1. No. 12 Utah (4-0, 1-0 Big 12)

Last ranking: 3

Although Utah was on a bye week and did not play anybody, I believe that it has shown the fewest flaws among the top teams in the Big 12 so far. The Utes have cruised through the season so far, though they have not played the toughest opponents. 

Utah's offense has been terrific so far, averaging 43 points per game this season. The rushing attack is certainly the unit's strength, as it has averaged 226 yards per game on the ground this season. 

Senior quarterback Devon Dampier is the unit's leader and one of the nation's best dual-threat quarterbacks. Dampier could certainly sneak into Heisman talks as the season progresses, in my opinion. 

The defense has been similarly dominant, allowing only 10 points per game. Against an Iowa State (3-2) offense that has shown a lot of life this season, Utah allowed just 17 points and held the Cyclones’ explosive rushing attack to 111 total yards. 

The Utes' dominance on both sides of the ball is why I think they are the best team in the conference. 

It also helps the team that they have one of the easier schedules in the conference. Morgan Scalley’s team does not face a ranked opponent until Week 8 when it hosts No. 22 Houston. 

Utah hosts Kansas (2-2) this weekend in a game it should easily win. 

2. No. 8 BYU (4-0, 2-0 Big 12)

Last ranking: 1

The Cougars escaped Fort Worth, Texas,  with a 17-10 victory last weekend against (2-3) TCU. However, BYU showcased many offensive flaws last Saturday, including quarterback Bear Bachmeier passing for only 62 yards. 

On top of the overall poor offensive display last weekend, reigning Big 12 offensive player of the year LJ Martin was injured on a carry in the first quarter. Luckily for the Cougars, Martin will not be sidelined for the remainder of the season and is expected to make a return toward the end of conference play. 

The defense held strong all day against the Horned Frogs, continuing its dominance. The unit is among the best in the conference and proved that it can pick up the slack from an inadequate offensive performance. 

The main thing that made me move BYU down a spot is its offensive inconsistencies, which I believe will plague it against the conference's best teams and even make it prone to an upset any given week. 

With last year’s team missing the playoffs at 11-2, it is clear that there is very little room for error for a Big 12 team in the eyes of the College Football Playoff committee. The Cougars can only really lose one game and make the playoff, which I find hard to believe will be the case. 

BYU hosts Iowa State (3-2) on Friday and must take care of business before next week’s pivotal game against No. 3 Notre Dame (4-0). 

3. No. 11 Texas Tech (5-0, 2-0 Big 12)

Last ranking: 2

The Red Raiders' defense is once again one of the best in the nation, and it showcased that in their 29-7 bludgeoning against Colorado (2-3) last weekend. 

The unit racked up four interceptions and essentially carried the team to a win. Similar to last year, the defense takes the ball away from opponents with ease, averaging 1.8 takeaways per game. 

However, the offense was once again uninspiring for Texas Tech, only posting 315 yards of total offense against a bad Colorado team. Junior quarterback Will Hammond was mediocre on Saturday, only throwing for 134 yards and a touchdown on 26 attempts. 

The run game saved the day, but I do not know if that will be good enough against the nation’s best teams. The offense is questionable at best, and I don’t think the defense is good enough to carry the load against premier competition. 

The Red Raiders demonstrated last year in the College Football Playoff that a decent offense cannot win a championship. The offensive line also seems slightly worse than last year. 

Texas Tech enjoys a bye this week. 

4. No. 18 Oklahoma State (3-1, 1-0 Big 12)

Last ranking: 5

The Cowboys are one of the most fun teams to watch in the country thanks to their explosive offense and mediocre defense. 

Sophomore quarterback Drew Mestemaker is the star of the show and is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. Alongside him are two terrific weapons: sophomore running back Caleb Hawkins and junior wide receiver Wyatt Young. 

All the shiny toys showed off the last time Oklahoma State played, racking up 609 total yards of offense in a 45-24 victory over West Virginia (3-2). 

The defense has also been pleasantly surprising so far this year, as I thought it would be among the nation’s worst. It has not been that so far and has, in fact, been quite average, which is good enough for this team. 

The Cowboys proved to the entire country how legit a team they really are after defeating No. 13 Oregon (3-1) in Week 2 directly following a loss to Tulsa (3-2) in the season opener. 

All of this is meant to point out how inconsistent the team could be and how the defense needs to continue improving for the team to contend in the Big 12. 

Despite bringing in so many newcomers, along with first-year head coach Eric Morris, the team is playing inspired, cohesive football that is working right now. 

Oklahoma State hosts UCF (3-2) this weekend with a chance to stay unbeaten in conference play. 

5. No. 22 Houston (4-1, 1-1 Big 12)

Last ranking: 4

The Cougars dug themselves out of a 17-0 hole at home last weekend to take down UCF (3-2) 27-17. Slow starts seem to be a real problem as the season progresses and will certainly prevent Houston from contending if it is not mended quickly. 

Senior quarterback Connor Weigman has performed well for the Cougars, having already recorded 17 touchdowns this season. Senior receiver Amare Thomas has been alright but has yet to play a major role in games, as many thought he would. The offense needs to address its slow-start issues if it wants to contend. 

However, Houston's defense is once again very solid. I do not think it is among the best in the conference, but it is certainly good enough. 

The team is well balanced overall, but I think it may lack the high-end talent to win a Big 12 championship. 

The Cougars will head on the road to play Kansas State (3-1) this weekend in a game they must win to keep their conference title hopes alive. 

6. Baylor (4-1, 2-0 Big 12)

Last ranking: 10

The Bears made a statement in Tempe last weekend, thrashing ASU 55-19 in a perfectly played game.

Transfer junior quarterback DJ Lagway is proving he may be the real deal, recording 306 yards and four touchdowns, plus a rushing touchdown. The offense was clicking on all cylinders last Saturday and seems to be turning it around, as Lagway returns from injury. 

If the offense can build off this performance, Baylor could truly become a dangerous team in the Big 12. 

The defense has been quite good for the Bears all year, and Week 5 was no exception. The unit has a knack for getting key stops and always manages to tighten in the red zone. 

With all the success the team is seeing right now, it raises the question of how much the Week 1 loss to Auburn (3-2) really matters. Head coach Dave Aranda has rapidly shifted the narrative around him and his job security, and will certainly earn an extension if the program's success can continue. 

The Bears enjoy a bye week in Week 6.

7. Arizona (4-1, 1-1 Big 12)

Last ranking: 11

The Wildcats absolutely pummeled Cincinnati (4-1) last weekend at home 34-7. 

The rushing offense was spectacular in the game, recording 238 yards and 6.6 yards per attempt. Senior quarterback Noah Fifita was spectacular for Arizona in the game as well, recording 288 yards and three total touchdowns. 

The defense also seems quite good again for the Wildcats, holding the Bearcats to seven points without turning the ball over. 

The secondary, in particular, once again seems to be the unit's strength, which will be vital to the team’s success in conference play. Paired with a solid run defense, the unit is among the best in the conference. 

There is a lot of positivity surrounding the program again for Arizona, but a challenging schedule will make any improvement on last year's 9-4 campaign difficult. Head coach Brent Brennan has proved that he is the right man for the job and is building a relatively consistent program at a school that has historically struggled in the sport. 

Overall, Arizona is a very solid team and among the better ones in the conference, but I believe its hard schedule and offensive inconsistencies will eventually catch up to it.

8. Cincinnati (4-1, 1-1 Big 12)

Last ranking: 7

The Bearcats came up short on the road against Arizona last weekend, struggling to generate any offense in a 34-7 loss. 

The passing offense, in particular, was abysmal last Saturday, as senior quarterback JC French IV only threw for 153 yards. 

The offense succeeds when running the ball, and as soon as that starts to fail, it really doesn’t have an out. The offensive line seems to be a weak point for the team as well. 

The defense is merely a decent unit at best and will hold the team back from competing in the conference. It allowed 522 yards against the Wildcats and continued its season-long struggles. 

Although the offense has been a bright spot so far, I do not think it is among the best in the conference. It feels to me like Cincinnati is overachieving right now and will struggle to garner any real relevance on the national stage beyond a potential bowl game. 

Head coach Scott Satterfield has cooled his seat tremendously to start the season but must continue to rack up wins to be truly secure in his position. The Bearcats are on a bye this week.

9. Kansas State (3-1, 0-1 Big 12)

Last ranking: 8

The Wildcats are coming off a bye week and look to regroup before entering the thick of conference play. 

Kansas State lost to Cincinnati (4-1) in its last game and showed serious defensive inadequacies. I thought the Wildcats could make some serious noise in the Big 12 under first-year head coach Collin Klein, but it seems they are not quite ready to contend again. 

After watching Cincinnati’s offense struggle to score a touchdown last weekend against Arizona (4-1), I'm left wondering how lackluster the defense might be for Kansas State. The defense has been quite solid aside from Week 4 and could certainly bounce back and become a strength of the team. 

The offense will certainly succeed, in my opinion, especially in an offense-driven conference. Senior quarterback Avery Johnson is among the most experienced at his position in the entire country, and his play could certainly help elevate the team to relevance again after an uncharacteristic 2025 campaign. 

I believe the program is headed in the right direction, but I do not know if it is ready to truly contend in the Big 12. 

The Wildcats have a chance to put themselves firmly back into conference contention this Saturday when they host No. 22 Houston (4-1). 

10. Iowa State (3-2, 1-1 Big 12)

Last ranking: 14

The Cyclones won a thriller against West Virginia (3-2) last weekend at home, where the rushing offense shined again in a 45-42 victory. 

Sophomore running back Aiden Flora has broken out for Iowa State this year, ranking eighth in the nation in yards rushing heading into Week 6. Despite being in question before last Saturday's game, Flora recorded 212 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries. 

The offense certainly still struggles to move the ball through the air, but the rushing attack, led by senior quarterback Jaylen Raynor, is very good. 

Yet the defense is the main reason that I do not think it can contend in the conference. The Cyclones allowed 42 points last weekend and exposed a clear flaw in their run defense. 

If the defense can improve, Iowa State could challenge some of the best teams in the conference. 

Despite a lot of turmoil in the offseason, first-year head coach Jimmy Rogers has his team playing incredibly well, all things considered. With zero returning starters from last year, the team seems not to have gotten much worse. 

Iowa State goes on the road to play No. 8 BYU (4-0) on Friday, hoping to shock the nation and earn a signature win. 

11. Arizona State (3-2, 1-1 Big 12)

Last ranking: 6

The Sun Devils proved that their offensive struggles in London were not a one-off in a blowout 55-19 loss to Baylor (4-1) last weekend.

The offense certainly moved the ball better, racking up 409 yards, but consistently struggled to convert on key plays. ASU’s offense converted only 4-15 third-down attempts and failed to score touchdowns on all three drives that reached the red zone. 

The defense had a similarly bad weekend in Week 5, allowing Baylor junior quarterback DJ Lagway to complete 24-of-34 passes for 306 yards and four touchdowns. The rushing defense also struggled mightily in a worst-case scenario for the Sun Devils. 

There were certainly some positives despite the negativity, as senior wide receiver Omarion Miller finally got involved, catching five passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. Freshman running back Cordae Mack has also continued to impress in his limited role. 

Following the loss, head coach Kenny Dillingham told the media he would return play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo. It remains to be seen whether this will resolve the unit’s issues, but it is certainly worth noting. 

ASU hosts Hawaii (1-4) this weekend in what should be a bounce-back game against a struggling and inferior team. 

12. UCF (3-2, 1-1 Big 12)

Last ranking: 12

The Knights gave No. 22 Houston a run for its money last Saturday but ultimately blew a 17-point lead in a 27-17 loss. 

The offense stagnated in the second half, especially on the ground, as it struggled to run the ball throughout the day. Without senior starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III, the rushing offense is not the same. 

The passing offense is not nearly good enough to pick up the slack in this case either, as it was showcased down the stretch against Houston. The offensive struggles are real for UCF and will ultimately hold them back. 

The defense has been very solid ever since allowing Georgia State (4-1) to score 30 points, only surrendering 20 points per game in conference play. I question if this success will continue, though, as it is averaging 1.8 turnovers a game, which is not sustainable. 

In my opinion, head coach Scott Frost needs the Knights near the top of the conference standings to stay employed, and I do not see that happening after watching them this season. 

UCF has a chance at a statement win on the road this week at No. 19 Oklahoma State (3-1), where its defense must show up to beat one of the best offenses in the country. 

13. West Virginia (3-2, 0-2 Big 12)

Last ranking: 9

After a terrific start to the year, the Mountaineers’ defensive struggles have become a major issue entering conference play. 

West Virginia lost last weekend to Iowa State (3-2) in a 45-42 shootout after allowing 577 yards. The defense has proven it is not even an average unit and will largely hold the team back from being a real threat in the conference. 

Still, the offense has remained impressive but is not a good enough unit to mask the team's flaws. Specifically, the rushing offense is exceptional for the Mountaineers, averaging 294 yards per game, which ranks third in the nation.

The passing offense has even been fairly efficient so far, as sophomore quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. threw for 227 yards and two touchdowns without an interception last Saturday. 

Despite the offensive success, West Virginia will likely struggle to compete in the conference in general and may even struggle to make a bowl game. Although the team may not be terrific, it has certainly found its offensive identity, which is worth something at the very least. 

The Mountaineers host Arizona (4-1) this weekend, looking to win their first conference game. 

14. TCU (2-3, 0-2 Big 12)

Last ranking: 13

The Horned Frogs have been extremely disappointing this year, dropping their third game and effectively stifling any hope of meeting their season goals. 

The offense has been extremely lackluster so far, only averaging 16 points per game against FBS opponents. This is particularly concerning for TCU because that has been the team's strength under head coach Sonny Dykes. 

The defense has been very good so far, though, providing some positivity for the program. Despite losing three games, the unit is allowing only 13.4 points per game overall and 17 points per game in losses. The secondary seems to be the unit's strength, allowing only 62 yards through the air last week against No. 8 BYU (4-0). 

Even though the Horned Frogs were in the National Championship game less than five years ago under Dykes, there has to be some uncertainty about his job as the team continues to underachieve. 

A team that was thought to be a potential conference contender may not even make a bowl game. 

TCU is on bye this week. 

15. Colorado (2-3, 0-2 Big 12)

Last ranking: 15

The Buffaloes have been nothing short of horrible after a positive start to the season. 

The offense’s incompetence shone bright last weekend at home against No. 11 Texas Tech (5-0), when the unit turned the ball over four times through the air in a 29-7 loss. 

The quarterback play has been the main issue so far, as two quarterbacks threw four interceptions last weekend. This came after the team benched its starting quarterback in a 23-13 Week 4 loss to Baylor (4-1).

The defense seemed to be emerging as a strength for the Buffaloes early in the season and certainly remains a solid unit. With that said, the amount of time the unit spends on the field due to offensive struggles greatly limits its effectiveness. 

Last weekend, the unit allowed only 134 yards passing against No. 11 Texas Tech (5-0).

Deion Sanders has shown an inability to elevate a roster at this point and largely relies on high-level recruiting for success. As Colorado drifts further back into irrelevance, questions will certainly begin to arise around Sanders’ job security.  

Barring a serious offensive turnaround, I believe the Deion Sanders era could be over this year. 

The Buffaloes enjoy a bye week in Week 6.

16. Kansas (2-2, 0-1 Big 12)

Last ranking: 16

The Jayhawks took care of business last Saturday against Middle Tennessee State (2-3), winning 55-0. Although facing a mid-major opponent, Kansas posted over 700 total yards and 480 yards on the ground.

Though it played very well last weekend, I believe the Kansas offense will ultimately hold the team back in conference play. The passing game has remained questionable, as has sophomore quarterback Isaiah Marshall. 

If the Jayhawks cannot succeed on early downs, the passing offense is not good enough to bail them out. It proved its incompetence against Arizona State in London, scoring only 10 points against a defense that allowed 55 points to Baylor last Saturday. 

The defense has been alright so far but will certainly struggle against tougher competition and the Big 12's explosive offenses. The unit exposed its weaknesses against No. 14 Missouri (4-1), allowing 38 points in a rivalry game loss at home. 

With lackluster units on both sides of the ball, I do not see how Kansas will even make a bowl game this season. If so, head coach Lance Leipold may not keep his job.

The Jayhawks head on the road to play No. 12 Utah (4-0) this weekend in an incredibly tough matchup, looking to notch their first conference win of the season.