ESPN Reveals Initial College Football Power Index Rankings: BYU and Utah’s Diverging Paths
On Tuesday, ESPN unveiled its initial Football Power Index (FPI) rankings, offering projections for the upcoming college football season. The FPI, an analytical tool designed to predict team performance, calculates scores based on extensive simulations and current team statistics.
In a notable shift from the previous year, BYU and Utah are entering their second season in the Big 12 with contrasting expectations. Last season, the Utes were favorites for a high conference finish and potential playoff contention, but it was BYU that surprised many, wrapping up an impressive 11-2 record and capturing the Alamo Bowl title.
For the 2025 season, BYU is projected to perform strongly with an FPI score of 8.4, ranking 29th nationally and third within the Big 12. The Cougars have an anticipated total of 8.0 wins, with a robust 89.2% chance of achieving bowl eligibility. However, their odds of winning the Big 12 stand at 10.4%, and making it to the College Football Playoff is projected at 12.6%. They face the second-easiest schedule in the conference, avoiding top-ranked teams like Kansas State.
Conversely, Utah’s outlook has dimmed, with an FPI score of 4.8, placing them 46th nationally and 10th in the Big 12. The Utes are expected to secure around 6.4 wins, reflecting a steep drop from last year’s 7.8 projections. They face significant challenges ahead, including a 3.1% chance of winning the Big 12 and a similar 0% likelihood of clinching a national championship, highlighting their struggles in adapting to the new conference landscape.
As both teams prepare for the upcoming season, the contrasting FPI projections set the stage for an engaging rivalry.
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