WHO: BYU or Arizona State, Who Would You Rather Be in Big 12 Football in 2025 | NIL, Transfer Portal

It's a fascinating question with a lot to consider! Here's a breakdown to help weigh the pros and cons of each situation for the 2025 football season:

Arizona State Sun Devils:

Pros:

Big 12 Opportunity: They are now in a Power Five conference with the increased exposure and resources that come with it.
Favorable Schedule (Potentially): Looking at their announced 2025 schedule, they have some winnable non-conference games and avoid BYU, a team many expect to be strong in the Big 12. They also have home games against TCU and Texas Tech.
Sam Leavitt: They retain a quarterback who showed promise and has publicly stated his commitment to the program, even signing a new NIL deal. This provides stability at a crucial position.
New Facilities: They play in Mountain America Stadium, which has undergone recent renovations.
Recruiting Momentum (Potentially): Coach Kenny Dillingham is young and energetic, which could translate to positive recruiting momentum.
Cons:

Rebuilding: Arizona State is still in a rebuilding phase under Coach Dillingham after a period of significant roster turnover.
Tough Big 12 Opponents: They still face challenging Big 12 road games against Baylor, Utah, Iowa State, and Colorado.
Conference Perception: As a newer member, they might not have the same established respect within the Big 12 as some of the longer-tenured programs.
"Hate" Factor: As mentioned earlier, some Big 12 fanbases might have a less welcoming attitude towards the newer additions.
BYU Cougars:

Pros:

Strong 2024 Performance: BYU had a solid first season in the Big 12, showing they can compete in the conference.
Exciting Offense: They have a traditionally exciting offensive scheme and some talented returning players.
Home-Field Advantage: LaVell Edwards Stadium provides a strong home-field advantage.
Clear Identity: They have a strong and passionate fanbase with a unique identity.
NIL Investment: BYU is clearly investing heavily in NIL, which is attracting high-level talent like transfer Rob Wright and potentially top recruits. This could give them a significant competitive edge.
Cons:

Tough Schedule: Their 2025 schedule includes challenging Big 12 matchups against Utah (a heated rivalry game), West Virginia, Arizona, Iowa State, Texas Tech, TCU, Cincinnati, and UCF.
"Hate" Factor: As discussed, BYU also faces some animosity from other Big 12 fanbases, particularly Utah's.
Sustainability of NIL: The long-term sustainability and potential NCAA scrutiny of their aggressive NIL spending remain a question mark.
Replacing Key Players: They will need to replace some key contributors from their 2024 squad.
Which Would I Rather Be?

This is a close call, and it depends on the priorities:

For immediate potential for significant improvement and disruption in the conference, along with the excitement of a rapidly ascending program, I might lean towards BYU. Their willingness to invest in NIL and their solid foundation from 2024 could lead to a very exciting 2025 season. However, they face a challenging schedule.

For the stability of being in a Power Five conference with a slightly less daunting schedule (on paper) and the potential for steady growth under a new coaching staff, Arizona State has its appeal. However, they are likely still a year or two away from truly contending in the Big 12.

Ultimately, if forced to choose right now, I would slightly lean towards BYU. Their demonstrated competitiveness in 2024, coupled with their aggressive NIL strategy, suggests a higher ceiling for potential success and excitement in the 2025 season, even with a tougher schedule. The potential for them to be a real disruptor in the Big 12 is intriguing.
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