Kansas Is a +275 Favorite to Reclaim Big 12 Crown; Texas Tech Second at +450

• For the first time in 15 seasons, the Kansas Jayhawks didn’t win the Big 12 regular-season title last year
• The Texas Tech Red Raiders have to replace Jarrett Culver, Matt Mooney, and Tariq Owens
• Baylor has a lot of experience coming back and could have value as a +700 longshot

The Kansas Jayhawks’ streak of 14 consecutive Big 12 regular-season titles came to an end last season. After a rough season, they’ve been installed as the favorite to reclaim the throne in 2019-20.

Are they worthy of their short odds or is the smart play to bet on one of their rivals at a longer price?

 Odds to Win 2020 Big 12 Regular-Season Title

*Odds taken 09/11/2019.

Jayhawks “Struggled” Last Season

The Jayhawks had a down year last season, but it’s the type of “down year” that many schools in the country would kill for. They finished 26-10 and ended up third in the Big 12 standings at 12-6. However, when you’re a team that’s won (at least a shar of) the regular season title 14 years in a row, the standard is a bit higher.

The Jayhawks went through a lot last season, which is what led to them sagging in the standings. Silvio De Sousa was ruled ineligible to play; Udoka Azubuike was lost to a season-ending injury in January; and LaGerald Vick left the team in February. Even in these unusual circumstances, they still finished third.

Jayhawks Expected To Rebound In 2019-20

It’s quite clear that the oddsmakers see last season as a one-off for the Jayhawks, opening Kansas’ regular-season championship odds at +275.

Devon Dotson is back and he’ll be among the best players in the country this season. Azubuike is also back, even though he and Dotson probably could have gone to the NBA. De Sousa has finally been cleared too, so that means this team returns a lot of experience.

In terms of recruiting, the Jayhawks top freshman is Jalen Wilson, who was only ranked 73rd overall. Don’t sweat the Jayhawks recruiting, though, as they still picked up five four-star recruits, who will join an already-talented roster.

This is the team to beat in the Big 12 and a deserving favorite.

Can Texas Tech Reload Again?

The Red Raiders lost in the National Championship game in 2029, and they’ve now made it to at least the Elite Eight in two straight seasons. Under head coach Chris Beard, this team has looked like they’re a contender that’s here to stay, but this season will be Beard’s biggest challenge yet.

Beard loses Jarrett Culver, Matt Mooney, and Tariq Owens, who were all key contributors to their success last season. However, remember that they lost leading scorers Keenan Evans and Zhaire Smith last season (after going to the Elite Eight) and the team reloaded just fine.

The key here will be the recruiting class, which is nearly as good as the one that Kansas brought in. Jahmius Ramsey is a top-50 player and Virginia Tech transfer Chris Clarke was a nice find.

Beard’s signature defense will be on display again. That tenacious D will keep them in games and give the team a chance to build chemistry on offense. It does feel like they’re more of a wild card than the Jayhawks in terms of betting, so that puts them a step behind.

Value With Baylor?

Don’t sleep on Baylor at +700. I wouldn’t be surprised if they finished first or second in the Big 12 this season. Tristan Clark is healthy and could be among the top players in the conference. Beyond him, the team returns a pair of double-figure scorers from last season in Jared Butler and Mario Kegler.

They didn’t shine on the recruiting trail, but picking up transfers Davion Mitchell (Auburn) and Macio Teague (UNC Asheville) gives this team ample depth. Remember, they won 20 games last season and return a lot of experience.

If the Jayhawks and Red Raiders need time figuring things out, this team could step up. They’re not a serious threat for the 2020 National Championship odds but they do have an outside shot to win the Big 12.

What’s The Best Bet in the Big 12 Title Odds?

Kansas almost always wins the Big 12 and 2019-20 should be no different. Even in a rough season, they were only a couple of games off the pace; it’s not like they finished 10 games back.

With lots of experience back and a chip on their shoulder, they’re the best bet here at +275.