Big 12 Power Rankings Shift with New Leader and Big Faller

Another wild weekend in the Big 12 found a new No. 1 through six weeks of regular-season action. The Colorado Buffaloes struggled in Fort Worth, a classic took place in Waco and Cincinnati rattled off a major upset to impact our Big 12 power rankings.

Oct 4, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) stands in the pocket against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

It got a little hectic in the Big 12 last weekend.

Saturday saw the year's first major inter-conference upset, as the Cincinnati Bearcats defended home turf and ran over the No. 14 Iowa State Cyclones. It was another tough weekend for the Colorado Buffaloes, falling short in Fort Worth against the TCU Horned Frogs.

Midway through the regular season, who rose and fell in our Big 12 power rankings?

16. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oct 4, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive back Dalton Johnson (43) tackles Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Trent Howland (24) during the second quarter at Arizona Stadium. | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

It's been a season to flush for Oklahoma State, and 1-11 is certainly on the board. A trip to Tucson ended in another blowout as Arizona made quick work of the Cowboys.

15. West Virginia Mountaineers

WVU's two-touchdown loss to BYU was a bit misleading but admirable considering the circumstances. Still, coach Rich Rodriguez has his hands full as he looks to rebuild a once-proud program.

14. UCF Knights

UCF started strong but was shut out in the second half at home against Kansas. The Knights have shown signs of life but don't have a Big 12 win through two games.

13. Colorado Buffaloes

Oct 4, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) chase down a bad snap during the second half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Now 0-3 in Big 12 play, the Buffs continue to be inconsistent consistently. It's looking like a long season for coach Deion Sanders as he searches for wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter and quarterback/son Shedeur Sanders replacements.

12. Houston Cougars

Houston felt Texas Tech's wrath at home in a Texas duel. Quarterback Connor Weigmen was benched in favor of 2024 starter Zeon Chriss.

11. Arizona Wildcats

Oct 4, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Luke Wysong (15) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second quarter at Arizona Stadium. | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Arizona beat up on a bottom-feeder on Saturday, led by quarterback Noah Fifita's five touchdown passes.

MORE: Colorado's Kaidon Salter Shares Candid Thoughts On Three-Interception Game At TCU

MORE: Colorado Quarterback Kaidon Salter’s Struggles vs. TCU Reignite Power 4 Debate

MORE: What Deion Sanders Said After Colorado Buffaloes' Disappointing Loss To TCU Horned Frogs

10. Kansas State Wildcats

By teeth's skin, K-State fell short of a road upset against Baylor. But it was a showing in Waco that showed significant promise, as quarterback Avery Johnson looks like his usual self again.

9. Kansas Jayhawks

The Jayhawks notched another win at home against UCF. Senior running back Leshon Williams tallied three touchdowns.

8. BYU Cougars

Even after another solid home win, BYU drops. However, a considerable gap exists between the Big 12's top eight and its bottom eight.

7. Cincinnati Bearcats

Oct 4, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Fans celebrate on the field with the Bearcat mascot after the game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium. | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

How 'bout them Bearcats? Cincinnati didn't bow down to Iowa State's stout defense, running all over the then-ranked No. 14 Cyclones en route to a statement win.

6. Utah Utes

Utah has a crucial stretch coming up after its bye, taking on Arizona State and traveling to face Brigham Young over the next two weeks.

5. Baylor Bears

BU won a barnburner at home thanks to a late field goal. Quarterback Sawyer Robertson put together another positive performance en route to victory.

4. TCU Horned Frogs

Oct 4, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr (3) reacts after a defensive play against the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

The Horned Frogs capitalized on four Colorado turnovers for their first conference win. Quarterback Josh Hoover has looked extremely efficient thus far.

3. Iowa State Cyclones

ISU fell 38-30 on the road, unable to stop Cincinnati's impressive offensive showing. Bonus points in the negative for giving up on the game's final lateral-filled play.

2. Arizona State Sun Devils

Despite a bye week, Arizona State jumps a spot. The defending Big 12 champs have found ways to win in conference play.

1. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Oct 4, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton (2) celebrates a Raiders touchdown against the Houston Cougars in the second half at TDECU Stadium. | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

One could argue that they should have always been at the top, but the Red Raiders rule this week's power ranks. Texas Tech thumped Houston and is likely to find itself in the AP top 10 heading down the stretch.