The Big 12 is a clear race between two. One program is undefeated in conference play with the nation's best defense while the other sits high in the AP Poll and is credited for its balanced attack. Currently, the Houston Cougars are -300 favorites to be the Big 12 regular season conference winner at FanDuel. But, don't discount the Iowa State Cyclones (+430) who have an easier schedule approaching.
big 12 regular season conference winner Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Houston Cougars | -300 |
| Iowa State Cyclones | +430 |
| Arizona Wildcats | +950 |
| Texas Tech Red Raiders | +2000 |
| Kansas Jayhawks | +4000 |
| Baylor Bears | +25000 |
Odds as of January 30 at Sportsbook
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big 12 conference winner Favorite: Houston Cougars (-300)
Houston's best trait is its defense, which tops the KenPom defensive ratings. The Cougars have held opponents to 57-points or fewer in 15 of 20 matchups this season; including not letting competitors eclipse the 50-point mark in nine of those occasions. Allowing just 55.3 PPG, there's no argument that Houston is the nation's most lethal defense.
Kelvin Sampson's most prominent flaw is strength of schedule, having only met three ranked programs and losing in two (Auburn and Alabama) while needing an OT battle against Kansas. But, with four ranked meetings against Kansas, West Virginia and Iowa State awaiting--it's Houston's time to prove it can play with the big boys and the earlier losses in the season were just a fluke.
big 12 conference winner contender: Iowa State Cyclones (+430)
Ranked No. 3 in the AP Poll, Iowa State has what Houston doesn't--noteworthy wins against No. 5 Marquette, No. 25 Baylor and No. 9 Kansas. Heck, even the Cyclones loss to No. 4 Auburn was by two-points.
The Cyclones recent upsets to West Virginia and Arizona scuffed up their conference record, which now sits 7-2 SU.
T.J. Otzelberger's group is one of only two programs that sit inside the top 15 for defensive and offensive ratings at KenPom. So, a sprinkle on the Cyclones to be the Big 12 regular season conference winner isn't far fetched. Iowa State doesn't have a daunting schedule remaining, seeing two more ranked schools with Kansas (which they did beat in mid-January) and of course, Houston. If Iowa State route the easier conference meetings and bury Houston, the conference is theirs for the taking.
Last 10 big 12 regular season conference winners
| Year | Team | Opening Odds | Closing Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Houston Cougars | +375 | -185 |
| 2023 | Kansas Jayhawks | +250 | +190 |
| 2022 | Kansas Jayhawks | +150 | - |
| 2021 | Baylor Bears | +180 | - |
| 2020 | Kansas Jayhawks | +140 | - |
| 2019 | Kansas State | - | - |
| 2018 | vacated | - | - |
| 2017 | Kansas Jayhawks | -200 | - |
| 2016 | Kansas Jayhawks | -150 | - |
| 2015 | Kansas Jayhawks | -250 | - |
Of the last decade, the Kansas Jayhawks have owned the Big 12, winning the regular season six times.
