Big 12 Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2024-25 season

When looking at the top conferences in the sport, it's hard to argue anyone better than Big 12 Basketball. As a league, they're the darlings of the metrics and analytics and have recent national champions. The depth continues to be strong, with recent newcomers (BYU and Houston) making the NCAA Tournament in their first years in the league this past season.

The Big 12 is losing two longtime members (Texas and Oklahoma) to the SEC but is gaining four programs from the now-defunct Pac-12 in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Arizona State. Where do those programs stand in the conference right now for next season? Here's a way-too-early power rankings for the league.

16. Utah Utes

2023-24 season record: 22-15 (9-11 Pac-12)

The Utes had a lot of talent on its roster but couldn't take advantage, failing to make the NCAA Tournament. And most of the top players have left, including Branden Carlson, Deivon Smith, and Cole Bajema. The one player that is back is Gabe Madsen (13.6 ppg), joined by BC guard transfer, Mason Madsen.

The other two transfer pickups come in the frontcourt in Zach Keller and Keanu Dawes, who are looking for larger roles in their respective teams. Forward Keba Keita has the chance to be a breakout candidate next season as he takes over Carlson's role in the frontcourt.

In a Big 12 that's harder than ever to win, Utah clearly lost more talent than they've brought in so far. Can Madsen be a go-to guy on a good team in this league? That remains to be seen.