Big 12 Basketball: Iowa State, TCU, Texas Tech rise in latest power rankings

3. Baylor (14-3, 3-1)

The recent years have been unprecedented success at Baylor, cemented by their national championship victory back in 2021. Unfortunately, that was the Bears’ only trip beyond the second round of the Big Dance in the last seven years. The Bears have regardless established themselves as a national contender on a yearly basis, especially with how they’ve fared in the Big 12. Scott Drew had a fantastic backcourt last season that he completely replaced and has the Bears trending in that direction again.

The first nine games of the season went Baylor’s way before tough losses to Michigan State and Duke. Counting these opening weeks of Big 12 play, it’s a resume highlighted by wins over Auburn, Florida, and BYU, with the Bears faring well early against their own league. Baylor won their first three Big 12 games, splitting a pair of road overtime games, including a loss this past week to Kansas State.

RayJ Dennis and Ja’Kobe Walter have been phenomenal additions to a rebuilt backcourt and the Bears look fantastic on offense yet again this season. The shots haven’t been falling yet in league play, but they will in the weeks ahead. Drew’s team might have taken a slight step back talentwise but still have the ability to make major noise in the Big 12. They’ve put up points in bundles this season; will that continue against some stronger defenses?