The college football futures odds at the sportsbooks tell the story of the Big 12. Last year, four teams had identical 7-2 Big 12 records, and nobody believes it will be any different this upcoming season.
That means tie-breakers to decide who plays for the Big 12 title, which places greater emphasis not only on winning, but beating the right teams and not losing to the wrong opponent.
Thus, buckle up and put your tray in the upright position because it sets up for another wild ride for Big 12 football.
*All odds from BetMGM.
2025 Big 12 Winner Odds
The Teams to Watch
Kansas State Wildcats (+600)
Kansas State is viewed in two different ways. Last year’s 9-4 campaign was considered a disappointment. The theory was that the talent level had dropped a bit from previous standards. The other side of the thinking was that the Wildcats were a young team, and that experience would pay dividends this season.
Junior quarterback Avery Johnson must take over as the leader, both by his play and vocally. Kansas State might have the best defensive front in the conference, yet they need to apply more pressure to opposing QBs after finishing #77 in pass defense.
K-State could win, but they are not our first choice.
Texas Tech Red Raiders (+550)
Last year, Ohio State was the best team money could buy and won a National Championship. Texas Tech was paying attention, and those inside and outside the football program have brought in 21 players from the portal to change the fortunes of Red Raiders football.
Coach Joey McGuire has altered the fortunes of Texas Tech after an 8-4 regular season. This is an all-in move for Texas Tech, so chances are anything less than a 10-win season that includes playing for the Big 12 championship would be a disappointment.
The amount of size, speed, and depth the program put together, particularly on defense, is the most since Kliff Kingsbury (2013-18) or the late Mike Leach (2000-09) were coaching in Lubbock.
There is plenty to like about the Red Raiders, but will they win two of three at Utah, Arizona State, and Kansas State? It feels like too low of odds to bet with uncertainty.
Arizona State Sun Devils (+600)
With the money rolling in on K-State and Texas Tech as the season approaches to win the Big 12, Arizona State has slid to the third slot in the pecking order. It’s understandable because only one team in the past 30 years has repeated as champs in this conference, and that was Oklahoma.
The Sun Devils also lost RB Cam Skattebo, who was the heart and soul of ASU and a vocal leader. Nevertheless, sophomore Sam Leavitt has enough weapons around him to have another tremendous season, and Ken Dillingham is the perfect coach for the times we live in.
Arizona State has the top run defense in the conference, which could occur again, with the secondary improved. The impressive aspect of Sun Devils football is that they play smart and don’t beat themselves. Worth a look to repeat as champs.
Utah Utes (+550)
With Utah, you either see them as a title contender or heading to the Rate Bowl the day after Christmas. The Utes hoped Cam Rising would play again, but it never happened, leading to a 5-7 season.
Coach Kyle Whittingham wants a quick turnaround and needs new QB Devin Dampier to lead an offensive makeover, with his arm and legs. Dampier has to adjust from the MWC (New Mexico) to a faster-paced game.
The belief now is that the Utah offense will be drastically better. The Utes were #25 in points allowed, and though several good players graduated, the returning playmakers are very good, and last season’s backups saw enough action to contribute immediately. At these odds, Arizona State seems the better value.
Baylor Bears (+650)
Hope springs eternal for Baylor, as they finished the regular season with six consecutive victories and believe that is a stepping stone to a great season.
The Bears’ offense was fantastic a year ago, ranked in the Top 20 in points and total offense. The triggerman returns in Sawyer Robertson, who didn’t win the job until Week 3 by default. Coach Dave Aranda, a former defensive guru, saw his defense finish #87 in yards surrendered, the worst in his career as a head coach or DC.
Baylor needs massive improvement on that side of the ball to be in any conversation for a conference title. Take a wait-and-see approach on the Bears and watch how they perform in September against Auburn, at SMU, and the Big 12 opener, hosting Arizona State.
TCU Horned Frogs (+800)
Count us among those less excited about TCU’s fortunes than others. A Sonny Dykes coached squad is always going to have a top-quality passing game; however, the Horned Frogs won’t sniff any part of a Big 12 crown without a vastly better running game, which was #110 in 2024.
This is Dykes fourth season in Fort Worth, and preseason reports have this as the most talented defense in Dykes time in the Metroplex. If you have followed Dykes career, he’s an offensive guy, and even when the stop troops were better at previous stops, that has not resulted in more Ws unless they generate an enormous amount of turnovers like the club that lost to Georgia a few years ago in the Natty. Not sold on Dykes or this club.
Iowa State Cyclones (+1200)
Oddly, Matt Campbell has not taken better jobs when the opportunities have come. He did a brilliant job a season ago (again), taking a team with low expectations to the conference title tilt, where they fell to fellow upstart Arizona State. That performance was remarkable, realizing they suffered their most ever season-ending injuries.
With 12 starters returning, not many are excited about the Cyclones. That might be a mistake. Campbell is a proven winner, and they have a terrific QB in Rocco Becht (career 6,600 passing yards, 48 TDs) and a program that almost always exceeds expectations when overlooked.
Consider the Clones for a Big 12 title bet or playing for a conference championship.
Place Your Bets!
The Big 12 title race once again looks like a grinder, with multiple contenders capable of stealing the crown. While Kansas State and Texas Tech lead the market, Arizona State and Iowa State offer intriguing value plays. Utah’s upside hinges on QB play, while Baylor and TCU must address glaring weaknesses to justify a wager.
Before locking in your pick, compare Big 12 futures odds across top sportsbooks to maximize your payout potential, and download the OddsTrader BetStation app today to track live odds, line movement, and betting trends.
More Picks & Insights
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