Week 6 Big 12 Football Power Rankings: Separation Saturday

Week 6 Big 12 Power Rankings

1. Iowa State Cyclones (5-0, 2-0 B12) Iowa State is for real. They dismantled a previously undefeated Arizona team, 39-14, asserting themselves as the team to beat. The defense is stifling and the offense is clicking, giving them the best resume in the league so far and the inside track to a CFP bid, either as conference champion or as an at large bid. Next Week: vs. Cincinnati
2. Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-0, 1-0 B12) The Red Raiders held onto their perfect record through a bye week, sitting pretty after their major road win in Week 4. They are well-rested and prepared for their biggest test yet. Next Week: at Houston
3. Arizona State Sun Devils (4-1, 2-0 B12) The defending Big 12 champions were on a bye week and are co-leaders in the conference standings. The Sun Devils continue to prove they belong in the conversation, thanks to their 2-0 start in league play. Next Week: Bye
4. Utah Utes (4-1, 1-1 B12) The Utes delivered the bounce-back statement of the week, demolishing West Virginia 48-14. After a tough loss, Utah reminded everyone why they were favored to win the league, flexing serious defensive muscle. Next Week: Bye
5. BYU Cougars (4-0, 1-0 B12) It wasn’t pretty, but the Cougars survived a tense road environment, beating Colorado 24-21. The defense is elite, and finding a way to win ugly keeps them in the top tier. Next Week: vs. West Virginia (Friday, Oct 3)
6. Houston Cougars (4-0, 1-0 B12) Houston was on a bye this week, preserving their undefeated record. They sit at 4-0, patiently waiting for their opportunity to make a statement—and that opportunity comes next week. Next Week: vs. Texas Tech
7. Cincinnati Bearcats (3-1, 1-0 B12) Massive rise for the Bearcats! Cincinnati earned its first Big 12 victory in thrilling fashion, beating Kansas on the road, 37-34. This team is quickly becoming a threat, and their offense can clearly put up points. Next Week: at Iowa State
8. TCU Horned Frogs (3-1, 0-1 B12) TCU had a bye week after their Week 4 loss. They remain a dangerous team sitting on a respectable 3-1 overall record. Next Week: vs. Colorado
9. Baylor Bears (3-2, 1-1 B12) The Bears stopped the bleeding with an impressive offensive performance against Oklahoma State, winning 45-27. Getting back to 1-1 in the conference keeps their hopes alive. Next Week: vs. Kansas State
10. Arizona Wildcats (3-1, 0-1 B12) The Wildcats suffered a brutal road loss to Iowa State, 39-14. Their offense struggled against a disciplined defense, proving they still have a gap to close against the conference’s best. Next Week: Bye
11. Kansas Jayhawks (3-2, 1-1 B12) A painful home loss to Cincinnati, 37-34, derails the Jayhawks’ momentum. The offense is strong, but finding consistency in defensive stops will be crucial for the remainder of the season. Next Week: at UCF
12. Kansas State Wildcats (2-3, 1-1 B12) Coach Chris Klieman desperately needed a win, and his team delivered, beating UCF 34-20. While their overall record isn’t pretty, getting to 1-1 in conference play is a huge lifeline. Next Week: at Baylor
13. UCF Knights (3-1, 0-1 B12) The Knights suffer their first loss in disappointing fashion, falling to Kansas State, 34-20. The high expectations for UCF take a hit, and they must defend their home field against the Jayhawks next week to avoid a slide. Next Week: vs. Kansas
14. Colorado Buffaloes (2-3, 0-2 B12) Colorado showed fight in the close 24-21 loss to BYU, but the result still puts them at 0-2 in conference play. The path to bowl eligibility gets much harder from here. Next Week: at TCU
15. West Virginia Mountaineers (2-3, 0-2 B12) A brutal 48-14 loss to Utah is a major setback. The Mountaineers are struggling to compete on defense and face a tough BYU team at home. Next Week: vs. BYU (Friday, Oct 3)
16. Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-3, 0-1 B12) The Cowboys drop to the bottom spot after losing to Baylor 45-27. At 1-3 overall, the new Cowboys coaching staff gets a bye week to try to reset. Next Week: Bye