No. 1 | BYU 8-0 (5-0)

This week’s new No. 1 is BYU, benefitting from an Iowa State loss during its bye week. The Cougars will be rested before their matchup against rival Utah in the Holy War. With its less-than-impressive remaining schedule, BYU has a good chance to go undefeated into the Big 12 Championship. 

No. 2 | Iowa State 7-1 (4-1)

Through the elements of a cold and rainy game, Iowa State was upset by Texas Tech at home on Saturday. Iowa State looked like the best team in the conference early on but struggled in its last two games. The Cyclones’ defense faced continued difficulty against the running game as a late touchdown from Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks led to the upset. 

No. 3 | Colorado 6-2 (4-1)

Colorado was another big winner despite being on its bye week, with K-State and Iowa State losing. Furthermore, the bye week allowed its stars to rest and get healthy, which is paramount down the stretch. A big matchup on the road at Texas Tech this week will go a long way in deciding the Big 12 Championship teams. 

No. 4 | Kansas State 7-2 (4-2)

K-State suffered an ugly loss at Houston, potentially haunting it at the end of the year. The Wildcats’ run game — their typical identity — has struggled lately, causing issues. K-State’s bye week should allow it to right the run game, along with its passing defense — a much-needed fix before facing three of the top seven Big 12 teams down the stretch. 

No. 5 | Texas Tech 6-3 (4-2)

Texas Tech lost two consecutive contests entering last week, including playing poorly on defense. However, all of that changed with a massive win on the road at Iowa State. Texas Tech now finds itself with a chance at a trip to Arlington; a run starts this week with Colorado coming to Lubbock. 

No. 6 | Arizona State 6-2 (3-2)

Arizona State took care of business last weekend against Oklahoma State thanks to another big outing from star running back Cam Skattebo. Arizona State has UCF this week at home before it travels to K-State and hosts BYU, giving a true test to the Sun Devils.

No. 7 | Cincinnati 5-3 (3-2)

Cincinnati comes off a bye week where it could potentially benefit from the losses of top teams as well. It hosts West Virginia in a battle between two 3-2 teams this week. Like Arizona State, Cincinnati has two tough tests approaching at Iowa State and K-State. 

No. 8 | Baylor 5-4 (3-3)

Baylor continues to play well, winning three consecutive Big 12 games after losing its first three. The Bears have found an explosive offense in the passing game, leading them to victories. As Baylor fights for bowl eligibility, head coach Dave Aranda may be fighting for his job as well. With Baylor’s remaining three games being winnable, he may have a chance to keep it. 

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

West Virginia got the hard part of its schedule over with and now has a chance to be competitive down the stretch. The Mountaineers’ bye week last week should’ve helped quarterback Garrett Greene get healthy. WVU travels to Cincinnati this week, setting up a potentially tricky game kicking off at 11 a.m. 

No. 10 | Houston 4-5 (3-3)

Houston makes its first appearance in the top 10 after back-to-back wins against Utah and K-State. Houston made massive strides throughout the season under first-year head coach Willie Fritz. Standing at 3-3 in conference is a lot better than most expected, giving them a chance at a bowl game. Houston is on the road Friday night against a struggling Arizona team. 

No. 11 | TCU 5-4 (3-3)

No. 12 | Kansas 2-6 (1-4)

No. 13 | UCF 4-5 (2-4)

No. 14 | Utah 4-4 (1-4)

No. 15 | Arizona 3-6 (1-5)

No. 16 | Oklahoma State 3-6 (0-6)