No. 3 ISU Cyclones (15-3, 3-1 Big 12) – The Cyclones were the pre-season favorite, and with a seemingly healthy line-up — which includes four returning champions and all ten wrestlers ranked — it could be a third-straight title going back to Ames. The Cyclones’ Jake Varner (197) and David Zabriskie (HWT) each are top-ranked at their respective weights.

No. 4 Nebraska Cornhuskers (17-3-1, 3-1 Big 12) – The host Cornhuskers have high expectations and figure right into the championship race. Look for the upper weights to be the focus for the majority of the team’s points, but the key to Nebraska’s first-ever Big 12 title could rest on how well its lower weights perform.

No. 5 Missouri Tigers (18-4, 3-1 Big 12) – The Tigers might be the most dangerous team on the mat. A very balanced team, Missouri already owns key wins against Iowa State and current-No. 2 Cornell. Coach Brian Smith will rely on the leadership of two-time defending champion Max Askren (197) and Nick Marable (165), who won his first title last year, to help the Tigers pull out a top performance.

No. 11 Oklahoma State Cowboys (15-7, 1-4 Big 12) – After a disappointing season — by Oklahoma State standards — the Cowboys look to surprise the rest of the field and capture an unprecedented ninth Big 12 title. The winningest program of all time could be the sleeper in this year’s tournament. Oklahoma State is led by defending-Big 12 champion Jared Rosholt (HWT).

No. 13 Oklahoma Sooners (16-4, 1-4 Big 12) – This season’s Sooner squad saw ups and downs. Oklahoma jumped out to a 14-0 record — the best start in school history — only to falter down the stretch by losing four of its last six. Winning the conference title is a long-shot, but individually, the Sooners are tough at a fair number of weights and can have a say in which team does take the title.