Big 12 Football: Top 5 Takeaways from Week 9 of the 2025 Season That Could Reshape the Playoff Race
In a Week 9 of the 2025 college football season that delivered heart-pounding drama across the Big 12 Conference, underdogs rose, favorites stumbled, and the playoff picture grew murkier than ever. Utah’s dominant 38-17 thrashing of Arizona State on Saturday night not only clinched a crucial road victory but also propelled the Utes back into the driver’s seat for the conference title, leaving fans buzzing about their national championship aspirations. As the Big 12 continues to assert itself as the most unpredictable league in college football, these standout performances have intensified the race for the expanded 12-team playoff, with every snap now carrying playoff weight.
Utah’s Defensive Masterclass Crushes Arizona State Dreams
The Utah Utes delivered a Week 9 masterpiece in Tempe, dismantling Arizona State 38-17 in a game that felt like a playoff audition. Quarterback Isaac Wilson threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns, but it was the Utes’ defense that stole the show, holding the Sun Devils to just 221 total yards—their lowest output of the 2025 season. Linebacker Lander Barton recorded two sacks and an interception, while the secondary blanketed ASU’s star receiver Jordyn Tyson, limiting him to a mere 42 yards on seven catches.
“This was about execution on both sides of the ball,” Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said postgame. “Our guys came in focused, knowing that a win here keeps us in the hunt for the Big 12 crown and a playoff spot.” The victory improves Utah to 7-1 overall and 5-0 in conference play, tying them atop the Big 12 standings with BYU. For Arizona State, now 4-4 (2-3 Big 12), the loss exposes vulnerabilities in their pass protection, as quarterback Sam Leavitt was sacked five times and threw two picks.
Statistically, Utah’s run game dominated with 212 yards on the ground, led by running back Micah Bernard’s 142 yards and two scores. This performance echoes the Utes’ 2022 championship run, when their defense ranked No. 1 nationally. As the 2025 season progresses, Utah’s ability to stifle high-powered offenses like ASU’s could be the key to their playoff push. Looking ahead, the Utes face a gauntlet including road trips to Colorado and Kansas State, tests that will further define their mettle in the Big 12 playoff race.
Kansas Shocks Rival Kansas State in Overtime Thriller
In one of the most electric rivalry games in Week 9 of the 2025 college football season, the Kansas Jayhawks pulled off a stunning 31-28 overtime upset over the Kansas State Wildcats in Manhattan. Trailing 28-17 entering the fourth quarter, Kansas mounted a comeback fueled by quarterback Jalon Daniels’ heroics, including a 65-yard touchdown bomb to wideout Luke Grimm that tied the game with 1:42 left. In overtime, Daniels’ two-point conversion pass sealed the victory, sending Arrowhead Stadium-bound fans into delirium.
“We’ve been building for moments like this,” Daniels told reporters, his jersey still grass-stained. “Beating K-State on their turf? That’s huge for our confidence heading into the back half of Big 12 play.” Kansas improves to 6-2 (4-1 Big 12), their best start since 2007, while K-State drops to 5-3 (3-2), snapping their three-game win streak. The Sunflower Showdown, always a powder keg, saw 112 total points attempted—wait, no, the game featured 59 total points, but the intensity was off the charts with 18 first downs each and over 700 combined passing yards.
Defensively, Kansas forced three turnovers, including a strip-sack by linebacker JB Brown that set up their game-tying drive. For K-State, quarterback Avery Johnson struggled with accuracy, completing just 22 of 38 passes for 248 yards and two interceptions. This upset not only reignites Kansas’ bowl eligibility dreams but also muddies the Big 12 playoff waters, as the Jayhawks now sit just one game behind the leaders. Next week, Kansas hosts Houston, a matchup that could propel them into legitimate contention if they maintain this momentum.
Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders Leads Resurgent Buffs Past Baylor
Colorado’s renaissance in the Big 12 took another leap forward in Week 9 of the 2025 season, as the Buffaloes steamrolled Baylor 42-24 in Boulder. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders orchestrated a clinic, passing for 362 yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions, while the rushing attack—powered by Travis Hunter’s versatility—amassed 198 yards. Hunter, playing both ways, hauled in 112 receiving yards and two scores, plus five tackles on defense, earning widespread praise as a Heisman frontrunner.
“Shedeur’s poise under pressure is unmatched,” Colorado coach Deion Sanders beamed. “We’re not just winning; we’re building a legacy in this Big 12 conference.” The win boosts Colorado to 5-3 (3-2 Big 12), their first three conference victories since rejoining the league. Baylor, meanwhile, falls to 3-5 (1-4), their defense gashed for 560 total yards—the most allowed all season.
Key stats highlight Colorado’s offensive explosion: Sanders’ 72% completion rate and the team’s 6.2 yards per play efficiency. This performance comes amid a three-game win streak, transforming the Buffs from preseason punchline to playoff dark horse. Baylor’s struggles, particularly in the secondary where they allowed three passes of 40+ yards, underscore their rebuild under new coordinator. As Colorado eyes a pivotal matchup with Utah in two weeks, Sanders’ leadership could vault them into the expanded playoff conversation, especially if they capitalize on the Big 12’s parity.
BYU’s Offensive Fireworks Light Up UCF in Provo Shootout
Provo erupted in Week 9 as BYU edged UCF 45-38 in a high-scoring affair that showcased the Big 12’s offensive firepower during the 2025 college football season. Cougars’ signal-caller Jake Retzlaff dazzled with 410 passing yards, three touchdowns, and a rushing score, outdueling UCF’s KJ Jefferson in a battle of dual-threat QBs. Wide receiver Chase Roberts was the star, snagging 10 catches for 185 yards and two TDs, including a 72-yard strike that shifted momentum midway through the third quarter.
“This offense is clicking on all cylinders,” BYU head coach Kalani Sitake said. “Beating a team like UCF keeps us right in the playoff mix— we’re not done yet.” BYU moves to 7-1 (5-0 Big 12), maintaining their undefeated conference mark and strengthening their resume for an at-large playoff bid. UCF slips to 4-4 (2-3), despite Jefferson’s 320 yards and three scores; their defense surrendered 512 total yards, the highest in program history against a ranked opponent.
The game featured nine lead changes and over 900 combined offensive yards, epitomizing the Big 12’s wide-open style. BYU’s special teams added a blocked punt returned for a touchdown, providing the margin of victory. For the Knights, penalties—12 for 105 yards—proved costly. With BYU hosting TCU next, another win could lock in a top-four seed in the conference championship race, directly impacting the national playoff landscape.
TCU’s Late-Game Heroics Snatch Victory from Iowa State
In a nail-biter that went down to the final seconds, TCU outlasted Iowa State 27-24 in Fort Worth during Week 9 of the 2025 Big 12 season, thanks to a 48-yard field goal by kicker Camden Price as time expired. Horned Frogs’ running back Trey Sanders rushed for 156 yards and two touchdowns, grinding out key yards in the fourth quarter to set up the winning kick. Quarterback Josh Hoover added 210 passing yards, but it was the defense’s goal-line stand—stopping Iowa State’s Rocco Becht on fourth-and-1—that preserved the win.
“Clutch plays define champions,” TCU coach Sonny Dykes remarked. “This keeps our playoff hopes alive in this stacked Big 12 field.” TCU rebounds to 4-4 (2-3 Big 12), while Iowa State drops to 5-3 (3-2), ending their two-game skid but highlighting run-defense woes (allowing 4.8 yards per carry). The Cyclones’ Becht threw for 285 yards and two scores, but a late interception sealed their fate.
Statistically, TCU’s 142 rushing yards contrasted Iowa State’s 98, flipping the script on the Cyclones’ ground-and-pound identity. This victory injects life into TCU’s season, positioning them for a potential late surge toward bowl eligibility and perhaps more. Iowa State, facing Cincinnati next, must shore up their secondary after surrendering 180 receiving yards to TCU’s receivers.
As Week 9 fades, the Big 12’s playoff implications loom large in the 2025 season. With Utah and BYU undefeated in conference, Kansas and Colorado surging, and chaos reigning elsewhere, the conference title game on December 7 could feature any number of contenders. The expanded playoff format rewards consistency, but one upset—like Kansas over K-State—can vault a team into at-large consideration. Teams like Houston and Oklahoma State, idle this week, must respond in Week 10 to avoid fading from the race. Expect the Big 12 to deliver more twists, keeping college football fans glued to the drama as selection Sunday approaches.
