No. 1 | Iowa State 6-0 (3-0)
Iowa State is led by a stifling defense, allowing just 12.3 points per game through three games so far. After winning in a tough environment in Morgantown against West Virginia, the Cyclones will return home for a matchup with UCF in a fight to remain undefeated.
No. 2 | BYU 6-0 (3-0)
Brigham Young continues to dominate in Big 12 play with a huge win at home over Arizona. BYU’s stout defense and big-play offense moves it to a Big 12 title front-runner. A late-night home game on Friday should have a ruckus crowd to help boost the Cougars to 7-0 against Oklahoma State.
No. 3 | Kansas State 5-1 (2-1)
Led by junior running back DJ Giddens, K-State is the only Big 12 team ranked preseason to remain in the Top 25. After an ugly loss to BYU, K-State bounced back well with wins over Oklahoma State and Colorado. Battered with injuries, getting healthy and a win over West Virginia on Saturday would go a long way in keeping the Wildcats’ Big 12 title hopes alive.
No. 4 | Texas Tech 5-1 (3-0)
The Red Raiders are another surprise team in the Big 12, standing at 3-0 in Big 12 play after taking three very close games. Outstanding running back Tahj Brooks has rushed for over 100 yards in each game this year. Coming off a bye week, Tech will look to fix some defensive issues before taking on Arizona.
No. 5 | Arizona State 5-1 (2-1)
With two big home wins, including upsetting then-No.16 Utah, Arizona State should have a lot of confidence moving forward. The Sun Devils are another team led by its running back, Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week Cameron Skattebo. A tough road matchup at 11 a.m. in Cincinnati this week should give them a good test.
No. 6 | Colorado 4-2 (2-1)
Heisman-hopeful Travis Hunter was injured in the loss Saturday against K-State but looks to return on Saturday. The Buffaloes’ loss was their first in Big 12 play this year. Shedeur Sanders and his elite wide-receiver core will need to get healthy as they take on Arizona on Saturday.
No. 7 | West Virginia 3-3 (2-1)
Coming out of a tough game against Iowa State, West Virginia will be desperate for a win to keep its Big 12 title hopes alive. Led by Garrett Greene and his dual-threat ability, the Mountaineers are a tough team to stop. An evening game against a ranked K-State squad should attract a strong home turnout.
No. 8 | Cincinnati 4-2 (2-1)
Cincinnati has been sneaky good this year. With a strong win over UCF last week, it improved to 2-1 in the Big 12. A tough stretch of games approaches, providing a good test for its team starting with hosting Arizona State on Saturday.
No. 9 | Utah 4-2 (1-2)
With two consecutive losses in conference play, Utah will have to find its footing fast. Not to mention, the Utes will have to do it without seventh-year quarterback Cam Rising, who suffered a season-ending injury. The Utes return home this week for a late kickoff against TCU.
No. 10 | Arizona 3-3 (1-2)
Coming off two losses, including a bad one to BYU, Arizona needs to get back on track as well. Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan are one of the best QB-WR duos in the nation, but need more from their supporting cast offensively. Arizona faces Colorado this week in a battle between two teams coming off a loss and needing a win.
Remaining Teams
No. 11 | UCF 3-3 (1-2)
No. 12 | Oklahoma State 3-3 (0-3)
No. 13 | TCU 3-3 (1-2)
No. 14 | Baylor 2-4 (0-3)
No. 15 | Houston 2-4 (1-2)
No. 16 | Kansas 1-5 (0-3)