Big 12 Power Rankings: BYU Strong, Utah Dives, Kansas State Holds, Iowa State Elite, Texas Tech Down

Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast

The addition of several Pac-12 schools to the Big 12 has significantly enhanced the depth and competitiveness of the conference, making it one of the most intriguing and unpredictable leagues in college football. With the inclusion of Utah, Arizona, Arizona State, and Colorado, the Big 12 has expanded its geographic reach, added storied programs with rich traditions, and created new rivalries that bolster the overall strength of the conference.

One of the most immediate impacts of adding Pac-12 schools is the elevation of the talent pool. Utah, for instance, has been a consistently strong program, regularly competing for conference titles and making appearances in major bowl games. Known for their physical defense and disciplined style of play, the Utes bring a unique identity to the Big 12, enhancing its diversity of playing styles. Arizona State and Arizona, while historically inconsistent, have shown flashes of brilliance and can be highly competitive, particularly with their ability to recruit from talent-rich regions like California and Arizona. Colorado, a team with a rich football history, is also in a resurgence, especially under the recent leadership of Deion Sanders, and has the potential to bring national attention and excitement to the conference.

This infusion of talent deepens the competition in a league already known for its chaotic, week-to-week battles. The Big 12, which has long featured teams capable of pulling off upsets and producing thrilling games, now becomes even more unpredictable. With the addition of these new teams, the level of competition rises, making it harder for any one program to dominate. Even perennial Big 12 powers like Oklahoma State and Kansas State must now contend with a wider variety of threats, each bringing unique challenges in terms of strategy and style of play.

Moreover, the conference’s geographic expansion, stretching from the Midwest to the Mountain West and Southwest, creates new logistical challenges that further test the depth and endurance of teams. Road games in places like Salt Lake City or Boulder will add travel difficulties, hostile environments, and altitude, all of which can become factors in determining the outcome of games. This new landscape forces teams to be more adaptable, further increasing the depth and complexity of the conference.

In essence, the addition of Pac-12 schools transforms the Big 12 into one of the most dynamic and unpredictable conferences in the country. The new depth of talent, combined with the geographical expansion and stylistic variety, makes the Big 12 a true gauntlet for teams looking to compete for the conference championship and beyond.

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