The Big 12 Conference has experienced significant changes and developments in recent seasons, particularly in football and men’s basketball. Expansion, notable team performances, and record-breaking seasons have intensified the competition. Here’s an in-depth look at the latest standings, key moments, and tournament highlights.

Big 12 Football Standings

The 2024 Big 12 football season marked a pivotal year with the conference’s expansion to 16 teams. The departure of Oklahoma and Texas, coupled with the addition of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah, reshaped the competitive landscape.

Top Teams and Performances

Arizona State: The Sun Devils emerged as the conference champions with a 7-2 conference record and an 11-2 overall record. They secured the Big 12 Championship with a dominant 45-19 victory over Iowa State, earning an automatic berth in the College Football Playoff.

Iowa State: The Cyclones delivered an impressive season, finishing with a 7-2 conference record and a 10-3 overall record, showcasing consistent performance throughout the season.

BYU and Colorado: Both teams had strong seasons, each posting 7-2 conference records with overall records of 10-2 and 9-3, respectively, indicating their competitiveness in the expanded conference.

Other Contenders: Baylor, Texas Tech, and TCU each finished with 6-3 conference records and 8-4 overall records, maintaining their positions as formidable opponents within the conference.

Big 12 Men’s Basketball Standings

The 2024-25 Big 12 men’s basketball season has been highly competitive, with several teams making significant national impacts.

Houston Cougars: Under the leadership of Coach Kelvin Sampson, Houston had a record-breaking season with an 18-1 conference record. They clinched the regular-season title for the second consecutive year, setting records for conference wins and consecutive road victories. Their final regular-season game against Baylor was a crucial test before entering the postseason.

Iowa State: The Cyclones maintained a strong presence throughout the season, consistently ranking among the top teams and demonstrating resilience in conference play.

Texas Tech: Ranked ninth nationally, Texas Tech finished with a 24-7 overall record and a 15-5 conference record. The team secured a double bye by finishing second in the Big 12 and is set to face Baylor in the quarterfinals. Coach Grant McCasland emphasized the importance of player health and readiness for the tournament, highlighting the team’s focus on achieving their first Big 12 Tournament title since joining the conference.

Big 12 Women’s Basketball Standings

The women’s basketball teams in the Big 12 have also showcased remarkable performances, with historic achievements and intense competition.

Baylor Bears: The team has a storied history in the Big 12 Tournament, with 11 previous championships. They are aiming for a 12th title under head coach Nicki Collen. A recent overtime victory against Oklahoma State highlighted the skills of key frontcourt players Darianna Littlepage-Buggs and Aaronette Vonleh, underscoring their determination to maintain dominance in the conference.

TCU Horned Frogs: The Horned Frogs secured their first-ever Big 12 regular-season title under second-year head coach Mark Campbell. Hailey Van Lith was named Player of the Year, while Sedona Prince played a crucial role in the team’s performance. TCU advanced to the finals by defeating Colorado and West Virginia, marking a historic achievement for the program.

Colorado Buffaloes: The Buffaloes made a strong run in the Big 12 Tournament, advancing to the quarterfinals after victories over TCU and West Virginia. They are now set to face Houston in the next round, demonstrating their resilience and competitiveness in the tournament.

Impact of Big 12 Expansion

The expansion of the Big 12 Conference has significantly increased competition, introducing new matchups and rivalries that have enhanced the intensity of both football and basketball seasons.

New Teams and Their Impact

Arizona State’s Success: Winning the football championship in their first season showcased their strength and adaptability, signaling their readiness to compete at a high level in the conference.

Houston’s Basketball Dominance: The Cougars’ back-to-back regular-season titles demonstrated their continued rise as a powerhouse in men’s basketball, solidifying their status as a formidable team in the conference.

TCU’s Women’s Basketball Victory: The team’s historic regular-season title highlighted the growing strength of programs outside the traditional powerhouses, indicating a shift in the competitive balance within the conference.

Tournament Highlights

Big 12 Football Championship: Arizona State claimed the title with a decisive victory over Iowa State, proving themselves as a force in their inaugural season within the conference.

Houston Cougars’ Basketball Dominance: Their 18-1 conference record set multiple records and secured another title for the program, reflecting their consistent excellence and strategic prowess.

Texas Tech’s Pursuit of a Title: The Red Raiders, under Coach Grant McCasland, are focused on maintaining player health and securing a Big 12 Tournament win. With a strong season record, they aim to capture their first Big 12 Tournament title since joining the conference.

TCU’s First Women’s Basketball Title: Hailey Van Lith earned Player of the Year honors, with Sedona Prince playing a key role in the team’s success. Their historic achievement reflects the program’s growth and competitiveness.

Colorado’s Tournament Run: The Buffaloes advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating TCU and West Virginia and are now preparing for a challenging matchup against Houston, showcasing their determination and resilience.

FAQs

How has the Big 12 Conference expansion affected the competition?

The expansion to 16 teams has intensified competition, introducing new matchups and rivalries that have enhanced the overall competitiveness of the conference.

Which team won the Big 12 football championship in 2024?

Arizona State won the 2024 Big 12 football championship, marking a significant achievement in their inaugural season within the conference.

How did the Houston Cougars perform in the 2024-25 men’s basketball season?

The Houston Cougars had a record-breaking season, finishing with an 18-1 conference record and clinching the regular-season title for the second consecutive year.

What notable achievements occurred in Big 12 women’s basketball during the 2024-25 season?

TCU secured their first-ever Big 12 regular-season title, and Baylor continued their dominance by aiming for a 12th tournament championship.

How did Texas Tech’s men’s basketball team fare in the 2024-25 season?

Texas Tech finished with a 24-7 overall record and a 15-5 conference record, securing a double bye in the Big 12 Tournament and aiming for their first tournament title since joining the conference.

Final Thoughts

The Big 12 Conference is experiencing a transformative period, with expansion bringing new challenges and opportunities. Arizona State’s football success, Houston’s basketball dominance, and TCU’s rise in women’s basketball illustrate the evolving competitiveness of the conference. With new teams excelling and traditional powerhouses maintaining their dominance, the Big 12 continues to solidify its position as one of the most exciting and dynamic conferences in college sports.

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