With just under two weeks to go until the start of the College Football season, the Associated Press Top 25 poll was released. There are five teams from the Big 12 in the poll. Let’s take a look at each of them:
12. Utah Utes
The Utes are the conference favorites. They are going to see some new places this season as members of the Big 12. Utah is used to winning ways, as Kyle Whittingham is entering his 20th season as the head man in Salt Lake City. Utah starts the season with Southern Utah on August 29th. Their first big test is September 21st on the road at Oklahoma State.
17. Oklahoma State Cowboys
The Cowboys are led by Mike Gundy, another guy in his 20th season as the head coach. The Big 12 media poll had the Cowboys just below Kansas State, but the Associated Press poll has the Cowboys ahead of the Wildcats. Regardless, the end of September will be challenging with games against Utah and Kansas State. But, the Cowboys cannot overlook South Dakota State to open the season.
18. Kansas State Wildcats
Chris Klieman saw three guys get drafted into the NFL following their 9-4 season a year ago. The Wildcats won their bowl game as well. Now, they will look to make the next step and get back to the conference title game. Kansas State starts their season on August 31st at home against UT Martin.
21. Arizona Wildcats
Brett Brennan is starting his first season with the Wildcats. Arizona went 10-3 a season ago, and 7-2 in their final season in the Pac-12. The Wildcats beat up Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl and finished 11th in the final Associated Press poll. That was their best finish since 1998. Arizona was picked fifth in the preseason poll, just behind Kansas. The Wildcats open on August 31st against New Mexico.
22. Kansas Jayhawks
The Jayhawks got some national love, coming in at 22 in the poll. Lance Leipold is entering his fourth year as the head coach. Arrowhead Stadium will be the home for the Jayhawks as Memorial Stadium is under renovation this season. Kansas lost some coaches on the staff, but they bring back a ton of talent. Jason Bean, who was the quarterback a season ago, will also not return. Kansas gets Lindenwood in Week 1, and a road trip to Illinois in Week 2.
Iowa State, West Virginia, and Colorado got votes in the poll but did not make the Top 25. To get a look at the entire Associated Press Top 25 poll, take a look here.
Keep in mind, that the US LBM Coaches Poll has also been released. So these can be used in comparison to see the differences between the two.