Big 12 Roundup

Welcome to another Big 12 Roundup, with your weekly look around the conference at all the big games, storylines, national news and upcoming games this week.

 🏀 ⚾️ Headlines & Highlights 🏈 ⚽️ 

• AP Top 25 Poll: The Big 12 now has five teams in the AP poll this week — up from four last week: No. 5 Houston, No. 8 Iowa State, No. 13 Texas Tech, No. 16 Kansas and No. 20 Arizona. Baylor is also receiving votes. 
  

• Bracketology: CBS’ Jerry Palm has eight Big 12 teams projected to make the NCAA Tournament. BYU is one of the last four in, while UCF is one of the first four out. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi has UCF as the last team making the field, however, that was before the Knights lost to BYU on Saturday. With the loss, the Knights are likely on the outside looking in. However, with BYU likely taking their spot, that still gives the Big 12 eight teams in the Big Dance — tying last year’s record.
  

• NFL vs. NIL: NIL deals are persuading more college stars to stay in school. A total of 71 college players will forgo their remaining NCAA eligibility and enter the NFL Draft. While that's a large number, it is down from previous years. Increasingly, college football stars are spurning the draft for at least another year with their respective teams. Name, image and likeness (NIL) deals often allow players to make more money than late-round draft picks on rookie contracts. Combine that with the opportunity to increase one's draft stock, and it's not hard to see why players are taking advantage of extra eligibility.
  

• Top CFB Games of 2024: ESPN’s Bill Connelly wrote about the 100 best college football games of the 2024 season. BYU, or the Cardiac Cougs, had 3 appearances in the Top 12, the most of any Big 12 team.

Already a FREE subscriber? Then share it with a friend! If not, please consider subscribing to get the latest unique sports stories that you won't find anywhere else. It’s free, and your support would mean the world to me.

🏀 Big 12 Men’s Basketball 🏀 

Big 12 chaos has officially begun as No. 3 Iowa State, No. 6 Houston and No. 11 Kansas were all upset on Saturday. The Jayhawks lost on the road, while the Cougars and Cyclones fell at home. We’re just over the halfway point in the conference season and there’s only three games separating the top seven spots. It’s going to be an exciting finish!

• Arizona Stays Hot
  The Wildcats picked up two keys wins last week, including a victory over No. 3 Iowa State thanks to Caleb Love’s shot from beyond halfcourt to send the game into overtime. Arizona went on to win, giving the Wildcats their first win over a top-5 opponent as an unranked team since beating No. 3 UCLA in 1979.
  

• BYU Rolling + Conor McGregor attends game
  The showdown between BYU and Baylor brought all of the stars out, including MMA legend Connor McGregor to watch some Big 12 after dark basketball.

• Longest Winning Streak
  Texas Tech currently owns the longest active winning streak in Big 12 play as the Red Raiders took down No. 6 Houston, 82-81 in a thrilling road win. The victory over Houston made it 11 straight years with a win over a Top 10 opponent.
  

• Longest Losing Streak
  Colorado currently owns the longest active losing streak as the Buffs are winless in Big 12 play and have lost 10 games in a row.
  

• Top Games This Week
  * No. 8 Iowa State @ No. 16 Kansas (Monday, ESPN)
  * No. 20 Arizona @ BYU (Tuesday, ESPN)
  * Baylor @ No. 13 Texas Tech (Tuesday, ESPN2)
  * No. 16 Kansas vs. Kansas State (Saturday, ESPN)
  * No. 13 Texas Tech @ No. 20 Arizona (Saturday, ESPN)

Big 12 Basketball Standings