Big 12 Power Rankings: BYU Fallout, Kansas Top-Three, Deion Sanders Dips, Arizona State, Texas Tech?

Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast

The expanded College Football Playoff (CFP), beginning in 2024, opens new opportunities for Big 12 teams, but it also presents challenges in competing with conferences like the SEC and Big Ten. With 12 spots available, the Big 12’s depth and parity could position the league to send multiple teams to the postseason, though the path won’t be easy.

One major advantage for the Big 12 is its competitiveness. The league consistently produces strong teams like Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Baylor, and TCU, which have flirted with playoff contention under the current four-team system. In an expanded format, teams with 10 or even nine wins could earn a spot, provided they show strength in non-conference games and maintain high rankings. New members like BYU, UCF, and Cincinnati add depth and fresh playoff potential, increasing the league’s chances of landing more bids.

However, the Big 12 faces significant hurdles. The SEC and Big Ten remain dominant forces with larger budgets, stronger recruiting pipelines, and more media influence. These leagues are likely to receive multiple playoff spots regularly, thanks to their established reputations. Meanwhile, the Big 12’s parity—while thrilling—can make it difficult for one team to emerge unscathed. Teams frequently knock each other out of contention in tightly contested conference matchups, creating a perception of inconsistency.

To improve its playoff odds, the Big 12 must emphasize strong non-conference victories, maintain high-level performances in marquee games, and minimize intra-league cannibalization. Showcasing its depth and unpredictability on a national stage will be crucial to gaining respect from the CFP committee.

With its competitive balance and thrilling brand of football, the Big 12 is well-positioned to capitalize on the expanded playoff system, but it will need to rise above its chaotic nature to secure consistent representation.

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