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Big 12 Suspends 2025 Preseason Poll, Leaves Forecasting to Independent Outlets

The conference abandoned its annual media poll after its 2024 rankings missed by an average of 7.3 spots per team, raising concerns over misrepresentation of league parity.

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LaVell Edwards Stadium is seen before an NCAA college football game between BYU and California on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
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Overview

  • The Big 12 Conference confirmed it will not release an official 2025 preseason media poll, citing last season’s dramatic forecasting errors and potential influence on playoff selection.
  • In 2024 the league’s media poll average miss was 7.3 spots per team, with Utah falling from projected first to 13th and Arizona State rising from last to conference champion.
  • Marin Independent Journal’s Hotline steps into the void with Texas Tech, Utah and Iowa State as its top three picks, highlighting portal-fueled roster upgrades.
  • USA Today Sports offers a contrasting ranking that puts Arizona State first and Kansas State second, underscoring varied methodologies and the league’s parity.
  • The absence of an official poll emphasizes Big 12 unpredictability driven by NIL and transfer portal volatility, complicating early season projections.