Expansion Big 12 Power Rankings: BYU WAY Up, Kansas Down, UCF Up, Texas Tech Back, TCU Drops, Utah?

The Big 12 has become one of the most competitive football conferences in the nation, showcasing depth and unpredictability. Unlike some conferences dominated by one or two powerhouse teams, the Big 12 has a wide range of programs that consistently challenge for the top spot. Teams like Oklahoma, Texas, and more recently Baylor, Oklahoma State, and TCU, have all had seasons where they've been in the national conversation for championships or major bowl games. With the recent addition of new teams like BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF, the competition in the conference has only increased. These programs bring rich football traditions and competitive spirits, ensuring that any Big 12 game can go either way. BYU, with its passionate fanbase and strong history, and UCF, known for its explosive offense, are poised to make an immediate impact. Even historically under-the-radar teams like Kansas and Kansas State have recently made strides, showing that no team can be taken lightly in the Big 12. This level of parity means that every game is crucial, and any team can beat another on a given weekend. The conference's "every team is a threat" mentality keeps players and fans engaged throughout the season, adding to the intensity and excitement of the league. As the conference continues to evolve and grow, its competitiveness will remain one of its defining features, making the Big 12 a thrilling conference to watch and one of the toughest to win in college football. For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! ROYDownload Roy for iOS or Android and enter referral code LOCKED ON and you’ll automatically be entered into a sweepstakes to win $5,000 cash.  Visit JoinRoy.com for additional details. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited. Get off the sidelines and into the NIL game with Roy. RobinhoodRobinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new gold standard is here with Robinhood Gold.Sign up at robinhood.com/gold  Terms apply, for product specific disclosures visit robinhood.com/gold. Investing involves risk. Rate may change. Gold membership is offered by Robinhood Gold, LLC. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. 5-Hour ENERGYGo to 5hourENERGY.com and use promo code LOCKEDONCFB to receive 20% off your order. This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders. Go to 5hourENERGY.com today! eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. FanDuelNow through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS)