Big 12 Power Rankings: Sorting the Nation’s Deepest Conference Before League Play

The Big 12 continues to separate itself as college basketball’s deepest conference, with Arizona and Iowa State setting the pace and little margin for error from top to bottom. Here is a full breakdown of where every team stands as conference play approaches.

3. Houston Cougars (10-1)

Houston has quietly regained momentum after its lone loss to Tennessee. Kelvin Sampson’s team has won four straight games, including a 99-point performance against New Orleans.

The Cougars will be tested next against Arkansas before opening Big 12 play at Cincinnati on January 3. This stretch should give a clearer picture of where Houston fits at the top of the league.

4. BYU Cougars (9-1)

Since a narrow loss to UConn, BYU has rattled off six straight wins against a respectable group of opponents, including Wisconsin, Dayton, Clemson, and Miami.

The Cougars have a manageable non-conference finish before opening league play at Kansas State on January 3. Their consistency and shooting make them a dangerous conference opponent.