The new Big 12 basketball season has started, marking the second year with 16 teams. The conference aims to regain its position as the nation's top basketball league in the 2025-26 season.
Although the Big 12 finished behind the SEC last year, it still had a strong campaign with seven teams qualifying for the NCAA Tournament. Houston notably advanced to the National Championship Game and is favored again this year under coach Kelvin Sampson, pursuing a third straight regular-season title.
This season features several exciting freshmen, including:
Last year, four Big 12 teams reached the NCAA Sweet 16: Houston, BYU, Texas Tech, and Arizona. These squads look poised to be just as powerful, if not stronger, this season.
KSL Sports will provide weekly Big 12 basketball power rankings every Monday throughout the college hoop season.
"It’s a younger team than we’re used to seeing in Houston, with a heralded freshman class in the program led by Chris Cenac."
Author’s summary: The Big 12 basketball scene in 2025-26 promises a competitive and younger lineup, led by strong veterans and promising freshmen aiming to restore the conference's dominance.