1. No. 10 BYU (3-0, 1-0 Big 12) 

Last ranking: 1 

The Cougars are coming off a bye week and still dropped a spot in the AP poll. BYU has dominated its competition so far this season, but have only played one team from the Power Four conferences. 

The offense is certainly at the forefront for the Cougars, as they have reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year senior running back LJ Martin along with some of the best offensive line play in the conference. 

The Cougars have yet to play in the Big 12 championship game in their stint in the conference, despite being 15-4 in conference play since the start of the 2024 season. 

If last year was any precedent, though, when BYU went 11-2 and got left out of the playoff, it will certainly come down to whether or not it wins the conference when decisions are being made in January. The Cougars should be in the playoff conversation all year, and if they can manage to win one of their games against No. 3 Notre Dame (4-0) and No. 13 Utah (4-0), they will certainly be in the running for a national championship in January. 

BYU heads on the road this week to play TCU (2-2), where it’s only favored by a touchdown. The Cougars are hoping to avoid an unexpected loss this Saturday and continue their dominance of lower-tier conference opponents. 

2. No. 12 Texas Tech (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) 

Last ranking: 2 

The Red Raiders routed San Houston last week, 49-14, in their last out-of-conference game. Senior linebacker Austin Romaine racked up two pick-sixes on back-to-back plays in the contest, continuing the school’s excellence at the linebacker position. 

In my opinion, Texas Tech is certainly not as good as it was last year because it lacks the defensive superstars it had before.

Junior quarterback Will Hammond has proved that he will not elevate the Red Raiders, and ultimately the team needs a difference-maker at the position in order to truly contend for a national championship. 

Texas Tech heads on the road to play a spiraling Colorado (2-2) this weekend. The team should certainly be able to stay undefeated headed into their bye in Week 6. 

In my opinion, the Red Raiders still have the Big 12’s best conference win so far this season against Houston. 

Joey McGuire’s squad does not play another team in the AP poll rankings until Week 11, when they head to Stillwater to play No. 19 Oklahoma State (3-1). If Texas Tech can continue to take care of business against inferior Big 12 teams, they will stay in the conference championship conversation all season. 

3. No. 13 Utah (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) 

Last ranking: 3 

The Utes have proven they are a conference contender and, in my opinion, on the level of Texas Tech and BYU. 

Senior quarterback Devon Dampier might be the best quarterback in the entire conference this year. Dampier has already racked up over 1,000 total yards and 12 total touchdowns through four games. 

Utah’s rushing offense is among the best in the nation as well, with junior running back Wayshawn Parker and Dampier running behind one of the Big 12's best offensive lines. Parker has already scored nine touchdowns this year while averaging 6.6 yards per carry. 

The defense for the Utes seems very competent this year as well, answering the main question surrounding the team entering the season. It remains to be seen whether the unit is truly dominant, as it has yet to be tested; however, it is undeniably impressive that the defense has allowed only 10.3 points per game this season. 

Head coach Morgan Scalley will certainly have to prove himself in the big games this season, but the first-year coach seems to have the program cruising. 

With one of the nation’s best offenses and a competent defense, there is no reason that Utah cannot win the conference and potentially even more. The Utes are enjoying a bye week this weekend.

4. No. 20 Houston (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) 

Last ranking: 4 

The Cougars beat Georgia Southern (1-3) on the road last weekend, in head coach Willie Fritz’s return to his first stop as a head coach, 42-28. 

The offense continues to be excellent for Houston, racking up 42 points and punting only once. Senior quarterback Conner Weigman has continued to excel, scoring six touchdowns on his own last Saturday, with four through the air and two on the ground. 

The offensive line specifically seems to be much improved this year as compared to last, which has certainly helped propel the Cougars to an explosive start on offense. If the Cougars’ offense continues to dominate, they could certainly still make the Big 12 championship game and sneak into the playoffs.  

However, the defense has been quite mediocre for Houston this season, allowing 25 points per game against FBS opponents. The Big 12 is a conference where offense is expected, and if the defense remains mediocre, the Cougars could find themselves in many more close games than they expect. 

I still expect Fritz’s squad to be a force in the conference all season long, but I question if they can play consistently enough to reach double-digit wins. Houston hosts UCF (3-1) this weekend, with the opportunity to pick up its first conference win of the season. 

5. No. 19 Oklahoma State (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) 

Last ranking: 8 

As the Cowboys continue rolling, the Week 1 loss to Tulsa (3-2) becomes more of an afterthought. Oklahoma State went to Morgantown last weekend and took down a very solid West Virginia squad 41-24, extending its winning streak to three games. 

Quarterback Drew Mestemaker has proven he is one of the best quarterbacks in college football, as his success has seemingly carried over seamlessly from North Texas last year despite the large jump in competition in the Big 12. Mestemaker impressed again last Saturday, recording 381 yards passing and three touchdowns while throwing one interception. 

Junior wide receiver Wyatt Young has also been a standout for the Pokes, already racking up 419 yards receiving through four games. On top of the dominant aerial attack Oklahoma State has, it boasts one of the conference's best running backs in sophomore Caleb Hawkins.

The offense will always be the main talking point for this team, but the defense also had a very solid outing last weekend. 

The defense managed to limit West Virginia to 24 points despite allowing 467 total yards. The Cowboys stopped all three of the Mountaineers’ fourth-down attempts, often getting timely stops at very crucial points in the game. 

If the defense can continue its current level of play, the Cowboys will certainly be a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12. Oklahoma State hosts UCF (3-1) this weekend, with an opportunity to extend their winning streak to four games and continue climbing the rankings. 

6. Arizona State (2-1, 1-0 Big 12) 

Last ranking: 6 

The Sun Devils will certainly make some noise in the Big 12, as their coaching staff and skill-position players are among the best in the nation. ASU certainly has the talent to compete with the best teams in the conference, but its offensive line struggles may get in the way. 

The Sun Devils' offense has been sluggish when they have played FBS opponents, only averaging 22 points and 298 yards per game. 

Most notably, highly coveted senior transfer wide receiver Omarion Miller has not found his footing in Tempe just yet. Miller has posted only 149 yards and one touchdown so far in 2026, raising questions about his and the coaching staff’s ability to utilize him. 

On the other hand, senior transfer wide receiver Reed Harris has been dominant so far this season. Harris has already recorded 374 yards and five touchdowns this season, all while averaging 19.7 yards per catch. 

The defense has already gone through ups and downs in the young season but seems to be playing at a high level. ASU’s defense dominated the Week 3 game in London against Kansas (1-2), allowing just 10 points in its 24-17 win. 

I do believe the staff will be able to clean up many of the mistakes that have held the Sun Devils back so far, but I still question how consistent the squad will be week to week, especially on offense. 

Overall, I think that Arizona State is among the best teams in the conference, but its weakness along the offensive line will certainly hinder its success.

7. Cincinnati (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) 

Last ranking: 10 

The Bearcats have impressed so far this year, and seem to be overachieving once again. Cincinnati has already beaten two Power Four teams this season, including a win against Kansas State (3-1), behind a dominant start by its offense. 

The Bearcats are averaging an impressive 33 points per game against FBS opponents so far. The main driving force behind Cincinnati's offensive success has been its run game. The Bearcats are averaging an impressive 270 yards per game on the ground so far, largely powered by their offensive line. 

The defense, on the other hand, has remained shaky and will certainly hinder Cincinnati from truly contending in the conference. The Bearcats are allowing 24 points per game so far and, most notably, allowed Miami (OH) (2-2) to score 31 points. 

While the Bearcats have been a good team so far, I question if they can truly contend in the conference due to defensive flaws. Head coach Scott Satterfield has certainly bought himself some time with the undefeated start to the season, but it remains to be seen whether Cincinnati can play all year consistently. 

The Bearcats will definitely be a solid bowl team, but will struggle against the Big 12’s best teams, in my opinion. 

8. Kansas State (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) 

Last ranking: 5 

The Wildcats proved last weekend that their defensive struggles will certainly hold them back. While the team seems to have improved over last year, it does not quite seem ready to contend in the conference again. 

The offense got off to a hot start last weekend, but ultimately came up short in a 31-26 loss at Cincinnati (4-0). Senior quarterback Avery Johnson is certainly one of the better quarterbacks in the conference, but I do not believe he is good enough to cover up the obvious flaws Kansas State has. 

The Wildcats will be able to compete against every team in the Big 12, but I believe their inconsistencies will prevent them from truly contending for the conference title this year. 

The defense has remained uninspiring for Kansas State so far. The unit is not necessarily bad, but it will certainly struggle in conference play against the high-scoring offenses in the Big 12.

If last week’s performance against Cincinnati was any indicator for the unit, it will be in for a long season. The Wildcats generally struggle to stop the run, which will certainly catch up to them. 

Overall, first-year head coach Collin Klein has the program operating at the high level we are all accustomed to, but some inconsistencies will certainly prevent Kansas State from truly contending in the Big 12. 

9. West Virginia (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) 

Last ranking: 7 

The Mountaineers came back down to earth last weekend when they lost 41-24 at home to No. 19 Oklahoma State (3-1). 

The offense struggled to be productive through the air last Saturday, as sophomore quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. completed only 10 of his 22 pass attempts and threw an interception late in the contest. 

The rushing offense will certainly still be able to drive West Virginia to competence this year, as they racked up 335 yards rushing against the Cowboys. Senior running back Cam Cook has proven he is among the best running backs in the nation, even recording the sixth-most rushing yards through Week 4. 

The defense will certainly need to improve for the Mountaineers to be in the conference race. 

The unit has struggled in pass defense but had an all-around bad day in Week 4, allowing 609 total yards. 

If the defense continues to be bad, the Mountaineers could see themselves dropping in the rankings just as quickly as they rose up them. 

To finish, I believe that West Virginia is a solid team this year, with a rushing offense that has the potential to be among the best in the country, but its defensive flaws will hold it back from conference contention. 

10. Baylor (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) 

Last ranking: 12 

The Bears are coming off a victory against Colorado (2-2) last Saturday, 23-13, in the first game quarterback DJ Lagway has played since he returned from injury.

Baylor’s offense once again looked quite questionable, only converting 6-17 third-down attempts. Granted, Lagway is returning from injury, but he did not look good at all last weekend. The accuracy and processing issues that plagued Lagway at Florida seem to have followed him to Waco, Texas. 

The rushing offense has been better than expected, but it is not good enough to mask the flaws in the Bears’ aerial attack. 

The defense has remained a bright spot for Baylor, allowing only 13 points in its first conference game last weekend. Additionally, Baylor’s defense is allowing only 16 points per game against FBS opponents this year. 

If the offense can simply manage to be decent, the Bears could make some noise in conference play. Head coach Dave Aranda is fighting for his job and certainly needs to turn in a good season to keep it. 

If Lagway can eventually elevate Baylor with his play this year, which is certainly possible, it could sneak into conference title talks. To finish, Aranda’s Bears and DJ Lagway have a lot to prove this season. 

Baylor heads on the road to play Arizona State (2-1) this Saturday, in a crucial conference game. 

11. Arizona (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) 

Last ranking: 11 

The Wildcats went on the road in Week 4 and beat Washington State (1-3) 34-24, remaining undefeated throughout their out-of-conference play. Arizona has been a very solid team so far, but it has certainly showcased some flaws as well. 

The defense was the strength of the squad in 2025 and largely helped propel the Wildcats to their 9-4 campaign. However, this year the defense seems to have regressed. The unit is allowing 23 points per game so far this season against FBS opponents, even allowing Northern Illinois (0-4), which lost to an FCS opponent this year, to score 17 points. 

Arizona’s offense has looked decent so far, though I find it hard to believe it will be among the Big 12’s best units. 

Senior quarterback Noah Fifita has been good for the Wildcats so far, but I think his performance against No. 10 BYU (3-0) is indicative of what he will play like against top teams in the

conference. The supporting cast simply is not as good as it was in 2025, and I do not feel like Fifita is capable of elevating Arizona to the heights they saw last year. 

These factors, paired with a remarkably tough schedule, point to a mediocre season in Tucson, in my opinion, though I think the Wildcats will certainly end up bowl-eligible. 

12. UCF (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) 

Last ranking: 15 

The Knights beat TCU (2-2) at home last weekend, 21-13, without their starting quarterback. 

The defense certainly answered some of the questions about the unit that had been raised after they surrendered 30 points to Georgia State (3-1) in Week 3. The run defense is the strength of the unit, which held TCU to a meager 33 yards and 1.2 yards per carry last week. 

The offense looked very solid with senior backup quarterback Keyone Jenkins last week, as he recorded 160 yards and a touchdown while only throwing one incomplete pass. The offense has not necessarily been good either, despite early-season success. 

UCF has won its last two games while gaining fewer total yards than its opponents. I believe this team’s flaws will eventually catch up to them, and the Knights will continue to be a bottom-feeder in the conference this season. 

Despite the solid record so far, I do not believe the Knights will be a conference contender, and may even struggle to reach a bowl game. Head coach Scott Frost needs a positive year in order to keep his job and relieve the pressure on him right now. 

13. TCU (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) 

Last ranking: 9 

The Horned Frogs have disappointed largely this year, even losing to UCF (3-1) last weekend in a game they were favored to win. 

This team was viewed as a conference contender nationwide in the preseason, which it clearly isn’t

TCU has struggled to reach the heights it saw under head coach Sonny Dykes in his first year, when it reached the national title game. 

As time has passed since the 2022 campaign, it seems more likely that it was simply a fluke.

Fifth-year transfer quarterback Jaden Craig has been awful when the Horned Frogs have needed him most this year, throwing for zero touchdowns and two interceptions in their two games against Power 4 opponents. TCU is certainly missing their former quarterback Josh Hoover, who transferred to Indiana in the offseason. 

The defense seems to be a strength for the squad, although the unit is not good enough to swing games for them. 

The offensive incompetence has certainly been the most surprising part of the disastrous campaign the Horned Frogs have had so far, as that has been a strength under Dykes throughout his entire tenure at the school. If TCU cannot figure out its offensive struggles, it could be struggling to make a bowl game. 

The fanbase certainly expects a better product than what is being put forward this season, and questions could certainly arise about Dykes’ job security if the downward spiral continues. 

The Horned Frogs host No. 10 BYU (3-0) this weekend, with an opportunity to flip the script on their disappointing 2026 campaign. 

14. Iowa State (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) 

Last ranking: 14 

Iowa State has not had the bad season that I believe many of the teams ranked around it have so far. The Cyclones are still breaking in an entirely new staff and have been at least solid with zero returning starters from last year. 

The defense seems to be a real strength for the squad, as it has only allowed 17 points per game this season against FBS opponents. 

The offense has been mostly underwhelming this year, racking up only 30 points in its two contests against Power Four opponents. The lines on both sides of the ball seem inadequate, especially against other Power Four opponents. 

Senior quarterback Jaylen Raynor has been solid but will certainly struggle to elevate the team around him, which appears to be below average. 

The Cyclones are coming off a home loss to No. 13 Utah (4-0), 31-17. Iowa State has a chance to prove it is a solid team this weekend when it hosts West Virginia (3-1).

I believe the Cyclones could still have a very good season considering the circumstances they are facing. Bowl eligibility is still in play for Iowa State, an impressive achievement for first-year head coach Jimmy Rogers. 

15. Colorado (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) 

Last ranking: 13 

The Buffaloes' offense has been nothing short of disappointing this season, averaging only 11.3 points per game against FBS teams. 

Additionally, Deion Sanders is proving to be nothing more than a mediocre head coach at best, as the team continues to struggle following its 2024 campaign, in which it went 9-4. 

Despite the mediocrity so far this season, the defense has certainly appeared to be improved at least somewhat. 

The Buffaloes need to make a bowl game in order for Sanders to stay comfortable in his position in Boulder. Colorado is not bringing in the high-level talent it had at the beginning of Deion’s tenure at the school, and that is proving to be a massive setback, as the team remains near the bottom of the Big 12. 

I believe that questions will begin to arise about Deion Sanders’ job this winter if the Buffaloes don’t at least make a bowl game. A team I had relatively high expectations for entering the year is proving to be a bottom-feeder once again. 

16. Kansas (1-2, 0-1 Big 12) 

Last ranking: 16 

The Jayhawks are coming off a bye week and have one of the conference’s last out-of-conference matchups this Saturday. Kansas will host Middle Tennessee State (2-2) this weekend with a great opportunity to win against an inferior Conference USA opponent. 

Head coach Lance Leipold is certainly fighting for his job right now, and this weekend will do little to change that unless they manage to lose at home. 

Kansas has been uninspiring on both sides of the ball so far this season, but the struggles on offense have certainly been more alarming as that is supposed to be Leipold’s specialty. 

Sophomore quarterback Isaiah Marshall has all the tools to be a great player but has clearly not progressed enough yet to help hoist the Jayhawks out of mediocrity.

The conference schedule Kansas faces will certainly add pressure to the coaching staff, as its first conference game in the United States will be on the road against No. 13 Utah (4-0). The most interesting storyline to watch with this team will be whether or not Lance Leipold will still be the coach in January.