Big 12 Power Rankings: TCU, Utah Soar — Kansas State, Colorado Tumble (Week 2)

There were some upsets and disappointments for the Big 12 Conference this weekend as teams went 13-3 overall, including wins against the ACC, Big Ten, and Mountain West conferences.

The league had some marque matchups to help the Big 12 make a splash and get more respect, but unfortunately, Cincinnati, Baylor, and Colorado didn't get the memo as they all lost (Auburn, Nebraska, Georgia Tech), with two of those games being home games as well.

Thankfully Utah and TCU helped saved the day in what would have been an embarrassing performance for the conference. The Utes went to the Rose Bowl to take on UCLA and walked out with a dominating 43-10 victory. Meanwhile, playing in primetime on Monday with Kirk Herbstreit on the call and in Bill Belichick's first college games as a head coach, TCU made a statement by whooping North Carolina 48-14.

Crazy enough, it was the first time since 1999, that two Big 12 teams defeated multiple P4 opponents by 30+ points in the same week.

Last but not least, the Big 12 had 10 games against FCS programs with Iowa State, BYU, Texas Tech, Houston, West Virginia and Oklahoma State covering the spread. However, the same could not be said for Kansas, Arizona State, Kansas State and UCF which had closer than expected games, including the Wildcats and Knights needing comeback victories late in the game.

Last but not least, the Big 12 has some marquee matchups this week (No. 7 Oregon, No. 16 SMU, Iowa, Missouri, Mississippi State) and it will be pivotal for the conference to have a good showing and get some wins. Last week couldn't have gotten off to a worse start, however, it ended up being salvageable in the end for the conference thanks to big wins from TCU and Utah.

Important Note: These rankings are based on what teams have done on the field so far this season — not a prediction of where they'll finish. While current performance carries the most weight, last year’s performance is also factored in slightly. Teams that finished near the top in 2024 are given a slight edge and a bit more leeway in the early weeks.

No. 1 Iowa State (2-0)

Wins: No. 17 Kansas State (24-21), South Dakota (55-7)
Losses: None

Iowa State remains the leader this week being 2-0 and having the only conference win so far over then-No. 17 Kansas State. The Cyclones also took care of business this past week in a dominating win over South Dakota and beating the spread.

Next up is an in-state showdown with Iowa as the Cyclones look to win back-to-back games in the rivalry. Iowa State is currently favored by a field goal.

Next up: vs. Iowa

No. 2 TCU (1-0)

Wins: North Carolina (48-14)
Losses: None

It was a big win for TCU, and an even bigger win for the Big 12 which was in desperate need a big non-conference win. After going down 7-0, the Horned Frogs quickly answered and rolled to a 48-14 road victory, and spoiled Bill Belichick’s college coaching debut in the primetime game.

Next up: Bye

No. 3 Utah (1-0)

Wins: UCLA (43-10)
Losses: None

Like TCU, Utah helped the Big 12 in a big way as the Utes went into the Rose Bowl and walked out with a 43-10 smashing over UCLA. Utah didn't look like a new team despite a new quarterback (Devon Dampier) along with a new offensive coordinator and coaching staff (Jason Beck). The team look seasoned and if that's the case, the rest of the Big 12 is going to be in big trouble.

The biggest thing is remaining healthy, especially at the quarterback spot as Dampier rushed 16 times which is a bit much, considering what's happened with past running QBs at Utah.

Next up: vs. Cal Poly

No. 4 Arizona State (1-0)

Wins: Northern Arizona (38-19)
Losses: None

The reigning Big 12 champs slid down two spots due to Utah and TCU having better wins than them at this point in the season, and they didn't cover the spread in their season-opening game.

Like most teams, Arizona State hasn't had the opportunity to play a notable opponent yet, but that changes this week as the Sun Devils travel east to take on Mississippi State in a primetime game on Saturday.

Next up: @ Mississippi State

No. 5 Texas Tech (1-0)

Wins: Arkansas-Pine Bluff (67-7)
Losses: None

Like most teams in the Big 12, Texas Tech played an FCS opponent and made sure to give the fans what they wanted with nine touchdowns on the day. Unfortunately for Red Raiders fans, it's going to be another week of that before they get a chance to see what this team can do against a real opponent (Oregon State) in two weeks.

Next up: vs. Kent State

No. 6 BYU (1-0)

Wins: Portland State (69-0)
Losses: None

No Jake Retzlaff, no problem.

Bear Bachmeier stepped up to take over the QB position late this summer and became just the eighth true freshman to start a game at BYU and the first to start the season opener. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound dual threat quarterback made sure to make the most of it as combined for three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns in just two quarters of play.

It was part of a record-setting night for BYU as the team broke the record for largest shutout in program history in the 69-0 win.

Next up: vs. Stanford

No. 7 Kansas (2-0)

Wins: Fresno State (31-7), Wagner (46-7)
Losses: None

It's hard to say just how good this Kansas team is with the Jayhawks playing inferior opponents. The team has been solid so far this year in their two wins.

We'll get a good glimpse of just how talented this team is when Kansas heads into SEC country to take on Missouri. If Kansas can come away with a win, they'll prove they are back to being Big 12 contenders.

Missouri is currently a touchdown favorite over the Jayhawks.

Next up: @ Missouri

No. 8 Baylor (0-1)

Wins: None
Losses: Auburn (38-24)

What a missed opportunity!

Rarely ever does an SEC team cross the Mississippi river, and with the Auburn Tigers visiting McLane Stadium in front of a sold out crowd, the Bears could have made a statement on national television. Unfortunately, the bears were still in hibernation as the lost by wo touchdowns.

The team can make up for it this week in a showdown against No. 17 SMU in Dallas. This is one of the Big 12's biggest non-conference games of the season, so the pressure for Baylor to win couldn't be bigger. Will the Bears bounce back, or will they quickly fall to 0-2 on the season?

Next up: @ No. 17 SMU

No. 9 West Virginia (1-0)

Wins: Robert Morris (45-3)
Losses: None

West Virginia rolled to a big win over Robert Morris in front of 57,093 fans. Not only did they cover the spread, but the team gave Rich Rodriguez a season opening win in his return. The head coach picked up his 61st victory at West Virginia, tying him with Dana Holgorsen for second on the school's all-time win list. Rodriguez earned 60 of those during a seven-year period here from 2001-07.

Next up: @ Ohio

No. 10 Houston (1-0)

Wins: Stephen F. Austin (27-0)
Losses: None

Houston quarterback Conner Weigman -- a transfer from Texas A&M -- threw for 159 yards and three touchdowns in his Houston debut as the Cougars beat Stephen F. Austin 27-0 in the season opener for both teams.

It was Houston’s first shutout since defeating Grambling 45-0 on Sept. 18, 2021, and first shutout in a season opener since beating UNLV 69-0 on Sept. 2, 1989.

Houston is favored by two touchdowns this week in its game against Rice. The Cougars won't get a real test until the following week with a Big 12 game against Colorado.

Next up: @ Rice

No. 11 Kansas State (1-1)

Wins: North Dakota (38-35)
Losses: No. 22 Iowa State (21-24)

Losing a close game to Iowa State in a Top 25 matchup isn't the end of the world. However, Saturday's come from behind victory against North Dakota leaves more questions than answers two games into the season. With a team full of talent and experience, the Wildcats look lost and disorganized.  They'll need to find their way soon or else or else they might not make a bowl game based on how they've played so far this season.

Next up: vs. Army

No. 12 Colorado (0-1)

Wins: None
Losses: Georgia Tech (20-27)

Yes, Colorado lost a heartbreaking game in the final minute, however, it shouldn't have been that close anyways, as Georgia Tech dominated, outgaining the Buffs by more than 150 yards (463-305).

Despite playing at home, the Buffs were outplayed, and the only reason it was close was due to three turnovers from the Yellowjackets. It's a good thing Delaware is next on the schedule as the Buffs can work on retooling the offense and defense before conference play starts the following week.

Next up: vs. Delaware

No. 13 Arizona (1-0)

Wins: Hawaii (40-6)
Losses: None

The offense wasn't very pretty, but at least they didn't turn the ball over. On the other hand, Arizona' defense came to play as it forced 5 turnovers to help the Wildcats roll to a blowout victory.

Next up for the Wildcats is a home game against an FCS team (Weber State) where Arizona looks to figure things out on offense, specifically the passing game. They'll need it with conference play starting next week against Kansas State.

Next up: vs. Weber State

No. 14 Oklahoma State (1-0)

Wins: UT Martin (27-7)
Losses: None

Oklahoma State-UT Martin #26 - Oklahoma State wins 27-7, was 20-7 late in the 4th. barely covers the spread.

For a brief moment, Oklahoma State quarterback Hauss Hejny looked to be the answer for the Cowboys as they look to get to their old ways as a Big 12 contender. Unfortunately for fans, players, and coaches, after Hejny went down with a broken foot, the team looked just like the 2024 version that went winless in conference play for the first time 1994.

Now they go on the road and take on Oregon. It's not looking great in Stillwater at the moment.

Next up: @ No. 7 Oregon

No. 15 Cincinnati (0-1)

Wins: None
Losses: Nebraska (17-20)

The Bearcats blew it!

Cincinnati had a primetime game against Nebraska at Arrowhead Stadium with Taylor Swift in attendance and unfortunately, the Bearcats' comeback attempt fell short as the Cornhuskers intercepted the ball in the end zone to win the game, 20-17.

Cincinnati will look to win its first game this year in a home game against Bowling green.

Next up: vs. Bowling Green

No. 16 UCF (1-0)

Wins: Jacksonville State (17-10)
Losses: None

So much for the big turnaround with Scott Frost back as the head coach. UCF looked like an FCS team as the Knights struggled to put away Jacksonville State in the 17-10 win. If UCF is going to play like that, expect them to go winless in conference play this year.

Next up: vs. NC A&T

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