ASU Rises in Latest Big 12 Basketball Power Rankings

ASU is on the rise in the Big 12.

Jan 21, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Noah Meeusen (15) celebrates a three point shot against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the first half at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

TEMPE -- The next several weeks of the college basketball offseason will be consequential in a manner that is difficult to measure for the 360+ programs in Division I - Arizona State included.

While Arizona State seeks to turn a new page under a new coach, other Big 12 programs are attempting to either return to the NCAA Tournament, climb out of the conference cellar, or solidify themselves as elite in the hierarchy.

Mar 18, 2026; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Saint Mary's Gaels head coach Randy Bennett speaks to reporters during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images | William Purnell-Imagn Images

Arizona State on SI ranks the top 10 Big 12 programs in a projection for the next three seasons, taking into account resources, recent performance, coaching situations, and other factors.

10. West Virginia Mountaineers

West Virginia has remained relevant in the Big 12 even after the departure of Bob Huggins. Ross Hodge seems to have the Mountaineers in a strong spot as a program, and the NIL capabilities are better than one may expect.

ASU Sun Devils center Massamba Diop (35) celebrates his 3-pointer against the Kansas Jayhawks at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, on March 3, 2026. | Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

9. Arizona State

While Arizona State's NIL capabilities need more work (AD Graham Rossini has committed to improving them), Randy Bennett was an exceptional hire who instantly raises the floor of the program.

The interim will be of interest to the Big 12 world, but there's a great sense of promise moving into the future in Tempe in complement of the focus on the short-term. Expect the Sun Devils to reliably battle in the middle-half of the conference.

Jan 31, 2026; Spokane, Washington, USA; Saint Mary's Gaels head coach Randy Bennett talks with an official during a game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | James Snook-Imagn Images

8. Baylor Bears

Baylor has struggled over the last two seasons, going just 37-32 under Scott Drew.

The Bears remain one of the best programs in the Big 12 over the last decade-plus, and it's difficult to see Drew failing to bounce back.

Cincinnati head coach Jerrod Calhoun speaks during a press conference announcing him as the head men's basketball coach at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. | Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

7. Cincinnati Bearcats

Arizona State guard Moe Odum (5) drives toward the hoop against Cincinnati guard Day Day Thomas (1) during a game at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Ariz., on Jan. 24, 2026. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Cincinnati is reliably among the top of the league in NIL efforts - now they have a head coach in Jerrod Calhoun, who has been one of the elite coaches at the mid-major level, with no reason to believe that he won't translate to the next level in sight.

Mar 7, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars head coach Kevin Young calls out a play during the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images | Aaron Baker-Imagn Images

6. BYU Cougars

BYU has been something of an enigma under Kevin Young, showing promise without much payoff for those efforts. The Cougars are still a threat to make a deep NCAA tournament run due to a myriad of factors, but aren't quite as established as the others that are slotted higher.

Mar 11, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Iowa State Cyclones coach TJ Otzelberger watches game play during the first half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images | William Purnell-Imagn Images

5. Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa State has stabilized as a program in recent years and seems to represent the Fred Hoiberg era much better compared to Steve Prohm under the leadership of T.J. Otzelberger.

Mar 11, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Joshua Jefferson (5) protects the ball from Arizona State Sun Devils center Massamba Diop (35) during the first half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images | William Purnell-Imagn Images

4. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech - much like Iowa State - has stabilized into one of the elite programs in the Big 12 after losing a highly valued head coach prior to its resurgence. It will be interesting to see what J.T. Toppin decides to do next season, as well as how Grant McCasland responds to inevitable changes.

Mar 22, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self looks on in the first half against the St. John's Red Storm during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

3. Kansas Jayhawks

Little doubt exists regarding Kansas' standing in the league - both historically and currently - although the future of Bill Self is worth discussing when evaluating programs over the next three seasons.

Mar 3, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Maurice Odum (5) celebrates with Anthony Johnson (2) against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second half at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

2. Arizona Wildcats

Arizona State fans will not love this placement, but it's only fair after the Wildcats made a run to the Final Four. Tommy Lloyd is staying in Tucson for the long haul. Arizona's resources are among the best in Division I basketball. The program will continue to land elite recruits. The rivalry between the Sun Devils and Wildcats will only get more intense with the recent developments between the two programs.

Jan 31, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) against Arizona State Sun Devils guard Anthony Johnson (2) at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

1. Houston Cougars

The major question surrounding Houston is how much longer Kelvin Sampson plans to coach. Until he retires, it's difficult to refute that the Cougars have been the most consistent program in the league over their first three seasons as members.