Cincinnati Enters AP Top 25 for First Time as Big 12 Member

The latest AP Top 25 dropped today, and Big 12 fans have something to celebrate with four of their own cracking the rankings. Leading the pack was Texas Tech, sitting at No. 7, followed by BYU at No. 15, Utah at No. 23, and making history: Cincinnati earned a No. 24 ranking, cracking the AP Top 25 for the first time as a Big 12 member.

Texas Tech’s ranking at 7 is no fluke. The Red Raiders have been methodical, dominant, and consistent through big nonconference tests and early league play. That kind of steadiness earns respect in polls. BYU and Utah, meanwhile, continue to make noise with strong starts and signature wins to back up their national reputations. Their presence reaffirms that the Big 12 isn’t back to being underappreciated; it’s making a case for depth and respect.

But Cincinnati’s inclusion is the real headline here. The Bearcats are usually under the radar in most Big 12 previews. Now they’re officially inside the Top 25. That carries more weight than a line in a power ranking, as this is national validation. It means voters see Cincinnati as one of the top 25 teams in the country, not just a bottom-feeder in a new league. It’s a tangible milestone for a program trying to prove it belongs.

This vote of confidence hints at more than just wins. It suggests Cincinnati passed key tests in viewer perception, schedule strength, and on-field execution. In their third Big 12 season, that’s a strong start. The Bearcats will now be targets, and their opponents will look to make a statement by knocking them off the list.

For the conference overall, having four ranked teams boosts credibility. It shows the Big 12 isn’t just carried by one or two elite squads; it’s building collective depth. Rival conferences will take note when multiple teams regularly show up in national polls.

Of course, rankings can’t win games. They’re snapshots, not guarantees. But they do shape perception, recruiting narratives, and national media attention. For Texas Tech, BYU, Utah, and especially Cincinnati, today’s rankings are a badge of respect. Now the task is to stay worthy of it.