1. Oklahoma State
The Cowboys remain atop the AP and power rankings as the only Big 12 team without a loss, but a big matchup looms this week against Iowa State at home. The Cowboys, led by redshirt junior running back Chuba Hubbard, are averaging over 200 rushing yards a game.
2. Iowa State
Iowa State has started to look more like the team many expected over the last few weeks. The Cyclones are 3–0 in conference play, including an impressive win over Oklahoma three weeks ago. Sophomore running back Breece Hall has been one of the most productive backs in the country with over 500 yards and eight touchdowns in four games.
3. Kansas State
The Wildcats have also won three straight Big 12 games and will likely make it four against Kansas this week. Senior quarterback Skylar Thompson is out for the rest of the year due to injury, but freshman Will Howard stepped in to lead the Wildcats to a win over TCU two weeks ago.
4. Oklahoma
Oklahoma won a wild and sloppy Red River Showdown in quadruple overtime two weeks ago. Although redshirt freshman quarterback Spencer Rattler struggled at times, he was ultimately able to lead his Sooners to victory. Oklahoma will look to keep building momentum with a matchup at TCU.
5. TCU
Sophomore quarterback Max Duggan poses a tough matchup for any team to defend against. The dual-threat quarterback has as many touchdowns on the ground as he does through the air. The Horned Frogs most recently lost to Kansas State by one score and sit at 1–2 in Big 12 play. TCU hosts a reenergized Oklahoma squad this week.
6. Texas
Texas lost two straight games before heading into its bye week. Only time will tell if the necessary fixes were made. Senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger has played exceptionally well this season, accounting for 16 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards of offense. With its back against the wall, it’s time to see what this Texas team is made of.
7. West Virginia
Redshirt junior quarterback Jarret Doege threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns in West Virginia’s win over Kansas last week. In addition, the Mountaineer defense has allowed just 240 yards per game through four games. West Virginia has only played one ranked opponent so far this season, but is in a nice position to move to 4–1 with a matchup against Texas Tech this week.
8. Baylor
Several of Baylor’s games have already been postponed, and there’s some doubt about its ability to suit up this week against Texas. Here’s to hoping for good health and a safe football game this Saturday.
9. Texas Tech
Texas Tech is turning to redshirt junior quarterback Henry Colombi to replace redshirt sophomore Alan Bowman after a 1–3 start to its season. The Red Raiders are giving up a yard shy of 500 yards of offense per game this season. A tough matchup against a solid West Virginia defense looms this week for Texas Tech.
10. Kansas
The winless Jayhawks have an in-state matchup against Kansas State this week that ESPN gives Kansas just a 5% chance of winning. The Jayhawks offense as a whole has only been able to muster about 260 yards per game. That’s not enough for a team whose defense is giving up just over 450 yards per game.
