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

Iowa State had a bye week this past weekend to rest up before the rest of the Big 12 slate. After getting gashed by UCF’s run game two weeks ago, the Cyclones will face another strong running back in Texas Tech’s Tahj Brooks. Offensively, Iowa State has thrown the ball with success but will need the running game to contribute more for a balanced offense. 

No. 2 | BYU 8-0 (5-0)

BYU took care of business against UCF this past week in what was billed as a trap game on the road for the Cougars. Up next for BYU is at Utah which has struggled this year in conference play but in a rivalry game, the Utes will give everything they have to spoil the Cougars’ perfect season. 

No. 3 | Kansas State 7-1 (4-1)

Kansas State was able to escape the near upset from Kansas, continuing its winning streak in the Sunflower Showdown. Since the Wildcats’ loss at BYU, QB Avery Johnson has eclipsed 200 passing yards in every game, seemingly improving every week. Continuing his upward trend will be pivotal for the ‘Cats down the stretch of Big 12 play. 

No. 4 | Colorado 6-2 (4-1)

Colorado handled Cincinnati at home with a 34-23 win last week. Travis Hunter proved why he is a Heisman contender hauling in nine catches for 153 yards and two touchdowns. The Buffaloes are a surprise team in the Big 12 this year, but with obvious holes in their roster, their superstars need to continue to play at a high level to sustain success. 

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

Cincinnati lost on the road for just their second Big 12 loss on the season. After a bye week this week, the Bearcats will face a tough West Virginia team followed by road games at Iowa State and K-State, making a tough schedule down the stretch. 

No. 6 | TCU 5-3 (3-2)

TCU notched two big wins in a row, including a massive comeback against Texas Tech this week, bumping the Horned Frogs up the power ranking. Texas Tech led 31-14 in the third quarter but TCU refused to quit and came out victorious in a 35-34 win. TCU has rival Baylor coming to town this week in a game in which both teams seem to be surging. 

No. 7 | Texas Tech 5-3 (3-2)

Texas Tech lost its lead late against TCU, likely costing the Red Raiders any chance at the Big 12 Championship. Texas Tech’s defense continues to be a problem as teams can score quickly to stay in games. It doesn’t get any easier this week as the Red Raiders travel to Iowa State to face another potent offense. 

No. 8 | Arizona State 5-2 (2-2)

Arizona State was the other Big 12 team on bye this week — and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Quarterback Sam Leavitt had been dealing with an injury so the extra rest helped him recover. Arizona State travels to Oklahoma State who is desperate for a victory. 

No. 9 | West Virginia 4-4 (3-2)

West Virginia starting quarterback Garrett Greene missed this past week due to injury but backup Nicco Marchiol stepped in and played great. A bye week this week will be good for Greene’s health but Marchiol will have a chance at the job after the way he played. A favorable last four games for West Virginia should help boost its season.

No. 10 Baylor 4-4 (2-3)

One of the biggest risers in the power rankings is Baylor after displaying promise the last two weeks. The Bears have won their last two games averaging 43.5 points per game on offense. Quarterback Sawyer Robertson was the backup to begin the year but has played well since taking the starting role. 

No. 11 | Kansas 2-6 (1-4)

No. 12 | UCF 3-5 (1-4)

No. 13 | Arizona 3-5 (1-4)

No. 14 | Houston 3-5 (2-3)

No. 15 | Utah 4-4 (1-4)

No. 16 | Oklahoma State 3-5 (0-5)