BYU has BEST Chance to Make College Football Playoff from Big 12? Iowa State? Kansas State? | ESPN

Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast

The Big 12 has established itself as one of the most competitive and deep football conferences, particularly with recent expansions that include teams like BYU, Cincinnati, and the addition of Pac-12 powerhouses like Utah. This depth makes the Big 12 a strong contender for producing teams that can challenge for the College Football Playoff (CFP), positioning the conference alongside the SEC and Big Ten in terms of national prominence.

BYU's inclusion in the Big 12 brings with it a program steeped in football tradition and a history of success. The Cougars, known for their 1984 national championship and numerous conference titles, have always played an aggressive, fearless brand of football. For years, BYU played as an independent, regularly facing top-tier programs across the country, which prepared them for the competitive gauntlet of the Big 12. Their schedule was always loaded with tough opponents, and now, as a member of the Big 12, BYU will have an even greater chance to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

With the Big 12's new alignment, no team is safe week to week. Programs like Oklahoma State, Baylor, Kansas State, and the newcomers like Utah all bring their own strengths to the table. The diversity of playstyles, from high-flying offenses to dominant defenses, ensures that every game is a challenge. This competitive landscape only bolsters the Big 12’s position in the race for the CFP.

The depth and competitiveness of the Big 12 create a scenario where multiple teams, including BYU, could realistically make a push for the College Football Playoff. As a conference that continues to grow in both quality and national appeal, the Big 12 stands strong as a force to be reckoned with in college football.