The omission of Utah, Baylor, and BYU from the 2025 preseason polls represents a significant and questionable oversight by the voters, as a compelling case can be made for all three. The exclusion of the University of Utah is arguably the most glaring error. Fresh off a dominant 10-2 debut season in the Big 12, the Utes proved they are a legitimate conference power. Under the steady hand of esteemed coach Kyle Whittingham, Utah has a well-established identity of toughness and discipline, particularly on defense. Returning a significant portion of that formidable unit, along with their proven track record, should have made them a lock for the Top 25. Similarly, Baylor's 9-3 record last season showed a program on a sharp upward trajectory, consistently outperforming expectations. With the return of most of their powerful offensive line, the Bears are primed for another explosive season and their absence from the poll seems to ignore their clear momentum and potential. While perhaps a step behind the other two, BYU's respectable 8-4 record in the competitive Big 12, coupled with the return of their starting quarterback and other key players, demonstrates their capability and experience. Their performance was strong enough to merit consideration over several teams with similar records from other conferences that likely received votes based on brand recognition rather than recent results. When viewed collectively, the snubbing of these three proven Big 12 teams suggests that voters overlooked their tangible on-field success and returning talent in favor of more traditional, yet potentially less deserving, "helmet schools." Their combined credentials paint a clear picture of programs that earned a spot among the nation's best, making their collective absence a serious flaw in the preseason rankings.

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