Week 8 in the Big 12 was another absolute spectacle that delivered a major upset, tightened the title race, and proved there are no easy wins in the league. The biggest news? The undefeated ranks shrank again, and the competition for the top two spots is fierce.
Here are the updated conference power rankings through Week 8. Here are this week’s ACC, Big Ten and SEC power rankings.
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Big 12 Power Rankings: Week 8 Chaos Hits the Top
The Week 8 Scoreboard Highlights
- Arizona State 26, #14 Texas Tech 22 (Sun Devils upset the undefeated Red Raiders)
- #11 BYU 24, Utah 21 (Cougars survive the rivalry game to remain perfect)
- #21 Cincinnati 49, Oklahoma State 17 (Bearcats roll on the road)
- TCU 42, Baylor 36 (Horned Frogs win a wild rivalry shootout)
- Houston 31, Arizona 28 (Cougars win a tight one at home)
- UCF 45, West Virginia 13 (Knights get a needed blowout victory)
Tier 1: The Undefeated & The Perfect Conference Records
- BYU Cougars (7-0, 4-0 B12) The Cougars survived the Holy War against Utah, 24-21, to emerge as the last undefeated team in the Big 12. Their physical defense and clutch freshman QB play have given them the best resume in the league. They now have a target on their back. Next Week: vs. Iowa State (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
- Cincinnati Bearcats (6-1, 4-0 B12) The Bearcats delivered the most dominant performance of the week, crushing Oklahoma State 49-17 to match BYU’s perfect conference record. Their offense is explosive, and they are quickly emerging as a championship favorite. Next Week: vs. Baylor (Saturday, 4:00 PM ET)
Tier 2: The One-Loss Contenders
- Arizona State Sun Devils (5-2, 4-1 B12) The defending champions are back in the conversation after upsetting previously undefeated Texas Tech, 26-22. With a 4-1 conference record, they’ve shown they can beat the best, and they still control their destiny. Next Week: vs. Houston (Saturday, 8:00 PM ET)
- Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-1, 3-1 B12) The Red Raiders suffer their first loss in a tough road environment against Arizona State. While the loss stings, their overall resume and high-powered offense keep them firmly in the top tier. They need to regroup quickly. Next Week: vs. Oklahoma State (Saturday, 4:00 PM ET)
- Houston Cougars (6-1, 3-1 B12) The Cougars won a tight one over Arizona, 31-28, to quietly climb into the one-loss contender group. Their 6-1 overall record is impressive, and they are built to grind out conference victories. Next Week: at Arizona State (Saturday, 8:00 PM ET)
Tier 3: The Wide-Open Middle
- Utah Utes (5-2, 2-2 B12) The Utes lost a heartbreaker to rival BYU, 24-21. Their two losses are to two of the strongest teams in the conference (Texas Tech and BYU). The talent is there, but their path to the title game is now incredibly difficult. Next Week: vs. Colorado (Saturday, 10:15 PM ET)
- TCU Horned Frogs (5-2, 2-2 B12) TCU won a high-scoring, back-and-forth rivalry game against Baylor, 42-36. The win snaps their two-game losing streak and keeps them competitive in the incredibly tight middle tier. Next Week: at West Virginia (Saturday, 6:00 PM ET)
- Iowa State Cyclones (5-2, 2-2 B12) Iowa State had a bye week after their loss to Cincinnati. They have two solid wins over ranked teams, and their fate rests on how they handle the remaining conference slate. Next Week: at #11 BYU (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
- Baylor Bears (4-3, 2-2 B12) Baylor fought hard but ultimately lost to TCU, 42-36. Their two wins over quality teams keep them in the conversation, but their three losses mean they need a near-perfect finish. Next Week: at #21 Cincinnati (Saturday, 4:00 PM ET)
- Kansas Jayhawks (4-3, 2-2 B12) Kansas had a bye week after their big win over UCF. They are tied in the middle pack and still have everything to play for in the second half of the season. Next Week: vs. Kansas State (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
- Kansas State Wildcats (3-4, 2-2 B12) The Wildcats won their non-conference game and are 3-4 overall. A pivotal rivalry game awaits them this week. Next Week: at Kansas (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
Tier 4: Needs a Miracle
- UCF Knights (4-3, 1-3 B12) UCF may have turned its season around, blowing out West Virginia 45-13 and picking up their first conference win. Next Week: BYE
- Arizona Wildcats (4-3, 1-3 B12) A tough road loss to Houston, 31-28, drops the Wildcats further. They are now 1-3 in league play and need a major turnaround. Next Week: BYE
- Colorado Buffaloes (3-4, 1-3 B12) Colorado lost a close game to Cincinnati, 27-20. They are struggling to find a way to win in the Big 12, but still have games left to reach bowl eligibility. Next Week: at Utah (Saturday, 10:15 PM ET)
- West Virginia Mountaineers (2-5, 0-4 B12) The Mountaineers suffered another lopsided loss to UCF, 45-13. They are now winless in the conference and have fallen far behind the pack. Next Week: vs. TCU (Saturday, 6:00 PM ET)
- Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-6, 0-4 B12) The Cowboys were crushed by Cincinnati 49-17, dropping them to 0-4 in conference play and the bottom of the rankings. Next Week: at Texas Tech (Saturday, 4:00 PM ET)
Week 9 Preview: Rivalry and Championship Eliminators
Week 9 features arguably the most important slate of the Big 12 season, including a monumental conference-leader clash:
- Kansas State at Kansas (Sunflower Showdown) (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
- Iowa State at BYU (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, FOX) – Massive clash between the 4-0 conference leader and a 2-2 contender.
- Baylor at Cincinnati (Saturday, 4:00 PM ET) – A pivotal game for the Bearcats’ title hopes.
- Colorado at Utah (Saturday, 10:15 PM ET, ESPN) – A late-night rivalry game with bowl implications for Colorado.
