1) TCU

No. 4 TCU is the Big 12’s only undefeated team, and the Horned Frogs have serious playoff hopes on the line. While not flashy, TCU proved it can win games behind a dominant rushing attack and a solid quarterback in Max Duggan, who is safe with the football and can make plays on his feet.

2) Texas

The Longhorns are a tough team to place, but after beating a Top-15 Kansas State team on the road, Texas’ Big 12 Championship bid is still in sight. Bijan Robinson played a major role in the Longhorns’ victory, and the junior running back is slowly creeping his name into the Heisman conversation. This week’s top-heavy matchup with TCU will have major stakes for both teams’ postseasons.

3) Baylor

The Bears are off a three-game win streak, including this past week’s 38-35 victory over Oklahoma in Norman. Junior running back Craig Williams ran for a career-high 192 yards in the win while leading the Bears’ electric run offense, which scampered for five touchdowns and 280 yards against Oklahoma.

4) Kansas State

Kansas State was arguably the Big 12’s second-best team prior to losing to Texas, and the Wildcats’ second-half resilience nearly led to another Texas-blown lead. Kansas State will have a lot to prove this week at Baylor if the Wildcats want to remain in the hunt for the Big 12 title.

5) Oklahoma

Oklahoma is continuing its disappointing season after last week’s loss against Baylor, but with wins over Kansas and Iowa State, the Sooners belong right in the middle of the pack. Oklahoma is currently 5-4 and still has a chance to become bowl-eligible.

6) Kansas

With three conference losses, Kansas would need to win out to be in contention for the Big 12 title race. However, Jayhawk fans still found reason to celebrate last weekend with Kansas becoming bowl eligible for the first time since 2008. The Jayhawks did so with a 37-16 victory over Oklahoma State. 

7) Oklahoma State

After beating Texas in Week 7, Oklahoma State has lost two straight, including a 48-0 loss to Kansas State. With Cowboys’ starting quarterback Spencer Sanders being sidelined the past two weeks with multiple injuries, Oklahoma State is struggling. Sanders’ status is still unclear for this week’s game against Iowa State.

8) Iowa State

Iowa State and West Virginia are knotted with the least amount of conference wins with one each, but the Cyclones are coming off a win. Iowa State finally got its first Big 12 victory over West Virginia, and the Cyclones will look to continue that success this week at Oklahoma State.

9) Texas Tech

The Red Raiders are coming off two straight losses, but Texas Tech played a tight one last week against TCU. Prior to the fourth quarter, the Horned Frogs looked to be on upset alert at the hands of the Red Raiders, but the game was blown open in the fourth quarter.

10) West Virginia

West Virginia is out of the Big 12 race, but the root of its struggles extends beyond this season. The Mountaineers have failed to establish any identity. With no aspect of the offense or defense to rely on, West Virginia finds itself in last place in the Big 12.