Anonymous Player Survey: Big 12 Champion

The Big 12 anonymous player survey continues today with the players’ Big 12 champion pick.

I talked with nearly 30 players in Frisco to get candid responses on everything from who they think will win the league, to the toughest place to play, the best quarterback, wild portal offers, and more.

We actually had a tie at the top this year. And the co-favorites to win the league, according to the players, are…

Arizona State and Texas Tech

Here’s how the voting broke down:

Arizona State – 5
Texas Tech – 5
Baylor – 4
Iowa State – 3
BYU – 2
TCU – 1
Utah – 1
K-State – 1
Colorado – 1
Kansas – 1

“(Arizona State) is a great, great team. They have a top 10 quarterback returning, so when you have a good quarterback like that and some returning players, honestly there should be no reason not to win it. You should not be one of the best teams in the Big 12.”

“I'd say Arizona State because of their success last year, and they also return a lot. So I have a lot of respect for them and what they're doing right now.”

“Texas Tech finished off pretty strong last year, so I feel like they're going to come with a little vengeance.”

“Texas Tech has a good team. They were good last year. They made some additions this year in the transfer portal, and then I like that quarterback.”

“Arizona State was a great team. Texas Tech…just those teams, those big dogs that are just tough grinders…Kansas State, those I think are my top three.”

“Honestly, you never really know. I mean, when we won, nobody even had us ranked that high.”

“I think (Iowa State) is a well-built unit, and I think they play as a team. They have a lot of good characters and the capacity to perform in the way that they want to.”

“I think that Kansas just figured out those last four games, and that changed the whole trajectory of the league. They have a good offensive line over there as well for sure.”

“Give me Boulder (Colorado). My dog DJ over there. My boy K-Salt over there. I got a bunch of guys everywhere, but give me Boulder. Give me Colorado.”

“I like Baylor. I like what they've got going on over there. I like their quarterback a lot. I think they could be great.”

“Baylor turned it on the last half of the season, so they have a good chance.”  

“I don't know, there are so many changes with the players transferring. I couldn't even tell you. I'm being real.”

What You Need to Know

• The latest report on the College Football Playoff format suggests that it will likely remain at 12 teams in 2026. That’s a big win for the Big 12. Here’s why I say that. 

• Seven Big 12 teams made Phil Steele’s list of “Surprise Teams” in 2025. That’s nearly half of the entire list. 

• A surprising Big 12 team now has the best odds to win the league at Fanduel. It’s a team that finished under .500 last season. 

• Could Nick Saban coach in the Big 12? One national writer and podcast host speculated about a Big 12 landing spot for Saban after former Alabama QB Greg McElory said this week a source tells him Saban wants to return to coaching. 

• Former Iowa State QB Brock Purdy went on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast and told a story about Iowa State Head Coach Matt Campbell turning down the USC job.

Enjoying Open For Business? It would mean the world to me if you could share the newsletter with three of your friends who want Big 12 news without SEC or Big Ten bias. Tell them to sign up at OFBNews.com and get started today!