Iowa State and BYU both have the potential to rise to the top of Big 12 football, each bringing unique strengths and growing programs that position them as serious contenders in the conference. Both teams have demonstrated their ability to compete at high levels and have strong fan bases that back them, creating intense home-field advantages in Ames and Provo.Iowa State, under head coach Matt Campbell, has developed into a consistent force in recent years. Known for their disciplined, tough defensive play and efficient, balanced offense, the Cyclones have achieved significant wins, including upset victories over top-ranked teams and appearances in the Big 12 Championship Game. Campbell has established a culture of player development, taking underrated recruits and molding them into top-tier athletes who buy into a team-first mentality. With a resilient defense and a strategic, methodical approach on offense, Iowa State has proven they can go toe-to-toe with the best teams in the Big 12.BYU, now a member of the Big 12, brings a strong football tradition and a program known for producing dynamic quarterbacks and explosive offenses. BYU’s national championship history and experience competing as an independent have prepared them well for the challenge of Big 12 competition. Head coach Kalani Sitake has continued BYU’s legacy of disciplined, versatile football, and their recent seasons have included impressive victories over Power Five programs, proving they are ready for the conference stage. BYU’s physical, balanced style, combined with a high-altitude home advantage in Provo, makes them a tough opponent.With both Iowa State and BYU known for toughness, depth, and skilled coaching, their path to the top of the Big 12 is achievable. As contenders, they have the talent, resilience, and momentum needed to compete for Big 12 titles, making them teams to watch as they seek to make their mark at the top of the conference.For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!ROYDownload Roy for iOS or Android and enter referral code LOCKED ON and you’ll automatically be entered into a sweepstakes to win $5,000 cash. Visit JoinRoy.com for additional details. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited. Get off the sidelines and into the NIL game with Roy.5-Hour ENERGYWhat’s your Fan Fuel this week?! Whatever it is, do it with a 5 Hour Energy! Available on 5HourEnergy.com. Shipped nationwide. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE and get $50 instantly when you play $5! You don't even need to win to receive the $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONCOLLEGEGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET !Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. 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)
