Big 12 Basketball Power Rankings: Week 1 Of 2025-26 Season

Big 12 Basketball Power Rankings: Week 1 of 2025-26 Season

Another season of Big 12 basketball is underway. As the 2025-26 campaign kicks off, expectations are high for a competitive year.

Big 12’s Return to Prominence

The Big 12, now in its second season with 16 teams, aims to reestablish itself as the premier conference in America. Though the SEC overshadowed it last year, the Big 12 had a strong showing with seven teams making the NCAA Tournament.

“Last year, despite taking a backseat to the SEC, the Big 12 still had an impressive year, with seven teams reaching the NCAA Tournament, including Houston, which advanced to the National Championship Game.”

Houston Leads the Pack

Houston, led by coach Kelvin Sampson, is the frontrunner to capture a third straight regular-season title. The Cougars remain one of the strongest teams in the conference.

Exciting Freshmen to Watch

This season brings a wave of star freshmen, with notable newcomers including:

BYU’s AJ Dybantsa
Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, the nation’s No. 2 recruit
Baylor’s Tounde Yessoufou
Houston’s Chris Cenac
Arizona’s Koa Peat

Strong Contenders for the NCAA Sweet 16

Last season, four Big 12 teams reached the Sweet 16: Houston, BYU, Texas Tech, and Arizona. These squads are expected to be just as competitive, if not stronger, this year.

Weekly Power Rankings Updates

KSL Sports will provide weekly Big 12 basketball power rankings every Monday throughout the college hoops season.

“It’s a younger team than we’re used to seeing in Houston, with a heralded freshman class in the program led by Chris Cenac.”

Author’s summary: The 2025-26 Big 12 basketball season kicks off with Houston aiming for a third title amid a talented crop of freshmen and several strong teams poised for deep NCAA runs.

KSL Sports — 2025-11-04