Big 12 Power Rankings: Where Does Iowa State Football Rank Heading Into Week 10?

As Week 10 of the 2026 college football season approaches, there is suddenly an optimisitc feeling in Ames, Iowa. 

Iowa State now has a chance to surprise everyone and make a bowl game in year one under Jimmy Rogers, but they'll have to get through a tough road contest against Baylor on Saturday to continue its fast climb up the Big 12 standings. 

We'll have plenty of content to come on that matchup, but in the meantime, here are our Week 10 Big 12 power rankings: 

No. 16: Kansas Jayhawks (3-5, 1-4)

Kansas drops two spots following a 22-16 loss to TCU, despite appearing to have bounced back from two consecutive losses with a 25-24 win over Baylor. The Jayhawks led 13-0 at halftime; but managed just three points in the second half. Despite out performing TCU 451-286 in total yards, Kansas struggled to turn its offensive production into points. The loss marked Kansas' sixth consecutive defeat to the Horned Frogs. The Jayhawks will look to get another win when they host UCF this Saturday. 

No. 15: Kansas State Wildcats (4-4, 1-4)

Kansas State backup quarterback Blake Barnett led a quick scoring drive with 55 seconds remaining, connecting with Garrett Oakley to tie the game 21-21 and force overtime. The Wildcats received the ball first in overtime but managed just a 25-yard field goal. Colorado responded with an 11-yard touchdown pass to seal the victory. Kansas State will host Oklahoma State on Saturday and will need to strengthen its defense to get back on track.

No. 14: Colorado Buffaloes (3–5, 1–4) 

The Buffaloes snapped their five-game losing streak with a 27-24 win over Kansas State on Saturday, earning their first Big 12 victory of the season. Colorado appeared to have control of the game until the Wildcats scored a touchdown with two seconds left in regulation. Kansas State could have gone for the two-point conversion but settled for the extra point, tying the game 21-21. However, Colorado's defense held firm in overtime, allowing the Buffaloes to secure the win. 

No. 13: TCU Horned Frogs (4-4, 2-3)

TCU defeated Kansas 22-16, improving to 4-4. The Horned Frogs' defense stepped up in the second half, holding the Jayhawks to just three points after Kansas led 3-0 at halftime. With the win, TCU will look to carry its defensive momentum into Week 10 as the Horned Frogs work to climb up the Big 12 standings. 

No. 12: Arizona State Sun Devils (4-4, 2-3)

Arizona State fell 27-20 to BYU after keeping pace with the Cougars performance until the last second. The Sun Devils erased a 14-point deficit to tie the game 17-17 in the third quarter. However, the comeback was not enough to pull of the upset, as BYU regained control late to secure the seven-point victory. Freshman Cardae Mack had 23 carries for 123 yards. 

No. 11: Cincinnati Bearcats (5-3, 2-3)

The Bearcats lost to Utah 49-25 at home, struggling to keep pace with the Utes after trailing 42-6 at halftime. Cincinnati attempted a comeback in the second half, with a 48-yard touchdown by Cole Tabb and a pick-six by Jacob Finley. However, the second-half effort wasn't enough to overcome Utah's commanding lead, as the Utes secured the 24-point victory.

No. 10: UCF Knights (4-4, 2-3)

The UCF Knights suffered a 41-9 loss to Baylor at home. The loss comes after UCF had a massive upset win over BYU in Week 8. The Knights' offense struggled to find any rhythm, while Baylor steadily wore down the UCF defense. After showing what this team is capable of against BYU, UCF will need to regroup and find more consistency as it heads to Kansas this weekend. ooks non-exsistent and the Bears were able to wear down the defense. 

No. 9: Iowa State Cyclones (4-4, 2-3)

The Cyclones defeated Oklahoma State in a high-scoring 51-49 victory at Jack Trice Stadium. Iowa State needed the win after consecutive losses, raising questions about whether the offense could find its rhythm and salvage the season. Kicker Kyle Konrardy delivered the game-winner with a field goal to secure the upset. The Cyclones will travel to Baylor this weekend, looking to build on their momentum into the final stretch of the season.

No. 8: West Virginia Mountaineers (5-3, 2-3)

West Virginia had a bye week during Week 9 and will return to action with a tough road matchup against Texas Tech. The Mountaineers entered the bye week with a 24-20 win over TCU, sealed by a forced fumble from Ben Cutter at the 14-yard line. TCU's costly turnovers and red zone mistakes gave West Virginia the advantage. 

No. 7: Oklahoma State Cowboys (5-3, 3-2)

The Cowboys feel just short in a game they appeared poised to win, losing 51-49  to Iowa State. Oklahoma State's offense totaled 533 yards, continuing its strong production throughout the season. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker threw for 323 yards and five touchdowns, connecting with favorite targets Wyatt Young and Caleb Hawkins. Despite keeping pace with the Hawkeyes in a high-scoring matchup, an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty following a celebration pushed the kickoff back and gave Iowa State the opportunity it needed. Kicker Kyle Konrardy capitalized, drilling the game-winning field goal as time expired to secure the Cyclones' victory.

No. 6: Baylor Bears (5-3, 3-2)

Baylor dominated in its games over UCF, with a 41-9 win. The Bears made a statement after the dismissal of previous head coach Dave Arana on October 25. Defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman is the interim head coach for the rest of the season and looks to want the Bears to get over the hump this caused. The win was crucial to keep Baylor in a good position in the Big 12. 

No. 5: Arizona Wildcats (6-2, 3-2) 

Arizona fell to Texas Tech 34-26 despite another big performance from quarterback Noah Fifita. Fifita finished 33-of-45 passing for 417 yards, including a 94-yard touchdown connection with Isaiah Mizell. Despite the offensive production, the Wildcats couldn't keep pace with the Red Raiders. The loss drops Arizona a few spots in the rankings, making a bounce-back performance against TCU on Friday even more important as the Wildcats look to remain competitive in the Big 12 race.

No. 4: Houston Cougars (6-2, 3-2)

Houston had the weekend off following a 21-13 loss to Utah in Week 8. The Cougars return to action Saturday against Cincinnati with an opportunity to improve their conference standing. 

No. 3: Texas Tech Red Raiders (7-1, 4-1)

The Red Raiders continue to make a statement in the Big 12 after defeating Arizona State 34-26 on Saturday at home. Head coach Joey McGuire made a quarterback change, turning to transfer Thomas Castellanos. Castellanos threw two touchdown passes while adding 117 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Red Raiders look to stay in the Big 12 race as they host West Virginia on Saturday.

No. 2: BYU Cougars (7-1, 4-1)

The Cougars defeated Arizona State 27-10 in Week 9, improving their standing ahead of a crucial Week 10 matchup against Utah. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier threw for 236 yards and a touchdown. Sione Moa sealed the victory with a 1-yard rushing touchdown with less than three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. BYU will head to Utah this Saturday for what could be a preview of the Big 12 Championship Game. The matchup will be one of the Cougars' toughest tests of the season as they look to remain among the conference's top contenders. 

No. 1: Utah Utes (8-0, 5-0)

Utah continues to establish itself as the top contender for the Big 12 Championship. The Utes put up 42 points against Cincinnati in the first half and maintained their lead throughout the game. Both sides of the football performed at a high level, with the defense contributing two scores and quarterback Devon Dampier throwing three touchdown passes. Utah remains one of just three unbeaten teams in the FBS. The Utes will host BYU this weekend in a highly anticipated matchup that could serve as a perview of the Big 12 Championship Game.