Big 12 power rankings: Early favorites rising while others stumble hard
Utah and BYU are part of a select few teams that have begun to separate themselves from the pack in the first weeks of the season.
Week 2 put the Big 12 under the microscope — with a couple of highlights, but also several major setbacks.
Iowa State, Utah, and Texas Tech kept rolling; BYU also handled business, while Baylor pulled off a critical comeback win.
On the other end, reigning Big 12 champion Arizona State suffered heartbreak. Kansas State fell for the second time, and Oregon ran Oklahoma State off the field.
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Taken as a whole, the results leaned negative for a league eager to cement itself as the third-strongest conference in the FBS.
Still, the weekend brought movement in the latest Big 12 power rankings.
Here’s how the programs line up after Week 2 of the 2025 campaign.
1. Iowa State Cyclones (3-0, 1-0 Big 12)
Previous ranking: No. 1 (no change)
Last week: Beat Iowa, 16-13
Next game: Saturday at Arkansas State, 2 p.m. MDT (ESPN2)
The Cyclones survived their toughest nonconference matchup, edging rival Iowa in another defensive slugfest. With a Week 0 win over Kansas State also in hand, Iowa State is the league’s hottest starter.
Their next four outings include just one home date, though ESPN’s FPI favors them in each. After Arkansas State, they’ll have a bye before hosting Arizona, then hitting the road against Cincinnati and Colorado.
2. Utah Utes (2-0)
Previous ranking: No. 2 (no change)
Next game: Saturday at Wyoming, 6 p.m. MDT (CBS Sports Network)
Utah hasn’t been tested yet, and that likely won’t change in Laramie against an old Mountain West rival.
After hammering UCLA, the Utes stumbled early but still cruised past FCS Cal Poly. Quarterback Devon Dampier was again sharp, and the defense caused chaos.
A much-anticipated matchup looms in two weeks when Texas Tech comes to Salt Lake. That could be a top-20 clash with major implications in the conference race.
3. Texas Tech Red Raiders (2-0)
Previous ranking: No. 5 (⬆️ 2)
Last week: Beat Kent State, 62-14
Next game: Saturday vs. Oregon State, 1:30 p.m. MDT (Fox)
The Red Raiders are on fire, though their soft nonconference slate is worth noting. They’ve topped 60 points in both wins, against Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Kent State.
Oregon State should provide a sterner test, though the Beavers are struggling after a loss to Fresno State and remain winless.
4. TCU Horned Frogs (1-0)
Previous ranking: No. 4 (no change)
Last week: Bye
Next game: Saturday vs. Abilene Christian, 6 p.m. MDT (ESPN+)
TCU had a very early bye after dismantling North Carolina in Week 1, boosting hopes the Frogs are back in the Big 12’s upper tier.
They’re massive favorites against FCS Abilene Christian, but the following week brings intrigue — an SMU showdown against a team fresh off a crushing loss to Baylor.
BYU Cougars
A 27-3 win over Stanford once would have been reason to celebrate. Now, it highlights a dominant defense paired with a sluggish offense.
With a bye week ahead, the timing is ideal for true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier. The Cougars’ offense has growing pains, and a reset could help.
6. Baylor Bears (1-1)
Previous ranking: No. 9 (⬆️ 3)
Last week: Beat No. 17 SMU, 48-45
Next game: Saturday vs. Samford, 10 a.m. MDT (ESPN+)
Down 14 in the fourth quarter, Baylor staged a wild rally behind QB Sawyer Robertson, then sealed the win in overtime on a field goal.
That turnaround may prove crucial for a team with a tough early schedule. The Bears get a lighter test before opening Big 12 play against Arizona State.
7. Arizona State Sun Devils (1-1)
Previous ranking: No. 3 (⬇️ 4)
Last week: Lost to Mississippi State, 24-20
Next game: Saturday vs. Texas State, 8:30 p.m. MDT (TNT)
Arizona State dug an early hole in Starkville, clawed back, and even grabbed a late lead before surrendering a stunning 58-yard TD in the final seconds.
That collapse gave the Big 12 its biggest disappointment of Week 2. Now the defending champs must regroup before league action begins.
8. Arizona Wildcats (2-0)
Previous ranking: No. 10 (⬆️ 2)
Last week: Beat Weber State, 48-3
Next game: Friday vs. Kansas State, 7 p.m. MDT (Fox)
So far, Arizona has dominated inferior foes and ranks among the national leaders in scoring defense at just 4.5 points allowed per game.
Kansas State awaits in what’s technically a nonconference game. For the Wildcats, it’s a chance at payback after last year’s blowout loss in Manhattan.
9. Kansas Jayhawks (2-1)
Previous ranking: No. 7 (⬇️ 2)
Last week: Lost to Missouri, 42-31
Next game: Sept. 20 vs. West Virginia, 4 p.m. MDT (FS1)
Kansas had Missouri on the ropes, leading early and again in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t hold on. The Tigers are SEC-tough, so it’s no shame — but it’s still a missed chance.
The Jayhawks now regroup with a bye before opening Big 12 play at home against struggling West Virginia.
10. Colorado Buffaloes (1-1)
Previous ranking: No. 12 (⬆️ 2)
Last week: Beat Delaware, 31-7
Next game: Friday at Houston, 5:30 p.m. MDT (ESPN)
Colorado rotated three QBs, with third-stringer Ryan Staub looking the sharpest as he led multiple scoring drives. Now, QB questions linger.
The Buffs head to Houston for an early league test. Like Colorado, the Cougars are also working in a new starter at quarterback.
That11. Houston Cougars (2-0)
Previous ranking: No. 15 (⬆️ 4)
Last week: Beat Rice, 35-9
Next game: Friday vs. Colorado, 5:30 p.m. MDT (ESPN)
New QB Conner Weigman has boosted Houston’s offense, which is averaging 31 points through two weeks.
Facing Colorado will show whether Houston’s progress is real. Both programs are adjusting, and the winner gets an early Big 12 boost.
12. Cincinnati Bearcats (1-1)
Previous ranking: No. 13 (⬆️ 1)
Last week: Beat Bowling Green, 34-20
Next game: Saturday vs. Northwestern State, 1:30 p.m. MDT (ESPN+)
Cincinnati bounced back well from its Week 1 loss to Nebraska, controlling Bowling Green to even its record.
