1. University of Arizona (28-2, 15-2)
Arizona solidified itself as the best team in the Big 12 since our last rankings with wins over Baylor, Kansas, and Iowa State. Freshman Koa Peat and Dwayne Aristode both returned from injuries, allowing the Wildcats to utilize their depth in these important late season matchups.
2. Iowa State University (24-6, 11-6)
Iowa State has now lost two games in a row after falling to Texas Tech and Arizona. Their offense has struggled in recent weeks, mostly due to their inability to hit threes. The Cyclones have shot under 34 percent from three as a team in their last four games. However, their stifling defense and ability to score with anyone when shooting well makes them the second best team in the Big 12.
3. University of Kansas (21-8, 11-5)
The gap between Kansas and Houston is close, and some people would argue Houston is better suited for the NCAA Tournament. However, you have to give the edge to Kansas due to their performances in marquee matchups. The Jayhawks play two winnable games this week against Arizona State and Kansas State to wrap up the season.
4. University of Houston (24-5, 12-4)
As noted above, Houston’s performances in ranked Big 12 matchups are a cause for concern. The Cougars are 0-3 against Kansas, Iowa State, and Arizona. Despite that, they are still a contender to win the Big 12 Tournament because of their amazing guard play and experience.
5. Texas Tech University (22-7, 12-4)
A lot of people wrote Texas Tech off when star forward JT Toppin went down with a season ending ACL tear. Since the injury, the Red Raiders have won three straight games including a 9 point win over Iowa State. Still, without Toppin anchoring the frontcourt, making a Big 12 Tournament run remains a steep challenge.
6. University of Central Florida (20-8, 9-7)
UCF is currently projected as a No. 10 seed in CBS Sports’ bracketology, despite a home loss to Baylor in their most recent outing. However, the Knights’ statement win as a 11.5-point underdog against BYU last Tuesday positioned them well entering the final week of the regular season. Now, the path is simple: win one of their final two games and they will punch their ticket to March Madness.
7. BYU (20-9, 8-8)
BYU went 0-2 last week which has caused them to drop to the seven line in CBS Sports’ bracketology. Despite battling injuries and defensive inconsistencies, BYU is a dangerous matchup for any No. 10 seed in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. With Robert Wright III and AJ Dybantsa capable of taking over a game at any moment, the Cougars possess the kind of high-end offensive firepower that can swing a tournament game in a hurry.
8. TCU (19-10, 9-7)
TCU took care of business against Arizona State and Kansas State last week, yet the Horned Frogs remain firmly on the bubble. A win against Texas Tech in Lubbock Tuesday night will help strengthen their resume and at-large bid hopes.
9. University of Cincinnati (16-13, 8-8)
Cincinnati revived their at-large bid chances after winning four straight games, but lost a tough game last week against Texas Tech in what felt like a must win game. Even if Cincinnati were to win a couple games in the Big 12 Tournament, the depth of the field this year makes it near impossible for a 13 loss team to earn an at-large bid.
10. Baylor University (15-14, 5-11)
Baylor’s only realistic path to the NCAA Tournament is winning the Big 12 Tournament. The Bears are a rare case—a team with two projected first-round NBA Draft picks (Cameron Carr and Tounde Yessoufou) that is still on the outside looking in. This disappointing season will likely force Scott Drew to reassess his roster construction and transfer portal strategy heading into next year.
11. West Virginia (17-12, 8-8)
The Mountaineers went 1-1 last week, losing to Oklahoma State then following that up with a win against BYU. Head Coach Ross Hodge must retool the roster next season, as their top three leading scorers will graduate this year.
12. Oklahoma State University (17-12, 5-11)
A couple of weeks ago Oklahoma State was still in consideration for an at-large bid, but recent losses against Arizona State, TCU, and Colorado decimated those chances. The Cowboys will finish the regular season with games against UCF and Houston.
13. University of Colorado (16-13, 6-10)
Colorado’s 40-point loss against Houston showed a clear gap in experience and toughness compared to the upper echelon of the Big 12. Tad Boyle’s number one priority remains clear: retain the young talent on this roster for next season and add experienced, tough players in the transfer portal. Doing both will give Colorado a serious chance to earn an NCAA Tournament bid in 2027.
14. Arizona State (15-14, 6-10)
Arizona State warps up their season with games against Iowa State and Kansas. However, no matter what the results are it is likely Bobby Hurley will be fired at the end of the season. The Sun Devils will search for a coach that can utilize their NIL resources to bring in elite talent.
15. Kansas State University (11-18, 2-14)
Interim head coach Matthew Driscoll earned his first win with a victory over Baylor but followed it up with three straight losses. With significant NIL resources at its disposal, Kansas State will likely target a proven winner on the recruiting trail as it searches for its next permanent head coach.
16. Utah (10-19, 2-14)
Utah lost two games last week both by double digits, proving they are the weakest team in the Big 12 and one of the worst Power Four teams in the country.
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