The Big 12 Conference has discontinued its preseason football media poll, a decision confirmed by commissioner Brett Yormark. Yormark stated that the poll provided no value and negatively impacted Arizona State University last year, as the Sun Devils were ranked 16th in the 2024 preseason poll and subsequently faced disadvantages in College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings. This move aims to avoid disadvantaging teams based on preseason perceptions, with the league emphasizing that the decision applies solely to football; the status of preseason polls in other sports remains undecided. Despite the Big 12's elimination of the official poll, the Tulsa World organized an unofficial media ranking, placing Arizona State first and UCF last at 16th. Meanwhile, the Mountain West Conference continues to conduct its preseason media poll. The 2025 Mountain West preseason poll projects Utah State Aggies to finish ninth, with safety Ike Larsen named to the preseason All-Mountain West football team for the third consecutive year. UNLV, despite recent struggles with only 20 wins over the past two seasons, received four first-place votes in the Mountain West poll. Boise State and UNLV top the Mountain West preseason rankings, setting up a potential championship rematch. The San Diego State Aztecs are picked to finish eighth in the same poll. Additionally, Utah State's wide receiver Braden Pegan and quarterback Bryson Barnes are highlighted as key players ahead of the 2025 season.