Round-robin play is underway in the Big 12, which was hailed as "the second-best league behind the NBA" by commissioner Brett Yormark prior to the season.
But the data suggests the Big 12 is merely the second-best league in college basketball.
The Big Ten has more teams in the top 50 of the NET rankings.
The Big Ten has more teams in the top 50 of the Pomeroy efficiency ratings.
The Big Ten has more projected NCAA Tournament teams in ESPN's Bracketology.
The balance could shift as conference play unfolds over the next 10 weeks. But so far, the Big 12 looks just a tad top-heavy to stand alone atop the sport.
Then again, that state of play should make for a riveting four-team fracas featuring Arizona, Iowa State, Houston and BYU — unless, of course, Texas Tech or Kansas join the trophy pursuit.
Here are the Hotline's projections for the Big 12 race and postseason awards.
Regular-season champion (i.e., No. 1 seed): Iowa State — The undefeated Cyclones, who are No. 3 in the NET rankings, drew a favorable schedule with just one game against each of the three other heavyweights (Arizona, Houston and BYU). Granted, their nonconference lineup was relatively soft. But if you're good enough to win by 23 points at Purdue, you're good enough to win the Big 12.
Norfolk State guard Elijah Jamison, middle, gets double-teamed by Arizona forward Koa Peat, left, and Brayden Burries, Nov. 29, 2025, in Tucson.
Conference tournament winner: Arizona — By March, the dynamic freshmen, Koa Peat and Brayden Burries, will be seasoned veterans who give the Wildcats an unmatched array of playmakers. And on the neutral court in Kansas City, offense will be the difference.
NCAA Tournament teams: Arizona, Iowa State, BYU, Houston, Kansas and Texas Tech
Coach of the Year: Iowa State's T.J. Otzelberger — Nothing against Houston's Kelvin Sampson, but he can't win the award every year. Iowa State was picked fifth in the Big 12 preseason media poll. Combine those modest expectations with high-level performance and Otzelberger should muster enough support from his peers to claim the award. Also considered: Arizona's Tommy Lloyd, BYU's Kevin Young and Oklahoma State's Steve Lutz.
Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson (5) pulls up for a shot as Houston Christian guard Demari Williams (0) defends during the first half, Dec. 29, 2025, in Ames, Iowa.
Player of the Year: Iowa State F Joshua Jefferson — The former Saint Mary's transfer averages 17.5 points per game and shoots 39% from 3-point range. But first-rate versatility is what truly sets Jefferson apart: He has recorded at least 10 assists in three games and at least 10 rebounds in four. Also considered: Arizona's Jaden Bradley, BYU's AJ Dybantsa and Texas Tech's JT Toppin.
First team all-conference
– Arizona G Jaden Bradley
– Houston G Milos Uzan
– BYU F AJ Dybantsa
– Texas Tech F JT Toppin
– Iowa State F Joshua Jefferson
Second-team all-conference
– Texas Tech G Christian Anderson
– Houston G Emanuel Sharp
– Kansas State G PJ Haggerty
– Arizona F Koa Peat
– BYU F Richie Saunders
All-defense
Arizona guard Jaden Bradley in the first half against UConn, Nov. 19, 2025, in Storrs, Conn.
– Arizona G Jaden Bradley
– Iowa State G Tamin Lipsey
– Houston G Kingston Flemings
– Houston F Joseph Tugler
– Kansas F Flory Bidunga
All-Transfer
– Baylor G Cameron Carr (Tennessee)
– BYU G Robert Wright (Baylor)
– Utah G Terrence Brown (Fairleigh Dickinson)
– Texas Tech G LeJuan Watts (Washington State)
– Iowa State F Blake Buchanan (Virginia)
All-Freshman
– Kansas G Darryn Peterson
– Houston G Kingston Flemings
– Arizona G Brayden Burries
– Baylor F Tounde Yessoufou
– Arizona F Koa Peat
