The Big 12 isn’t just a football powerhouse — it’s about to own college basketball again.

For the second straight year, the conference is flexing its hoops dominance with six teams ranked in the 2025–26 Preseason Associated Press Men’s Basketball Top 25, tying the national lead and matching a league record.

Even more impressive? All six are ranked inside the top 20, with three inside the top 10 — more than any other conference in America.

At the top of the heap is Houston, checking in at No. 2 after a monster 35-win season and a trip to last year’s national championship game.

The Cougars, who also swept both Big 12 regular-season and tournament titles, match their best-ever preseason ranking — last achieved way back in 1967 when Elvin Hayes ruled the paint.

Next up is BYU, who makes a triumphant return to the preseason poll for the first time since 2010 — landing at a program-best No. 8 after last year’s Sweet 16 run. Texas Tech follows closely behind at No. 10, giving the Big 12 three top-10 teams.

The Red Raiders bring back reigning Big 12 Player of the Year JT Toppin, fresh off leading Tech to an Elite 8 appearance.

Arizona sits at No. 13, extending its streak of preseason rankings to four straight years after another Sweet 16 showing.

Iowa State opens at No. 16 after a 25-10 campaign and its 11th NCAA Tournament appearance in 13 years. And of course, Kansas is right where it always is — No. 19, marking its 20th consecutive preseason ranking.

Meanwhile, Kansas State and Baylor just missed the cut but earned votes, proving the Big 12’s depth runs deep.

Bottom line? The Big 12 isn’t rebuilding — it’s reloading.

And come March, expect more than a few of these squads dancing deep into the tournament.