Lazard, Warren touted by Athlon; Four teams in Top-25

Athlon released its 2016 top-25 rankings today and four Big 12 teams were featured in it.

The highest ranked Big 12 team was Oklahoma at No. 6. After the Sooners, the next highest-ranked Big 12 team was Baylor at No. 14. Then head a tad bit further down the list you will find the TCU Horned Frogs at No. 18 and to wrap things up, Oklahoma State is at No. 25.

Oklahoma is the heavy favorite to win the conference this year and potentially represent the Big 12 in the College Football Playoff. Baylor has a loaded offense once again while TCU brings back a talented defense. Oklahoma State has one of the best quarterback/wide receiver duos in the league. 

Another thing to note about the Athlon Top-25 is that the Big 12 is tied for third among the most teams per conference featured in the rankings. The SEC is first with six, the Pac-12 is second with five, and the Big 12, Big 10 and the ACC all have four a piece. The AAC had one team – Houston – while Notre Dame was also featured in the rankings.

Also, Athlon has named Iowa State running back Mike Warren and wide receiver Allen Lazard to its Preseason All-Big 12 team.