The 2024-25 Big 12 men’s basketball season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. With conference realignment shaking up the league—adding Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah while saying goodbye to Texas and Oklahoma—this year was always going to be unpredictable. But few could’ve guessed just how dramatic the battles for supremacy would become.
From Houston’s dominant run to Texas Tech’s breakout star JT Toppin, the season has delivered buzzer-beaters, coaching drama, and a nail-biting tournament finale. Whether you’re new to college basketball or a seasoned fan, this guide breaks down the standings, key moments, and what these results mean for March Madness. Let’s dive in.
The Big 12 Men’s Basketball Standings: Who Topped the Charts?
The 2024-25 regular season saw the Houston Cougars cement their status as a powerhouse. With a near-perfect 19–1 conference record and a 32–4 overall tally, Kelvin Sampson’s squad leveraged their trademark defense and clutch shooting to secure their second straight Big 12 title. Right behind them, Texas Tech (15–5) rode JT Toppin’s MVP-caliber season to a No. 9 national ranking, while Arizona (14–6) and BYU (14–6) rounded out the top four.
Here’s a snapshot of the final standings:
| Team | Conf. Record | Overall Record |
| No. 2 Houston | 19–1 | 32–4 |
| No. 9 Texas Tech | 15–5 | 27–8 |
| No. 21 Arizona | 14–6 | 24–12 |
| No. 17 BYU | 14–6 | 26–9 |
At the bottom, Colorado (3–17) and Arizona State (4–16) struggled in their Big 12 debuts, highlighting the steep learning curve for new entrants.
Houston’s Dominance: Defense Wins Championships
Houston’s success wasn’t accidental. The Cougars ranked No. 1 nationally in defensive efficiency (per KenPom) for the third straight year, holding opponents to just 58.3 points per game. Senior guard Emanuel Sharp, the Big 12 Tournament MVP, embodied this grit—his lockdown perimeter defense and 18.2 PPG made him indispensable.
Why It Matters for Beginners:
Defense might not be as flashy as scoring, but Houston proves it’s the backbone of winning basketball. Think of it like building a house: without a strong foundation (defense), even the prettiest design (offense) can crumble.
Texas Tech’s Surge: The JT Toppin Effect
JT Toppin wasn’t just Texas Tech’s best player—he was the conference’s most electrifying talent. The sophomore forward averaged 19.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks, earning him Big 12 Player of the Year honors. His highlight-reel dunks and late-game heroics propelled the Red Raiders to their highest ranking in a decade.
Key Game: Texas Tech’s 89–84 overtime win over Kansas in February showcased Toppin’s clutch gene. He scored 12 points in the final five minutes, including a game-tying three-pointer with 0.8 seconds left.
Coaching Carousel: Turmoil and Turnarounds
This season saw significant coaching changes:
- West Virginia: Darian DeVries left for Indiana after one season, leaving the Mountaineers in limbo.
- Utah: Craig Smith was fired midseason after a 13–19 start, replaced by interim coach Josh Eilert.
- BYU: Kevin Young, a Phoenix Suns assistant, stepped into Mark Pope’s shoes and led the Cougars to a surprise 26-win season1.
Expert Insight:
Coaching stability often correlates with success. Houston’s Kelvin Sampson (11th season) and Baylor’s Scott Drew (22nd season) have built cultures that withstand roster turnover. For new coaches like Young, Year 1 is about laying groundwork—not just chasing wins.
March Madness Outlook: Who’s Built for a Deep Run?
Houston (No. 2 seed) and Texas Tech (No. 3 seed) are poised for strong NCAA Tournament showings. The Cougars’ experience and defense translate well to high-pressure games, while Toppin gives Texas Tech a go-to scorer in crunch time.
Dark Horse: Don’t sleep on Iowa State. The Cyclones’ tenacious defense (No. 6 nationally in steals) could disrupt higher-seeded teams.
History of the 12 Big Men’s Basketball Conference
The Big 12 Conference has been a significant force in NCAA men’s basketball since its inception in 1994, with competition commencing in the 1996–97 season. Formed by merging members from the Big Eight and Southwest Conferences, it initially comprised 12 teams. Over the years, the conference has experienced notable changes, including the departure of schools like Nebraska and Colorado, and the addition of teams such as TCU and West Virginia. Notably, the 2024–25 season marked further expansion with the inclusion of Houston, Cincinnati, UCF, and BYU, bringing the total membership to 16 teams.
Throughout its history, the Big 12 has been home to powerhouse programs like Kansas, which has secured numerous regular-season titles and multiple national championships. The conference has consistently performed well in the NCAA Tournament, boasting 166 team appearances, 12 Final Four berths, and three national titles over 29 seasons. The Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament, held annually since 1997, determines the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, with Kansas leading in tournament championships.
The 2024–25 season showcased the conference’s depth and competitiveness. Houston emerged as a dominant force, clinching the regular-season title with a 19-1 conference record and securing the tournament championship by defeating Arizona. Other teams like Texas Tech, Arizona, and BYU also had strong showings, finishing with impressive records and underscoring the Big 12’s reputation as a premier collegiate basketball league.
FAQs: Your Big 12 Basketball Questions Answered
Why does Houston dominate the Big 12?
Defense and depth. The Cougars rotate 10 players who all excel in Kelvin Sampson’s system.
What’s next for Arizona after a Sweet 16 exit?
Rebuilding around Caleb Love and KJ Lewis. Coach Tommy Lloyd’s recruiting will be key.
How do standings affect March Madness seeding?
Conference records help the selection committee evaluate résumés. A strong Big 12 finish often means a higher seed.
Will Colorado improve next year?
It’ll take time. Coach Tad Boyle needs to recruit players suited to the Big 12’s physical style.
Where can I find updated standings?
Visit Big12Sports.com or follow ESPN’s college basketball coverage.
Final Thoughts
The 2024-25 Big 12 season reinforced a truth about college basketball: adaptability reigns supreme. New teams, new coaches, and new stars reshaped the conference—and the chaos was a thrill to watch. Whether Houston can finally win a national title or Cinderella stories like BYU emerge, March Madness promises to deliver fireworks.
