No. 1 | Iowa State 7-0 (4-0)

In a battle to stay undefeated, Iowa State trailed late at home against UCF before quarterback Rocco Becht took over. The sophomore snuck in a touchdown, giving them the lead and the 38-35 win. While UCF torched Iowa State’s normally stout defense through the ground, a bye week this week for Iowa State will give them a chance to correct that. 

No. 2 | BYU 7-0 (4-0)

Like Iowa State, BYU trailed late at home but a 35-yard passing touchdown with 10 seconds left gave them a 38-35 win. In an eerily similar game to Iowa State, BYU was also torched through the ground. Facing a run-heavy UCF team will give them a good test to remain perfect for the year. 

No. 3 | Kansas State 6-1 (3-1)

K-State slots at No. 3 this week after a big win over West Virginia. Quarterback Avery Johnson had one of his best games of the season, stepping up for running back DJ Giddens being held in check. K-State looks to continue hitting on all cylinders this week in the Sunflower Showdown against rival Kansas.

No. 4 | Colorado 5-2 (3-1)

After falling to K-State, Colorado was able to bounce back this week with a big win against a different Wildcat squad in Arizona. Heisman contender Travis Hunter returned from injury before a big first-half lead by Colorado allowed him to rest the second half. Colorado will have a home matchup against Cincinnati this week to try and keep its Big 12 Championship aspirations alive.

No. 5 | Cincinnati 5-2 (3-1)

Cincinnati’s win over Arizona State boosts its ranking this week. Cincinnati has been sneaky good this year with quarterback Brendan Sorsby in the NCAA’s top 15 for passing yards this year. The Bearcats’ passing attack will need to be at full force on the road at Colorado this week. 

No. 6 | Texas Tech 5-2 (3-1)

Texas Tech had its worst showing of the year on Saturday, giving up nearly 60 points at home against Baylor. The defense, which has been a liability the past few years, continues being a problem for the Red Raiders. On the road at TCU, this week could cause more issues for their defense.

No. 7 | Arizona State 5-2 (2-2)

Arizona State had a tough loss on the road this week at Cincinnati. Starting quarterback Sam Leavitt didn’t play because of an injury, making things tough for star running back Cam Skattebo. A bye week this week is key for Arizona State to get fully healthy before taking on the back half of its Big 12 schedule. 

No. 8 | TCU 4-3 (2-2)

TCU notched a huge road win over Utah in a defensive battle this week. TCU only scored 13 points but its defense, which had struggled this year, shut down the Utes’ offense. Playing a bad Texas Tech defense should be helpful to get its offense going again.

No. 9 | WVU 3-4 (2-2)

West Virginia continued its struggles against ranked teams this year, losing big to K-State. Quarterback Garrett Greene left the game because of injury, plaguing the offense in the second half. His health will be important for West Virginia as the rest of the season progresses, starting with being questionable to return at Arizona this week. The Mountaineers will look to return to the win column. 

No. 10 | Utah 4-3 (1-3)

Utah, the conference preseason favorite, lost starting quarterback Cam Rising for the season and its offense hasn’t been able to pick it up without him. Offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig stepped down from his role as well, posing more problems for the offense. Playing a basement dweller in Houston this week can be a get-right game for the Utes. 

No. 11 | Arizona 3-4 (1-3)

No. 12 | UCF 3-4 (1-3)

No. 13 | Kansas 2-5 (1-3) 

No. 14 | Baylor 3-4 (1-3)

No. 15 | Oklahoma State 3-4 (0-4)

No. 16 | Houston 2-5 (1-3)