Big 12 Power Rankings: Texas Tech and BYU Lead the Charge, But Will the CFP Take Notice?
As the Big 12 Championship Game approaches, all eyes are on Arlington, Texas, where Texas Tech and BYU are set to clash in a matchup with massive postseason implications. Only one of them will walk away with the conference title and an automatic ticket to the College Football Playoff. But Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark is making a strong case that both teams deserve a seat at the table - regardless of Saturday’s outcome.
And honestly, he’s got a point.
The Case for Texas Tech
Let’s start with the Red Raiders. At 11-1, they’ve been a force all season long.
Their only loss came on the road at Arizona State - and that was without starting quarterback Behren Morton. Every other game?
Texas Tech won by at least 22 points. That level of dominance isn’t just impressive, it’s rare.
This team hasn’t just been beating opponents - they’ve been steamrolling them.
Their defense has been elite, their offense efficient, and their consistency undeniable. If you’re looking for a team that’s played like a top-five squad all year, Texas Tech checks every box. So why should one game - even a loss in the Big 12 title game - knock them out of the playoff picture?
The Case for BYU
Then there’s BYU. The Cougars are sitting at 11-1 with quality wins over Arizona and Utah.
They’ve got the same record as several teams considered playoff locks, yet they’re still on the outside looking in. Why?
That’s the question Yormark is asking.
“Let’s not look at logos. Let’s look at résumés,” he said earlier this week.
And he’s not wrong. On paper, BYU stacks up favorably against some of college football’s blue bloods.
Their strength of schedule and strength of record both hold up under scrutiny. They’ve done everything asked of them - except beat Texas Tech.
And now they may have to do it just to get a serious look from the selection committee.
The best-case scenario for the Big 12? A close, competitive championship game that boosts the résumés of both teams - and gives the committee no choice but to consider them both for the CFP.
Utah’s Slim Hopes
Yormark also floated Utah as a playoff contender, but that ship has likely sailed. The Utes had a strong season, but late-season struggles against Kansas and Kansas State left them just outside the CFP conversation. Still, they’re firmly in the top tier of the Big 12 heading into bowl season.
With that, let’s break down the full Big 12 Power Rankings heading into championship weekend:
Big 12 Power Rankings (Final Regular Season Edition)
1. Texas Tech (11-1, 8-1 Big 12)
The Red Raiders have been the most complete team in the conference. Their defense has been stifling, their offense methodical, and their only blemish came without their starting QB.
With a win in Arlington, they’re playoff-bound. Even with a loss, they have a compelling argument for an at-large bid.
2. BYU (11-1, 8-1)
Kalani Sitake has built something special in Provo. Since joining the Big 12, BYU has played like a program with serious staying power.
Their playoff hopes hinge on Saturday’s result, but they’ve already proven they belong in the national conversation.
3. Utah (10-2, 7-2)
The Utes bounced back from early adversity to post another 10-win season. But close calls against Kansas and K-State down the stretch hurt their playoff chances.
Still, a solid bowl game awaits.
4. Iowa State (8-4, 5-4)
The Cyclones were streaky - red-hot to start, ice-cold in the middle, then strong again to finish. Matt Campbell’s squad showed flashes of being a top-tier team, but consistency was the issue.
5. Houston (9-3, 6-3)
Willie Fritz deserves serious praise. The Cougars weren’t expected to contend, but they overachieved all year.
A trip to the Texas Bowl seems likely, and well-earned.
6. Arizona (9-3, 6-3)
That overtime loss to BYU back in October looms large. Had they pulled that one out, Arizona might be prepping for the Big 12 title game instead.
A strong season, but one play short of greatness.
Bowl-Bound, But Not Quite There
7. TCU (8-4, 5-4)
The Horned Frogs had the talent to win 10 games, but too many close losses kept them from reaching their ceiling. Still, bowl eligible and dangerous.
8. Arizona State (8-4, 6-3)
Injuries derailed a promising season, but Kenny Dillingham kept the Sun Devils competitive. Eight wins in a tough Big 12 is nothing to scoff at.
9. Cincinnati (7-5, 5-4)
The Bearcats started hot at 7-1, but the wheels came off in November. Four straight losses to close the year exposed some depth issues.
10. Kansas State (6-6, 5-4)
Seven one-score games. Only two wins.
That’s the story of K-State’s season. A few bounces the other way, and this could’ve been a nine-win team.
On to Hoops Season
11. Baylor (5-7, 3-6)
The Bears were one of the Big 12’s biggest underachievers. Somehow, Dave Aranda is still the head coach - but the pressure will be on in 2026.
12. Kansas (5-7, 3-6)
Jalon Daniels’ final game in Lawrence was one to forget. The senior QB struggled mightily in the finale against Utah, capping off a tough year for the Jayhawks.
The Bottom Tier
13. West Virginia (4-8, 2-7)
The win over Pitt was a highlight, but there wasn’t much else to celebrate in Morgantown. A rebuild is underway.
14. UCF (5-7, 2-7)
The Knights couldn’t find their footing in Year 1 of the new-look Big 12. Rich Rodriguez and Scott Frost haven’t recaptured the old UCF magic - at least not yet.
15. Colorado (3-9, 1-8)
Coach Prime’s second season was a harsh reality check. The Buffaloes need major reinforcements - especially in the trenches - if they want to compete in this league.
16. Oklahoma State (1-11, 0-9)
It was a tough year in Stillwater, but the Cowboys never quit. They pushed several teams down the stretch and even covered the spread four times in November.
Moral victories don’t count in the standings, but they showed fight.
Final Word
The Big 12 may not have the brand-name cachet of the SEC or Big Ten, but it’s bringing plenty of intrigue to the playoff picture. Texas Tech and BYU have done their part. Now it’s up to the committee to decide if résumé can outweigh reputation.
One thing’s for sure - Saturday’s championship game won’t just decide a trophy. It could shape the entire College Football Playoff.