​The Big 12 did away with its preseason conference football poll after the 2024 season, in which Arizona State emerged as the surprise winner after being predicted to finish last. That prediction factored against ASU at the end of the season because it contributed to the perception of the conference being weak.National publications still have their predictions, and most of those have the Sun Devils pegged between sixth and ninth, middle of the pack in the 16-team conference.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDefending champion Texas Tech is favored, taking 14 of the 16 first-place votes.1 / 5A scene from the 2026 Big 12 Media Days on the floor of the Dallas Cowboys practice facility on July 7, 2026.(Michelle Gardner/The Republic)A media poll has been organized using one beat writer covering each of the 16 teams. Points were determined on a 16-15-14-13-12-11, etc., basis. Here’s the order of finish, with first-place votes and total points:1. Texas Tech (14) 2542. Brigham Young (2) 2393. Arizona 2073. Houston 2075. Utah 1986. Texas Christian 1667. Arizona State 1618. Kansas State 1589. Oklahoma State 12410. Baylor 8811. Cincinnati 8512. Kansas 7913. West Virginia 7614. Central Florida 6815. Colorado 4016. Iowa State 26Voting panel: Eric Bailey, Tulsa World; Jason Batacao, Salt Lake Tribune; Mike Casazza, Eer Sports (247); Jay Drew, Deseret News; Joseph Duarte, Houston Chronicle; Michelle Gardner, Arizona Republic; Henry Greenstein, Lawrence Journal World; Ben Hutchens, Quad Cities Times; Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel; Leo Rivera, Buffstampede.com; Kellis Robinett, Kansas City Star/Wichita Eagle; Jason Scheer, Wildcatauthority.com; Zach Smith, Waco Tribune-Herald; Scott Springer, Cincinnati Enquirer; Don Williams, Lubbock Avalanche Journal.This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Big 12 media poll pegs Arizona State football 4 spots below Arizona