Big 12 Power Rankings Get Shaken Up After Wild Week 5

The Big 12 football race is getting messier by the week, but one team has separated itself enough to reclaim the top spot.

Texas Tech moves to No. 1 in this week’s Big 12 power rankings after improving to 5-0 with a 29-7 road win over Colorado. The Red Raiders trailed 7-3 at halftime before scoring 26 unanswered points and forcing four interceptions in the second half. 

MORE: Rosemary Archer, Kinsley Young Earn Big 12 Honors For No. 8 TCU

Utah rises to No. 2 after its bye week, while BYU slips to third despite a 17-10 victory at TCU. The Cougars remained unbeaten, but injuries to running back LJ Martin and linebacker Isaiah Glasker added uncertainty heading into a matchup with Iowa State. 

Baylor made one of the biggest statements of Week 5.

The Bears jumped five spots after hammering Arizona State 55-19, piling up 564 total yards and winning their fourth straight game. Baylor is now 4-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play. 

Iowa State was the week’s biggest riser, climbing seven places after surviving West Virginia 45-42 in Ames. Quarterback Aiden Flora produced five total touchdowns, including the late score that gave the Cyclones their first Big 12 victory of the season. 

Arizona also strengthened its position with a dominant 34-7 win over previously unbeaten Cincinnati, while Houston rallied from a 17-0 deficit to beat UCF 27-17.

At the other end of the rankings, TCU continues to slide.

The Horned Frogs fell to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in Big 12 play after losing to BYU. TCU’s defense again kept the game manageable, but the offense failed to generate enough production in another close conference loss. 

MORE: TCU Program-Building Coach Dennis Franchione Dead At 75

The top of the league remains crowded, with Texas Tech, Utah, BYU, Oklahoma State and Baylor all capable of making a run.

But heading into Week 6, Texas Tech has earned the clearest claim to No. 1.