Arizona State Holds Down Spot in Big 12 Power Rankings

TEMPE -- The Arizona State Sun Devils are now onto week two of the season after earning a hard-fought victory over Northern Arizona to open the season.

Kenny Dillingham's squad dropped one spot in the AP poll to number 12 ahead of a battle with SEC foe Mississippi State - the first major test of the season in 2025.

Arizona State on SI ranks the top five teams in the Big 12 conference going into game two of the season for every team in the conference - save for a pair that played in week zero.

1. Arizona State

The win over NAU wasn't the most impressive of the week in conference, but enough was seen from the team overall to hold onto the top spot.

Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) during spring football practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. | Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Sam Leavitt jumpstarted his Heisman Trophy campaign, while Jordyn Tyson continues to solidify his case as a first-round pick in April's NFL draft. The defense held up fairly well, given that they were put in tenuous positions on numerous occasions.

Still, the Sun Devils hold the most talented roster in the conference on paper, and week one concerns, such as the offensive line, should be figured out as the season progresses.

2. Utah

Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) runs the ball against UCLA Bruins defensive back Croix Stewart (22) during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Utah's dominant 43-10 victory over UCLA already sets the stage for a massive battle between the Utes and Sun Devils on October 11.

Utah appears to be as incredible in the trenches as advertised, while the offense in general is revitalized following the addition of New Mexico transfer Devon Dampier.

Utah is in a great spot moving into Big 12 play.

3. Texas Tech

Texas Tech won their week one contest in dominant fashion, but have injury concerns at multiple spots - including potentially starting QB Behren Morton.

Sep 21, 2024; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Ben Roberts (13) pressures Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images | Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

Still, the Red Raiders are among the best in the front seven defensively and hold an offense with requisite talent to support the strong defense.

4. Texas Christian

TCU was incredible impressive in Monday night's victory over North Carolina.

QB Josh Hoover leads a potent offense, while S Bud Clark is the engine of a defense that has potential to far exceed expectations.

Sonny Dykes might be leading a resurgence of Horned Frogs football following a pair of down years - the Sun Devils are set to host TCU on September 26.

5. Iowa State

Iowa State is lead by elite coach Matt Campbell and star QB Rocco Becht - they are already 2-0 going into a battle with Iowa on Saturday

Dec 7, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back DeCarlos Brooks (25) runs the ball against the Iowa State Cyclones in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images | Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Becht and company will host the Sun Devils on November 1 - will they be in the upper-tier of the Big 12 by then?

Brigham Young, Baylor, and Kansas are honorable mentions in this exercise.

Read between the lines of Dillingham's Monday press conference here, and what a strong opening week from the Big 12 as a whole means for the Sun Devils here.

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