BYU Lands Second in New Big 12 Writers’ Poll

Coaches Downplay Preseason Guesswork

Kalani Sitake brushed off the hype surrounding his program at the Big 12 media days, reminding reporters that early predictions rarely hold up. “They are wrong every time, so they stopped making predictions as a league,” the BYU coach said, emphasizing the league’s decision to abandon the formal preseason poll. Sitake added that he prefers focusing on the work on the field rather than chasing rankings.

Why the Official Poll Disappeared

After a series of wildly inaccurate forecasts in 2024, the Big 12 conference ended its official preseason media poll. The same year also saw two teams that were picked to finish last—BYU (13th) and Arizona State (16th)—tie for the conference championship, reinforcing the league’s loss of confidence. Consequently, this year’s gathering in Frisco, Texas, featured only an all‑conference team and individual honors, not a formal ranking.

Independent Writers’ Rankings Reveal Top Teams

A grassroots effort led by Berry Tramel of the Tulsa World gathered 16 voters, one from each member school, to produce a fresh poll. Texas Tech led the voting with 254 points after securing 14 first‑place votes, while BYU followed with 239 points and two top‑vote marks. Arizona and Houston tied for third at 207 points each, and Utah placed fifth with 198 points.

Historical Context: When Polls Misfired

Two seasons ago BYU was slotted 13th and Arizona State 16th, yet both teams ended up sharing the Big 12 title. The preseason favorite Utah, plagued by quarterback issues, finished tied for 13th, illustrating how early numbers can mislead. These mismatches prompted the league to scrap the traditional poll altogether.

Sitake on the College Football Playoff

While discussing his team’s prospects, Sitake clarified that he does not engage in aggressive lobbying for playoff spots. “I don’t make all the decisions when it comes to how many teams get to (be in) the playoffs, and I’m not in the business of campaigning for that either,” he noted. He also voiced support for a 24‑team format, saying it would let more programs feel comfortable in the postseason. The coach stressed humility and hard work as his guiding principles.

Full Poll and Voter List

The informal poll produced the following point totals:

• Texas Tech – 254 points (14 first‑place votes)
• BYU – 239 points (2 first‑place votes)
• Arizona – 207 points (tied)
• Houston – 207 points (tied)
• Utah – 198 points
• Colorado – (remaining points)
• Iowa State – (remaining points)
• Kansas State – (remaining points)
• Cincinnati – (remaining points)
• West Virginia – (remaining points)
• Kansas – (remaining points)
• Baylor – (remaining points)

The 16 beat writers who cast ballots are:

• Jason Batacao, Salt Lake Tribune
• Mike Casazza, Eer Sports (West Virginia)
• Joseph Duarte, Houston Chronicle
• Michelle Gardner, Arizona Republic
• Henry Greenstein, Lawrence Journal World
• Ben Hutchens, Quad Cities Times
• Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
• Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel
• Leo Rivera, Buffstampede.com (Colorado)
• Kellis Robinett, Kansas City Star/Wichita Eagle
• Jason Scheer, Wildcatauthority.com (Arizona)
• Zach Smith, Waco Tribune-Herald
• Scott Springer, Cincinnati Enquirer
• Don Williams, Lubbock Avalanche Journal

Utah Utes linebacker Johnathan Hall (7) reacts after the play during the first half of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

The latest voting suggests BYU remains a strong contender, but the road to the conference title will be competitive. Fans can watch the Cougars aim to improve on last year’s performance as the Big 12 season approaches.