It’s going to be a dogfight in the Big-12 with Kansas State, Arizona State, Kansas and BYU all projected to have a good shot at it. But don’t forget these are the same folks who projected the Sun Devils to come in last in 2024. I think in spite of loosing key personnel Coach Prime will field a tough out in Boulder and don’t turn your back on Kyle Whittingham and Utah—in spite of last year losing is really not in their DNA.
Utah—Projected to finish first in the Big-12 last year but ending up with a 2-7 conference record after going all in on their former talented QB Cam Rising who never got over his injuries. It was the first season in Kyle Whittingham’s 20 year tenure as head coach for the Utes that he posted a losing record. Overall he has won more than 65% of the games over that period including an 11-6 bowl record. It shouldn’t surprise you that no one expects a repeat of last year for Utah. Check out the previews here https://collegefootballnews.com/college-football/utah-football-offense-preview-2025-utes-have-their-quarterback and here https://collegefootballnews.com/college-football/utah-football-preview-2025-season-prediction-win-total-top-10-players-keys-to-season
Hear what Head Coach Kyle Whittingham had to say at the Big-12 Media Day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX0InoDbKLE
Colorado—Dealing with amputation of two toes on his left foot in 2021 and surgeries due to persistent blood clot issues over the years, Coach Prime announced at the opening of Fall camp that he had been diagnosed with cancer and had his bladder removed as a result. He is now cancer free and plans to continue his head coaching duties for the Buffaloes. No longer on the roster are last year’s Heisman Trophy Winner Travis Hunter or his sons Shiloh and Shedeur, who made his NFL QB debut in Cleveland’s preseason win over Carolina while completing 60% of his passes for 138 yards, 2 TD’s and no interceptions. With an NFL rich stable of great coaches like Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur and Marshall Faulk taking over as coach for the running backs keep your eyes open for a dual threat at QB and way more success than you might think possible. Check it out here https://athlonsports.com/college-football/colorado-football-buffaloes-prediction-preview-2025 and here https://collegefootballnews.com/college-football/colorado-football-preview-2025-buffaloes-season-prediction-win-total-projection-top-players
Coach Prime had this to say at this year’s Big-12 Media Day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUUEWIuQOqY
Arizona State—The Sun Devils were definitely one of the big surprises of last year and with one of the top one-two punches in college football in QB Sam Leavitt and WR Jordyn Tyson returning they certainly won’t be able to sneak up on anyone this year. But they are lead by one of the most dynamic and talented head coaches in all of college football, Kenny Dillingham. Coming to Arizona State was a homecoming for him after having graduated from there less than 15 years ago and then being hired as an assistant under offensive coordinator Mike Norvell. He followed Norvell to Memphis where he coached the QB’s and Tight Ends and eventually became the offensive coordinator resulting in back-to-back top five offenses in college football as well as the conferences No. 1 recruiter. After that he became the offensive coordinator at Auburn and worked with Bo Nix who became the SEC Rookie of the Year while playing in the most improved offense in the conference. He followed Norvell once again, this time to Florida State as their offensive coordinator and QB coach. Next stop was working for Dan Lanning in the same capacity at Oregon before being given the opportunity to became the first alumnus and native Arizonan head coach of the Sun Devils.
The Big-12 will be a highly competitive conference but don’t be surprised if Arizona State lands on top again. Dillingham is a brilliant offensive mind and top notch recruiter. Check out what’s going on with the Sun Devils here https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/asu/2025/05/15/asu-in-top-10-for-espn-2026-football-recruiting-class/83636415007/ here https://collegefootballnews.com/college-football/arizona-state-football-preview-2025-sun-devils-season-prediction-win-total-projection-top-players and here https://athlonsports.com/college-football/arizona-state-football-sun-devils-prediction-preview-2025
Then listen to Head Coach Kenny Dillingham give you his take on the season https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr4MvBrf73w
Arizona—The only heritage PAC-12 team worse than Utah in the Big-12 last year was the Wildcats. After Jedd Fisch left for Washington the wheels came off in spite of their talent QB Noah Fafita sticking it out. Check out what’s happening here https://collegefootballnews.com/college-football/arizona-football-preview-2025-wildcats-season-outlook and here https://athlonsports.com/college-football/arizona-football-wildcats-prediction-preview-2025
Listen to Head Coach Brent Brennan here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSTJd3AQQjs