The first month of the college football season is in the books, and the Big 12, as always, has been nothing short of chaotic and entertaining. With surprising upsets, thrilling finishes, and some of the new additions making a huge statement, the conference hierarchy is starting to take shape. Here’s our breakdown of where all 16 teams stand after Week 4.
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The Rankings
1) Iowa State (4-0, 1-0 B12) The Cyclones are off to an incredible 4-0 start, including a too-close-for-comfort non-conference win over Arkansas State. They’ve been winning with a suffocating defense and an efficient offense, and they’ve shown the ability to win close games against quality opponents. Next Week: vs. Arizona
2) Texas Tech (4-0, 1-0 B12) The Red Raiders made the biggest statement of the week, with a dominant 34-10 win on the road over a quality Utah team. Their defense was lights-out, and they look like a legitimate contender in the Big 12 and for a CFP spot. Next Week: Bye
3) TCU (3-0) The Horned Frogs continued their winning ways with a 35-24 victory over rival SMU in the last scheduled instance of that century-old rivalry. I guess they get to keep the Iron Skillet. They are proving to be a balanced team that can beat you with both their offense and their defense. Next Week: at Arizona State
4) Houston (3-0, 1-0 B12) Houston has been a pleasant surprise this season, starting 3-0 with a conference win. The Cougars haven’t really been tested, and they won’t be this week, either. A date with Texas Tech October 4th will let us know if Houston is for real or not. Next Week: vs. Oregon State
5) Utah (3-1, 0-1 B12) Utah suffered a tough home blowout loss to Texas Tech, and their offense was non-existent against a tough Red Raiders defense. They still look like Big 12 contenders, as they have a very manageable schedule the rest of the season. Next Week: at West Virginia
6) BYU (3-0) BYU is another new Big 12 member making a strong statement. They’re 3-0 after a 34-13 win over East Carolina, showcasing a strong defense that is among the best in the conference. Next Week: at Colorado
7) Arizona (3-0) The Wildcats are quietly 3-0 with a dominant offense that has been putting up points at will. They face a tough road test next week against Iowa State. Next Week: at Iowa State
8) Arizona State (3-1, 1-0 B12) The Sun Devils are the defending Big 12 champions, and they started their title defense with a gritty 27-24 road win over Baylor. Despite an early loss to Mississippi State, they still can win the conference and secure a CFP spot. Next Week: vs. TCU
9) Kansas (3-1, 1-0 B12) Kansas is off to a good start, with a conference blowout 41-10 win over West Virginia. Their offense has been explosive, and they will need to keep scoring to climb the rankings. Next Week: vs. Cincinnati
10) UCF (3-0) UCF has been dominant so far, including last week’s impressive 34-9 win over North Carolina. They have a stout defense that has only given up 26 points all season. Next Week: at Kansas State
12) Cincinnati (2-1) The Bearcats have two blowout wins against inferior opponents and a close 20-17 loss at Nebraska. They have a tough schedule ahead and can prove they are a Big 12 contender this week against Kansas. Next Week: at Kansas
13) Colorado (2-2, 0-1 B12) Colorado is inconsistent, but they bounced back from a tough loss to defeat Wyoming 37-20. Most importantly, QB Kaidon Salter had a great game and has solidified himslef as the clear QB1. Next Week: vs. BYU
14) Baylor (2-2, 0-1 B12) Baylor lost a close game to Arizona State, which drops them to 2-2. However, those Next Week: at Oklahoma State
15) West Virginia (2-2, 0-1 B12) West Virginia suffered a tough blowout loss to Kansas, which drops them to 2-2. After beating Pitt in the Backyard Brawl, there were hopes that the Mountaineers had turned their season around. Now they have to host an angry Utah team that was embarrassed by Texas Tech last week. Next Week: vs. Utah
16) Kansas State (1-3, 0-1 B12) Kansas State was a preseason favorite in the conference. However, they are struggling this season with three losses by a total of 12 points, including last week at Arizona. They have a difficult schedule ahead and need to start winning to avoid a losing season. Next Week: vs. UCF
17) Oklahoma State (1-2) Oklahoma State is at the bottom of the rankings after a difficult start to the season with two losses, including a blowout at Oregon and a loss last week to Tulsa. Coach Mike Gundy looks like he will be the next coach fired. Next Week: vs. Baylor
