Full Breakdown
2025 Big 12 Football Season Review: Surprises and Struggles
12/12/2025, 9:54:20 PM
Texas Tech's Historic Championship Win
The 2025 Big 12 football season concluded with Texas Tech achieving its first outright conference title since 1955, marking a significant turnaround for the program. Under the leadership of head coach Joey McGuire, the Red Raiders not only won the Big 12 championship but also secured their first-ever College Football Playoff berth, entering as the No. 4 seed with a first-round bye. Texas Tech's success was attributed to a strong defense led by linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who earned multiple accolades, including the Lombardi Award and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
BYU and Utah's Strong Performances
BYU also had a standout season, finishing with an 11-win record and a national ranking, solidifying its position as a top program in the Big 12. Coach Kalani Sitake's long-term commitment to the program contributed to the Cougars' success, despite initial concerns following quarterback Jake Retzlaff's transfer. Meanwhile, Utah rebounded from a disappointing previous season to achieve a 10-win campaign, although a loss to BYU hindered their playoff aspirations.
Mixed Results for Other Teams
Several teams faced challenges throughout the season. Kansas State, once viewed as a contender, ended with a .500 record, leading to the retirement of coach Chris Klieman. Baylor, despite high expectations, missed a bowl game for the fourth time in six years, prompting speculation about coach Dave Aranda's future. Oklahoma State had a particularly tumultuous season, culminating in the firing of coach Mike Gundy after a dismal 1-11 record.
Criticism and Opposition
The season was not without its controversies. Critics pointed to the College Football Playoff Selection Committee's perceived disrespect towards BYU, which some argued affected their playoff positioning. Additionally, the struggles of Colorado under coach Deion Sanders raised questions about the program's direction, as they finished with a disappointing 3-9 record.
Official Statements & Responses
Jacob Rodriguez's achievements were celebrated by Texas Tech, with the program highlighting his pivotal role in their defensive success. Rodriguez's performance was noted as a key factor in elevating Texas Tech's defense from one of the worst in 2024 to one of the best in 2025. Meanwhile, Colorado's coaching staff emphasized the need for improvement and consistency moving forward.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Red Raiders took one of the great swings in college football history by investing heavily in a stacked portal class.” — CBS Sports
- “However, despite having a strong case, Rodriguez was not selected as one of the four Heisman Trophy finalists this week, a decision that surprised many.” — Newsweek
- “Coach Prime" never found consistency at the quarterback position and defensive coordinator Robert Livingston's unit took a decent-sized step back, largely due to some misses in the transfer portal.” — SI.com
What's Next for the Big 12
As the 2026 season approaches, teams like Texas Tech and BYU will look to build on their successes, while struggling programs such as Colorado and Baylor will aim for significant improvements. The upcoming offseason will be crucial for recruiting and coaching decisions, particularly for teams looking to rebound from disappointing seasons.
