The five most critical Big 12 matchups on the Colorado basketball schedule

This year's Big 12 conference is very deep and dangerous, and Tad Boyle and his young Buffaloes squad will have their work cut out for them.

Honorable Mention – Kansas

Darryn Peterson is a bonafide top five pick, if not top three selection in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The 6-5 shooting guard has been compared to an all-timer in Brandon Roy according to NBADraft.net. He is listed as the number two player on their draft big board.

He’s worth the admission alone.

Peterson has been dealing with a lingering hamstring issue that’s sidelined him for multiple games already this season. It will be interesting to see what his timeline is to return.

Kansas would probably crack the top five if Peterson wasn’t hurt. He was picked as the Freshman of the Year in the Big 12 Preseason poll.

The Big 12 conference is going to be an absolute gauntlet this year. 

5. Texas Tech

Texas Tech already has a statement win this season and it came short-handed. The Red Raiders defeated No. 6 Duke at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 20 with a majority of their offense coming from just three players.

JT Toppin is a player that has a high motor that excels in the pick-and-roll game. Toppin doesn’t have the greatest touch as a shooter, but is excellent on the glass and can guard multiple positions.

Christian Anderson is a lethal scorer averaging nearly 20 points per game for the Red Raiders. He is not just limited to scoring either as he generates more than seven assists per contest.

Texas Tech’s high-powered offense is must-see television.

4. Houston

Houston can score efficiently, like Texas Tech. One of the things that separates the team from most is that they are also a really, really good defensive team.

Their core of returnees such as Emanuel Sharp, Milos Uzan, and Joseph Tugler bring experience and a defensive-minded approach. When you add freshman Kingston Flemings into the equation, it gives Houston added ammunition for another March Madness run.

They were ranked No. 1 in the Big 12 Preseason Poll and that’s no surprise.

3. Iowa State

Another team that can do it both on the offensive and defensive end. 

They are another Big 12 team that features strong guard play and offer a little bit of everything whether it is scoring, rebounding, assisting, or even steals.

Milan Momcilovic can light it up on any given night. The junior is averaging 18.3 points per game and makes roughly 3.7 threes per contest. 

They have an unbeaten record currently thanks to players such as Joshua Jefferson, Tamin Lipsey, and Blake Buchanan.

Iowa State is a matchup nightmare.

2. Arizona

This team is really, really good. Not to mention, they are very deep. 

True freshman Koa Peat burst onto the scene by scoring 30 points in his collegiate debut against the reigning champion Florida Gators. He alongside fellow freshman Brayden Burries can fill up the scoring column in a hurry.

Tobe Awaka is a nightmare on the glass, averaging 10.6 rebounds per game. Motiejus Krivas adds another dimension in the post with his rim protection.

This is a team you will not want to face come tournament time.

1. BYU

This may come as a surprise at the number one slot, but AJ Dybantsa is a special player.

He is averaging 23.1 points per game and notched BYU’s first triple-double since 2016. Like Darryn Peterson from Kansas, Dybantsa will be a top-five pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

BYU features players such as Richie Saunders who can fill it up as well. Robert Wright III, the transfer from Baylor, is the playmaker averaging 5.7 assists per contest. Add in Keba Keita who is a rebounding and shot-blocking threat.

BYU will be a fun team to watch.