We’re already seeing it, as it feels we have already found a true contender within the conference.

Despite all that, many teams still have a chance to make a name for themselves.

It’s still a wide-open conference, and as alluded to before, hopefully by week eight, there will be about seven teams truly competing, rather than now, where you can make a case that thirteen teams have a chance.

1. Texas Tech (4-0) - Last Week: 4

If it wasn’t obvious before, the Red Raiders are the real deal in the Big 12.

There’s a lot of pressure on Coach Joey McGuire’s squad heading into 2025, with the team bringing in the most transfers of any team in College Football.

So far through four weeks, the moves Texas Tech has made are paying off.

The Red Raiders traveled to Salt Lake City, arguably the toughest stadium to play in the Big 12, and secured a 34-10 win.

The victory didn’t come without some hardships, as senior quarterback Behren Morton went down with an injury, forcing freshman quarterback Will Hammond to step in.

But a case can be made that Hammond played arguably better than Morton, as he averaged 10.6 yards per attempt and threw for two touchdowns. He helped give the Texas Tech offense what was lacking when Morton was in.

Texas Tech had multiple wide receivers step up, including senior Reggie Virgil, senior Caleb Douglas, and junior Terrance Carter Jr, each making an impact on the field. Virgil and Carter each hauled in a touchdown.

Things can change throughout the season, but as of now, it seems that the Red Raiders are the team to beat in the Big 12, and anything less than winning the Big 12 will be considered a failure of a season for Coach McGuire’s squad.

Texas Tech will take its bye week next week before hosting the Jayhawks in Lubbock, Texas. They are now the highest-ranked team in the Big 12, ranked 12th.

2. Arizona State (3-1) - Last Week: 3

Even if 2025 has been off to a disappointing start for Arizona State, there is one thing that the team can be happy about: They finally have a kicker.

Despite last season’s success, one of the biggest struggles the Sun Devils had was the lack of a kicking game. It reached a point where Coach Kenny Dillingham stated in a post-game press conference that he wanted students at ASU to try out for kicking positions.

The Sun Devils looked for help at the position following the season, and they found it in senior kicker Jesus Gomez.

Gomez transferred from Eastern Michigan, but he previously played against the Sun Devils in 2022, in what was Herm Edwards' last game before his firing. Edwards’ firing led to ASU  hiring Dillingham following the season.

In the Sun Devils' 27-24 win over Baylor, Gomez knocked down four field goals, including the game-winning 43-yard field goal as time expired.

Despite some struggles for ASU, such as sophomore quarterback Sam Leavitt looking a little off and the team’s minimal success in the red zone, the Sun Devils’ defense played strongly for most of the game, and their offense picked it up in the final two drives to seal the win.

Coach Dillingham’s team will have a short week this week, as they’ll have a Friday night under the lights showdown against No. 24 TCU. This could be the game to get ASU back on the map after falling out of the national conversation.

3. TCU (3-0) - Last Week: 5

Senior wide receiver Eric McAlister is starting to make his case as a potential No. 1 receiver in the Big 12.

In the win for the Horned Frogs last week against rival SMU, McAlister caught eight balls for a total of 254 yards receiving and three touchdowns. He averaged 31.8 yards per reception.

Junior quarterback Josh Hoover also continued his strong start to the season, throwing for five touchdowns and 379 yards passing.

Coach Sonny Dykes’ must be pleased with how his team has looked throughout the first three weeks of the season. TCU finishes non-conference play undefeated and is rewarded by getting a spot in the Top 25.

The Horned Frogs begin conference play on the road this week, as they head down to Mountain America Stadium to face off against the reigning Big 12 Champions in Arizona State.

4. Iowa State (4-0) - Last Week: 4

Iowa State is viewed as a contender within the Big 12 through four weeks, but it has some questions to answer.

The Cyclones are coming off a bye after finishing non-conference play undefeated – plus a conference win over Kansas State in Dublin, Ireland. However, compared to a team like Texas Tech, Iowa State hasn’t been a super-dominant team.

But Coach Matt Campbell knows that his team is in the elite of the conference.

Iowa State was ranked No. 12 heading into this past week, but dropped to No. 14 following Texas Tech’s big win against Utah.

The Cyclones return home to face Arizona, a team that will be a challenge, but with their defense, it’ll be a challenging task for Iowa State. A comfortable win will help alleviate some of the doubts.

The Cyclones’ conference schedule should be easy to begin with, but a three-week stretch against BYU, Arizona State, and TCU will determine their season.

5. Utah (3-1) - Last Week: 2

Utah was a team for which you could make a case that received more hype than it deserved.

The Utes were unranked to begin the 2025 season, but after a win against UCLA – a team that is arguably the worst Power Five team – Utah was ranked immediately afterward. The Utes jumped to No. 16 following wins against teams like Cal Poly and Wyoming, who aren’t considered very strong teams.

Despite a very strong showing from Utah fans, waiting outside the stadium at 5 a.m. on game day, what occurred was what some people feared about the Utes heading into the game. They were indeed overhyped.

The final score isn’t an indication of how the game went, as Utah trailed 13-10 in the fourth quarter; however, it was a frustrating watch for the fans, as the offense stuttered throughout most of the game.

One of Utah’s most significant strengths heading into the game was its run game, as they were averaging nearly 300 yards rushing per game. The Utes had only 101 yards rushing on 3.3 yards per carry.

This forced junior quarterback Devon Dampier to beat the Red Raiders through the air, and it did not end well for him. Dampier threw for 162 yards and threw for two picks, and averaged only 4.3 yards per attempt, as Utah couldn’t get much traction offensively.

As for the Utes' defense, although they forced some turnovers early, they ultimately had no answers for Texas Tech once freshman quarterback Will Hammond entered the game. The once buzzing crowd mainly was gone by the time the game ended.

Even though the loss proved Utah may not be the contender they thought they were, the Utes should still be a fun team to watch in the conference. Unless they get struck by the injury bug, they should still be a bowl team this season.

Utah hits the road this week for a matchup against West Virginia. This game should give Utah some confidence as they face the Mountaineers for the first time since 2017.

6. BYU (3-0) - Last Week: 7

The most significant question mark for the Cougars so far this season has been their passing game. Junior quarterback Jake Retzlaff was going to be the starter before off-the-field issues led him to transfer to Tulane.

BYU had some competition and had freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier start for the team to open the season.

Bachmeier didn’t light up the statsheet in the first few games, and some were concerned it would be a problem for the Cougars. However, in his third game starting, Bachmeier put up his best game in Provo.

He threw for 246 yards and a touchdown through the air and on the ground. Bachmeier averaged 9.8 yards per attempt and had a QBR of 85.9.

BYU’s defense did give up some yards on the day, finishing with 404, and gave up its first touchdown of the season. 

Yet, the Cougars had two takeaways, one of them being a pick-six for junior cornerback Evan Johnson that really swung the tide of the game, as it gave BYU a 13-3 lead at halftime.

Coach Kalani Sitake’s squad entered the Top 25 this week, coming in right at No. 25.

The Cougars open conference play in Boulder next week against the Colorado Buffaloes, who BYU played in the Alamo Bowl last season.

7. Kansas (3-1) - Last Week: 8

The Jayhawks continued their strong and surprising start to 2025 with a blowout win at home to begin conference play.

It felt like the game was tilting in their favor before it began, as they were playing a West Virginia team coming off an emotional rivalry win.

Despite the run defense struggling, the Mountaineers could get nothing going through the air and ended up punting on their first six possessions to begin the game.

Senior quarterback Jalon Daniels didn’t light it up through the air, but he threw for three touchdowns and added 69 yards on the ground on five carries.

Speaking of the ground game, the Jayhawks had 242 yards in that category. Senior running back Leshon Williams had 128 yards on 19 carries, plus a touchdown.

Senior wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. caught six of the 13 completions Daniels had. Every other receiver who caught the ball had once caught the ball on the day.

Kansas returns home with a chance to start 2-0 in conference play as it hosts Cincinnati. 

8. Baylor (2-2) - Last Week: 6

After a solid first two games to start the season, senior quarterback Sawyer Robertson is beginning to cool off just a little bit.

Following its 42-7 win over Samford, Baylor was set to open conference play against the defending Big 12 champions, Arizona State.

Despite a solid start offensively, the Bears' offense stalled for most of the second and third quarters – no thanks to three turnovers by the team, including two fumbles by senior wide receiver Josh Cameron.

Although Robertson threw three touchdown passes, Baylor had multiple drives that stalled offensively.

Robertson did pick it up in the fourth quarter, as he led the Bears to two touchdown drives, but it wasn’t enough as the defense allowed a game-winning field goal drive.

Baylor’s defense played very well for most of the game, considering the positions its offense put them in, allowing only nine points off the three turnovers the offense had.

Coach Dave Aranda’s seat is getting hotter with each passing week, and losses like this, especially given the expectations the Bears had before the season, will not please the fanbase.

Baylor will have a chance to turn things around with a road game against Oklahoma State.

9. Cincinnati (2-1) - Last Week: 9

Cincinnati spent Week 4 off following two tune-up games. These games included wins over Bowling Green and FCS Northwestern State.

The Week 1 loss against Nebraska still lingers, as it was a chance to give the Bearcats a solid win over a Big Ten team before the start of Big 12 play.

Junior quarterback Brendan Sorsby has played very well after his poor performance in week one, with his last game against FCS Northwestern State being a game where he completed all 15 passes he threw.

Heading into conference play, Cincinnati is viewed as a mid-tier conference team. It won’t be a team at the bottom of the standings, but will likely struggle against the conference elite.

The Bearcats open conference play with a road game against Kansas at David Booth Memorial Stadium.

10. Houston (3-0) - Last Week: 10

Houston is a team that could rise in rankings as conference play progresses coming off a bye week following a 36-20 win to open conference play.

Coach Willie Fritz, who has made his career coaching FCS and Group of Five teams, finally gotten a chance with a Power Five program. Following a 4-8 record in 2024, the Cougars have a chance to match that win total this Friday.

The defense has been elite, the offense has been balanced, with an elite run game, and junior quarterback Connor Weigman has been able to protect the ball well.

It gives them an intriguing look before they get into the thick of conference play, as the Cougars look to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2022.

Houston finishes non-conference play on the road against Oregon State. This will be a game that Houston will have to be cautious about, as it could be a trap. However, given how the Beavers have looked, it should be a win for the Cougars.

11. Arizona (3-0) - Last Week: 11

As conference play approaches, the Wildcats hope to have a better start and a more successful season in conference play.

After defeating Utah to open conference play in 2024, Arizona lost five consecutive conference games and finished 2-7 in the Big 12. 

The Wildcats are 3-0 for the first time since 2015, although there is some uncertainty surrounding the team, mainly regarding the wins they’ve picked up. Arizona defeated Hawaii, FCS Weber State, and Kansas State – the latter team being one of the weaker teams within the conference.

Arizona’s defense has been off to a great start following a 2024 season in which it allowed over 30 points per game. The offense has shown some signs of life, as players such as senior running back Ismail Mahdi have.

The spotlight is on junior quarterback Noah Fifita, who needs to regain the form he showed in 2023, when the team went 10-3. Despite his dual-threat ability being used more this season, his passing is a bit concerning, although losing your NFL-caliber receiver to the NFL doesn’t help matters.

Coach Brett Brennan is attempting to establish his own culture in Tucson following the departure of Coach Jedd Fisch, who has since moved to Washington.

The Wildcats hit the road for the first time this season for a game against No. 14 Iowa State. This is the chance for Arizona to make a statement within the Big 12.

12. Colorado (2-2) - Last Week: 13

Let’s hope for Colorado’s sake that the quarterback controversy is over.

After starting sophomore quarterback Ryan Staub in their Week 3 loss to Houston, Coach Deion Sanders went back to senior quarterback Kaidon Salter, who started the first two games of the season.

Salter threw for over 300 yards, averaging 10.9 yards per attempt and throwing for three touchdowns. Salter also led the Buffaloes in rushing, with 86 yards on the ground, and added a touchdown as well.

Colorado had over 500 yards of offense, as the team found its rhythm with Salter back at quarterback. Junior wide receiver Omarion Miller had six catches for 88 yards and a touchdown.

The Buffaloes did impress many people following this, and could be a game that plays spoiler within the conference this season. They’ll have a chance this week as they host No. 25 BYU.

13. UCF (3-0) - Last Week: 14

The Knights' stock has gone up over the past couple of weeks.

After a nail-biter against Jacksonville State to open the season, UCF’s last two games have resulted in two comfortable victories, including a 34-9 win over North Carolina to conclude non-conference play.

Junior quarterback Tayven Jackson got the start once again, as senior quarterback Cam Fancher remains out with an injury. Jackson threw for 223 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 63 yards and a touchdown.

UCF’s defense locked down the Tar Heels' offense, as sophomore quarterback Gio Lopez threw two interceptions before he was benched for senior quarterback Max Johnson. North Carolina only had 63 yards on the ground, with 50 of them coming from freshman running back Demon June.

Coach Scott Frost has now won 16 consecutive games as UCF’s head coach, as the Knights head into conference play with some momentum.

The Knights head to Manhattan, Kansas, for a matchup against Kansas State. It is now a game that is a very winnable one, given how the Wildcats have performed this season.

14. West Virginia (2-2) - Last Week: 12

At least West Virginia won the Backyard Brawl.

That will likely be the highlight of the Mountaineers' season as they were outclassed in nearly every way in a 41-10 loss to Kansas.

Junior quarterback Nicco Marchiol threw for 127 yards and threw a pick. Kansas stifled the Mountaineers throughout the game, as the running game was shut down.

There weren’t too many expectations for West Virginia heading into the season, and it feels like, in Coach Rich Rodriguez’s first season back, the Mountaineers will likely be in a transition year, similar to what we saw from Houston last year.

However, West Virginia fans are happy that they do have bragging rights for the Backyard Brawl. It gives them some semblance of light at the end of the tunnel. 

West Virginia returns home next week for their first conference home game as the Utes come to town.

15. Kansas State (1-3) - Last Week: 15

No team needed a bye week as much as Kansas State.

The wheels on the roller coaster have not just fallen off; they’ve gotten the ride to tear apart completely.

The Wildcats were one of the favorites heading into the Big 12 this season, ranked No. 17 in the pre-season. However, it’s been a full-on collapse for Kansas State.

Kansas State lost to Arizona a few weeks ago in a game where the offense was, for the most part, lifeless, other than a big touchdown run.

It really is strange how far the team has fallen off this season. Sure, it’s fair to think they probably wouldn’t have lived up to the expectations the team set itself, but they have become a bottom-of-the-barrel team in the conference.

Kansas State hosts UCF at home in a bid to turn things around.

16. Oklahoma State (1-2) - Last Week: 16

The end of an era has occurred in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Coach Mike Gundy, who has been with the team since 2005, was fired by Oklahoma State following their 19-12 loss to Tulsa.

It really is strange how many things have changed for the Cowboys. They were nearly in the College Football Playoffs in 2021 and were only a few yards away from doing so.

When Texas and Oklahoma left for the SEC in 2024, it felt like Oklahoma State was going to emerge as the class of the Big 12 finally.

Since then, the Cowboys went winless in conference play, and after a blowout loss to Oregon and an upset loss to Tulsa at home, it was time.

Boos rained down in Boone Pickens Stadium as Oklahoma State trailed 16-3 at halftime, and despite a late comeback effort, it wasn’t enough as Tulsa beat Oklahoma State for the first time since 1998.

It was their first win in Stillwater since 1951.

Offensive Coordinator Doug Meachum will take over as the team’s new interim head coach. Similar to Gundy, Meachum is an alumnus of Oklahoma State.

The Cowboys host Baylor next week as they begin conference play at home.