Big 12 Football Game Picks, Predictions 2025: Win-Loss Records, Standings Projections
The 2025 college football season promises to be a thrilling one for Big 12 fans, as the conference continues to evolve with both old rivals and new competitors. As the Big 12 enters a new era of college football, with teams like BYU, Cincinnati, UCF, and Houston joining the mix, the landscape is shifting. These additions, combined with the strong traditions of the remaining programs, make the Big 12 one of the most intriguing conferences to watch in 2025.
Here’s a breakdown of the Big 12 football standings projections, team-by-team predictions, and what you can expect in this exciting season.
1. Texas Longhorns
2025 Prediction: 11-1 (8-1 Big 12)
The Texas Longhorns, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, have steadily improved over the past few seasons and appear poised to be one of the top teams in the Big 12 in 2025. With a high-powered offense led by quarterback Quinn Ewers and a talented group of playmakers, the Longhorns have the tools to win most of their games. Texas has a tough schedule, but with their defense continuing to develop and a wealth of talent across the board, the Longhorns should finish atop the standings.
Key Matchups:
- vs. Oklahoma (Red River Rivalry)
- @ Kansas State
- @ Baylor
2. Kansas State Wildcats
2025 Prediction: 10-2 (7-2 Big 12)
Kansas State, led by head coach Chris Klieman, has been one of the most consistent programs in the Big 12 in recent years. With a solid defense and a dynamic offense, Kansas State is expected to challenge for a top spot in the conference. The Wildcats’ well-coached squad will likely be a strong contender for the conference title, but a tough schedule and some key road games will make things difficult. Look for Kansas State to be in the hunt for a Big 12 Championship appearance.
Key Matchups:
- vs. Texas
- vs. Oklahoma State
- @ TCU
3. Oklahoma Sooners
2025 Prediction: 9-3 (6-3 Big 12)
Oklahoma enters 2025 in a bit of a transition period after a coaching change and a few rebuilding seasons. Brent Venables has made strides in stabilizing the program, but the Sooners are not quite back to their elite level. With a potent offense still in place, Oklahoma will likely be competitive, but their defense needs to step up significantly for them to challenge for a Big 12 title. If they can avoid any major upsets, the Sooners should finish in the upper half of the standings.
Key Matchups:
- vs. Texas (Red River Rivalry)
- @ Kansas State
- vs. Baylor
4. Baylor Bears
2025 Prediction: 9-3 (6-3 Big 12)
Baylor has consistently been a contender under head coach Dave Aranda, and 2025 is no different. With a strong defense and a balanced offense, the Bears have the tools to compete with anyone in the Big 12. Quarterback play will be key for Baylor, and if their signal-caller can elevate his game, they could challenge for the conference title. However, with Texas and Kansas State looming as formidable opponents, Baylor may have to settle for a solid but not quite championship-caliber season.
Key Matchups:
- vs. Texas
- @ TCU
- vs. Oklahoma
5. TCU Horned Frogs
2025 Prediction: 8-4 (5-4 Big 12)
After a memorable 2023 season, TCU looks to continue their momentum under head coach Sonny Dykes. However, following the departures of key players, the Horned Frogs will have to reload to maintain their level of play. Expect TCU to still be competitive, especially on offense, but their defense may struggle against high-powered Big 12 offenses. TCU will likely be a dangerous team, but finishing in the middle of the standings seems most realistic in 2025.
Key Matchups:
- vs. Kansas State
- vs. Baylor
- @ Texas
6. Oklahoma State Cowboys
2025 Prediction: 8-4 (5-4 Big 12)
Mike Gundy’s Oklahoma State team is always a threat, and in 2025, they will remain a solid contender. The Cowboys return a lot of key contributors on both sides of the ball, and the program’s stability under Gundy will help keep them in the mix. While they may not have the star power of teams like Texas or Kansas State, Oklahoma State’s consistency should help them notch a respectable record and finish in the middle tier of the Big 12 standings.
Key Matchups:
- vs. Oklahoma
- vs. Baylor
- @ Kansas State
7. Kansas Jayhawks
2025 Prediction: 7-5 (5-4 Big 12)
Kansas has made significant strides under head coach Lance Leipold and should continue to improve in 2025. With quarterback Jalon Daniels leading the offense, the Jayhawks are much more competitive than they’ve been in years past. The defense still has some work to do, but Kansas should be able to pull off some upsets and finish with a winning record. A 7-5 season would be a major success for the program and would keep them in the upper half of the Big 12.
Key Matchups:
- vs. Oklahoma State
- @ TCU
- @ Baylor
8. West Virginia Mountaineers
2025 Prediction: 6-6 (4-5 Big 12)
West Virginia enters 2025 with a lot to prove. Neal Brown’s team has been up and down over the past few seasons, and the Mountaineers will need to find consistency to make a bowl game in 2025. With a solid defense and some promising offensive players, West Virginia will be competitive in the Big 12. However, their lack of elite talent and struggles with inconsistency will likely keep them from being a true contender for the top spots in the conference.
Key Matchups:
- vs. UCF
- vs. Houston
- @ Oklahoma
9. BYU Cougars
2025 Prediction: 6-6 (3-6 Big 12)
BYU enters the Big 12 as a new member, and while they have a strong football tradition, 2025 will likely be a learning curve for the Cougars. They will face an adjustment period as they get acclimated to the level of competition in the Big 12. BYU’s strong coaching and disciplined play will keep them in most games, but their lack of depth compared to the top-tier Big 12 programs may result in a .500 record in their inaugural season.
Key Matchups:
- vs. Baylor
- vs. Kansas
- @ Texas
10. Cincinnati Bearcats
2025 Prediction: 5-7 (2-7 Big 12)
Cincinnati’s first season in the Big 12 will be a challenging one. While the Bearcats have been a strong Group of Five program, the jump to the Big 12 will be difficult. With a young roster and a new set of challenges, Cincinnati is likely to struggle in their first year. While they have some talent and coaching stability under Luke Fickell (assuming he’s still around in 2025), they will likely finish near the bottom of the standings.
Key Matchups:
- vs. Houston
- vs. UCF
- @ Kansas State
11. UCF Knights
2025 Prediction: 5-7 (2-7 Big 12)
UCF’s move to the Big 12 is an exciting one for the program, but it will take time for the Knights to adjust to the higher level of competition. UCF has been one of the top teams in the Group of Five in recent years, but the Big 12 presents a new set of challenges. Expect a rocky start to their conference play, but the Knights will show flashes of promise and may find success against some of the lower-tier teams in the league.
Key Matchups:
- vs. Cincinnati
- vs. Kansas
- @ Oklahoma
12. Houston Cougars
2025 Prediction: 4-8 (1-8 Big 12)
Houston enters the Big 12 as another new member, and their transition will likely be difficult. While the Cougars have been a competitive Group of Five team, the step up to the Big 12 will be a tough one. Houston’s recruiting and depth are not on the same level as the top Big 12 teams, and they will likely struggle to compete week in and week out. Look for Houston to experience growing pains in their first season in the Big 12.
Key Matchups:
- vs. BYU
- vs. Cincinnati
- @ West Virginia
Final Standings Prediction (2025 Big 12)
- Texas Longhorns (11-1, 8-1)
- Kansas State Wildcats (10-2, 7-2)
- Baylor Bears (9-3, 6-3)
- Oklahoma Sooners (9-3, 6-3)
- TCU Horned Frogs (8-4, 5-4)
- Oklahoma State Cowboys (8-4, 5-4)
- Kansas Jayhawks (7-5, 5-4)
- West Virginia Mountaineers (6-6, 4-5)
- BYU Cougars (6-6, 3-6)
- Cincinnati Bearcats (5-7, 2-7)
- UCF Knights (5-7, 2-7)