"The 2025-26 college hoops Big 12 Title race has officially reached its "hold your breath" phase. The conference is living up to its reputation as a nightly meat grinder, with the regular-season title race coming down to a four-way sprint between Houston, Arizona, Kansas, and a surging Iowa State. Following the Cyclones' massive 70-67 upset over Houston earlier this week, the Big 12 standings have gotten very tight at the top, where the aforementioned programs are all within one game of each other."
"Houston currently holds the edge as the betting favorite, largely due to a defense that remains the gold standard in college basketball. Despite a narrow 70-67 loss at Iowa State earlier this week, the Cougars' path is clear: if they defend home court against Arizona this Saturday and survive a "Big Monday" trip to Phog Allen Fieldhouse, Kelvin Sampson's squad will win their third straight Big 12 title."
"Arizona, sitting as the second favorite, remains the highest-ceiling team in the race but is currently navigating a mid-February catnap. The Wildcats started the season with 24 consecutive wins before suffering defeats to Kansas and Texas Tech last week. Tommy Lloyd's group can prove their might this Saturday at Houston, but with freshman star Koa Peat already ruled out, the task will be difficult. A loss to the Cougs all but seals their fate."
Four teams — Houston, Arizona, Kansas, and Iowa State — occupy the top of the Big 12 standings, separated by one game. Houston is the betting favorite because of an elite defense and a favorable remaining schedule that could deliver a third straight conference title. Arizona maintains the highest upside but has stumbled recently and will be without freshman Koa Peat for a tough road test at Houston. Iowa State and Kansas remain within striking distance; the Cyclones have leveraged a disruptive pressure defense and a strong homecourt advantage to pull off upsets against top opponents. Upcoming matchups could reshuffle the race.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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