The Big 12's 2025 college football season has been a captivating display of depth and competitiveness. The new 16-team format has created a landscape with no clear-cut dominant team, leading to a series of exciting and unpredictable games. The early season has been defined by a number of surprising results that showcase the conference's parity. While some of the preseason favorites, like Kansas State, have stumbled with a 1-3 record, other teams have risen to the occasion. The conference has several undefeated teams, including Iowa State (4-0, 1-0 in-conference), Houston (3-0, 1-0 in-conference), Arizona (3-0), Texas Tech (3-0), and Utah (3-0). BYU and UCF are also undefeated at 2-0. This wide-open field of contenders demonstrates that on any given Saturday, any team has a legitimate shot at winning. The on-field product has been equally impressive. The Big 12 has seen a number of thrilling, back-and-forth games, with the outcomes often decided by a single play. Iowa State's dramatic 16-13 victory over rival Iowa was a prime example of this grit and determination. Similarly, Baylor's double-overtime win against SMU and West Virginia's comeback victory against Pitt were showcases of the competitive nature of the league. The new additions to the conference have also made a significant impact. Utah, in its first season, has looked like a legitimate contender from day one, with a statement win against UCLA and a dominant 3-0 record. Meanwhile, a number of other new teams, including Houston and Arizona, have also started strong, proving that the conference's expansion has successfully added talent and depth rather than diluting the competition. The Big 12's depth is evident in the AP Poll, where multiple teams are currently ranked. Iowa State, Utah, and Texas Tech have all earned a spot in the top 25, showing that the conference has multiple teams capable of competing for a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff. The fact that a number of other teams are also receiving votes speaks to the overall strength of the league, where even a team with a couple of losses can still be considered a dangerous opponent. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGY Enough with boring, flavorless caffeine, it’s time to give your caffeine a flavor upgrade with 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots. Get the favorites you love or be bold and try something new in-store and online at https://www.5hourENERGY.com or Amazon today. Square To learn more, go support your favorite neighborhood spot and see what Square has been up to in your neck of the woods. And then if you have extra time, check out https://square.com/go/lockedoncollege The Game Cap Grab your team’s classic bar or retro circle designed hat and use code LOCKEDON for an exclusive discount. Head to Because legends wear The Game. Head to https://thegamecaps.com Wayfair Get organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. DoorDash With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18. Mazda It’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle. Mazda. Move and Be Moved. PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup. PrizePicks — Run Your Game. Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at https://www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)