lipsey’s history of consistent performance as a starter gives Iowa State hope for a competitive season.
Big 12 Predicted Order of Finish
1. Houston
Breakdown: Houston’s remarkable performance of 34-4 in Big 12 games over the last two seasons reinforces their position as favorites this year. With a strong roster, including returning talents and promising freshmen like Chris Cenac Jr., the Cougars are set for a successful run.
2. Texas Tech
Breakdown: Under Grant McCasland, Texas Tech consistently outperforms expectations, bolstered by the return of star player JT Toppin, who is expected to play a major role this season.
3. BYU
Breakdown: BYU’s roster features significant talent, including five-star freshman AJ Dybantsa. The ambition to make a deeper tournament run is stronger than ever.
4. Arizona
Breakdown: Arizona’s coaching under Tommy Lloyd has yielded impressive results. With a top recruiting class and key returning players, they aim for another successful campaign.
5. Kansas
Breakdown: After a downturn in performance, Kansas is looking to bounce back with new talent like Darryn Peterson stepping in to help reclaim success.
6. Iowa State
Breakdown: A strong returning core may propel Iowa State to their third Sweet 16 within five years.
7. Baylor
Breakdown: Despite a roster overhaul, Baylor aims to keep their NCAA Tournament streak alive thanks to promising new recruits.
8. Cincinnati
Breakdown: Cincinnati seeks to improve under coach Wes Miller after previous struggles, bringing in new talent to help elevate the program.
9. Kansas State
Breakdown: Kansas State is banking on a top-five transfer class for a successful return to the NCAA Tournament.
10. TCU
Breakdown: TCU seeks to rebound after missing the NCAA Tournament, with new transfers joining to boost their offense.
11. Oklahoma State
Breakdown: With a slew of new transfers and experienced players, Oklahoma State aims to improve on a disappointing record.
12. West Virginia
Breakdown: West Virginia faces challenges under a new coach, relying on incoming talent to reshape their roster.
13. Arizona State
Breakdown: With a new squad filled with transfers and prospects, Arizona State must deliver this season to ease job pressure on Coach Bobby Hurley.
14. Utah
Breakdown: A season of transition awaits Utah under new head coach Alex Jensen, as the program aims to rebuild with a fresh roster.
15. UCF
Breakdown: Johnny Dawkins faces a challenging season with UCF needing significant improvement to avoid stagnation in NCAA appearances.
16. Colorado
Breakdown: Colorado may struggle to rise from the bottom of the conference, even with returning talent from last season.
Conclusion
This upcoming season promises excitement and fierce competition in the Big 12 Conference. With a mix of veteran players, promising freshmen, and standout coaches, fans are in for a thrilling ride as teams vie for supremacy and a path to the national title.
