ANALYST: Texas Tech, Baylor Will Meet in BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP Over BYU, Kansas State for CFP Spot

talking about Texas Tech and Baylor potentially facing off in the Big 12 football championship in 2025! That's a much more plausible and interesting scenario given their current standing and trajectories within the revamped Big 12.Here's a breakdown of why both teams have a legitimate shot and what their paths might look like:Texas Tech Red Raiders: The Rising ContenderTexas Tech enters the 2025 season with a significant amount of buzz and high expectations, possibly higher than they've had in nearly two decades.Aggressive Roster Building: Head Coach Joey McGuire has been incredibly active and successful in the transfer portal. Texas Tech has reportedly brought in a top-ranked transfer class for 2025, adding significant talent, including players projected to be NFL Draft picks. This influx of talent is directly tied to their significant NIL efforts (as previously discussed, the $55M projected spend).Returning Quarterback: The return of their starting quarterback (likely Behren Morton, though the searches mention Jake Retzlaff for BYU, so assuming Morton for Tech based on other reports) is a huge factor for continuity and leadership. A stable, experienced QB is crucial for navigating a tough conference schedule.Coaching Staff Stability: Joey McGuire has established a clear culture and identity in Lubbock. While there have been coordinator changes, the overall vision and buy-in from the program seem strong. McGuire has publicly embraced the "championship or bust" mentality.Favorable Schedule (Relatively): Some analyses (like 247Sports) have noted that Texas Tech's 2025 schedule is relatively favorable within the Big 12, with a combined win percentage of opponents that's on the lower side. This could provide a clearer path to racking up wins.Preseason Projections: Several early 2025 power rankings and FPI projections are already putting Texas Tech near the top of the Big 12. For example, some have them as high as #1 or #2 contenders in the conference.Baylor Bears: The Resurgent Dark HorseThe Big 12 is expected to be incredibly competitive and balanced in 2025, especially with the additions of former Pac-12 schools (Utah, Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado).Kansas State is often picked as the favorite due to consistency and returning QB Avery Johnson.Arizona State is another strong contender, having won the Big 12 in 2024 (according to one source, implying a quick rise to power).BYU, TCU, and Iowa State are also expected to be in the mix.Conclusion:A Texas Tech vs. Baylor Big 12 Championship game in 2025 is a very plausible and exciting scenario.Texas Tech has the roster talent, NIL investment, and coaching continuity to break through and compete for their first Big 12 title. Their aggressive approach suggests they are truly aiming for the top.Baylor, riding the momentum of their strong finish in 2024 and with key offensive pieces returning, is poised to be a legitimate dark horse or even a front-runner.Both teams have the coaching, talent, and renewed optimism to make a deep run in the expanded and highly competitive Big 12. While they'll face stiff competition from other strong programs, a championship showdown between the Red Raiders and Bears in Arlington is certainly within the realm of possibility.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGEfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.