Welcome to our Week 4 Big 12 Power Rankings. Each Monday the four of us—Caleb, Craig, Matt, and Zack—submit individual ballots based on a team’s résumé, eye test, and momentum. We average those ballots to create the composite rankings you’ll see below. The format lets readers see not only where each team stands but also where our panel is aligned or split. This week’s list features just one unanimous selection: Oklahoma State at No. 16. The Cowboys were idle but their historic loss at Oregon still looms large, leaving them anchored at the bottom of every ballot. At the very top, Texas Tech retains the No. 1 spot in our composite for a second straight week, but Utah’s steady rise has them within striking distance heading into Saturday’s marquee matchup in Salt Lake City.
Beyond the top two, things got interesting. For the second week in a row we’ve got a tie—this time Baylor and BYU share the No. 5 spot after their steady starts. We were surprisingly close on several other teams, like TCU (solidly No. 3 on most ballots) and Houston (hovering in the lower middle). But there were big splits elsewhere. Iowa State, Arizona State, and Kansas all sparked debate, with our panel scattering votes across a three- to four-spot range for each. That variation is what makes these rankings fun and gives you a window into how different matchups and results resonate with each of us. Scroll down to see the full Week 4 Big 12 Power Rankings and how each of us voted.
2025 Heartland Sports Big 12 Power Rankings – Week 4
| Ranking | Points |
| 1. Texas Tech | 63 |
| 2. Utah | 59 |
| 3. Iowa State | 55 |
| 4. TCU | 50 |
| 5. Baylor | 45 |
| 5. BYU | 45 |
| 7. Arizona State | 44 |
| 8. Arizona | 35 |
| 9. Cincinnati | 31 |
| 10. Houston | 28 |
| 11. Kansas | 27 |
| 12. West Virginia | 18 |
| 13. Kansas State | 16 |
| 14. UCF | 14 |
| 15. Colorado | 10 |
| 16. Oklahoma State | 4 |
Comparing Week 3 to Week 4
The Week 4 Power Rankings reveal some notable movement from last week’s list. Utah overtook Iowa State for the No. 2 spot, closing the gap on Texas Tech, which held firm at No. 1 with an even larger points total than a week ago. Iowa State slid back to No. 3 despite remaining unbeaten, while BYU jumped into a tie with Baylor at No. 5 after sharing sixth place with Arizona State last week. The Sun Devils slipped slightly to No. 7, and Houston moved up a notch into the top ten, bumping Kansas down to No. 11. Further down the table, West Virginia climbed four spots to No. 12 following its win over Pittsburgh, while Kansas State fell two spots to No. 13 and Colorado slid to No. 15. UCF and Oklahoma State remained unchanged at Nos. 14 and 16, respectively—the Cowboys still the only unanimous pick on the board.
Individual Rankings
Caleb
1. Texas Tech | The Red Raiders continue to look impressive. With a big match up against Utah we will get a good look at whos the top dog in the Big 12 on Saturday.
2. Utah | The Utes have come out and looked great this season. After a disappointing first year in the big 12 they look to be in control early for a spot in the conference championship.
3. TCU | The Frogs have come out swinging to start the year. With back 2 back blowouts TCU looks like a force to be reckoned with.
4. BYU
5. Iowa State
6. Arizona
7. Arizona State
8. Baylor
9. Houston
10. Cincinnati
11. West Virginia
12. Kansas
13. Colorado
14. UCF
15. Kansas State | The Wildcats bad season continues after a tough loss to Arizona. Kansas State is very lucky to be sitting at 1-3 instead of 0-4 right now.
16. Oklahoma State | Cant look bad if you dont play right?
Craig
1. Texas Tech | The Red Raiders continue to look like the best team in the Big 12 week in and week out.
2. Iowa State | Not the most impressive win over Arkansas State this week, but they still remain perfect on the season.
3. Utah | The Utes are looking better as the season gets further along. Big matchup this week against Texas Tech to see if they’re the real deal.
4. Baylor
5. Arizona State
6. BYU
7. Arizona
8. TCU
9. Kansas
10. Houston
11. Cincinnati
12. UCF
13. West Virginia
14. Kansas State
15. Colorado | The Buffs got handled by Houston and fall to 1-2 on the season. This team seems to be struggling on both sides of the ball.
16. Oklahoma State | Much needed week of rest for the Pokes. It’s going to be a long road ahead.
Matt
1. Utah | Still the standard in the league. A 31–6 road win at Wyoming wasn’t flashy, but it was clinical. Utah is a balanced, physical team that has separated itself from the pack.
2. Texas Tech | Three consecutive blowouts now, this time 45–14 over Oregon State. The Red Raiders are proving that their offense is the real deal and are starting to look like a legitimate challenger to Utah.
3. TCU | Took care of business 42–21 vs. Abilene Christian. That opening-week demolition of UNC still holds weight, and Tech’s stronger résumé nudges the Horned Frogs to No. 3.
4. Iowa State
5. Baylor
6. BYU
7. Arizona State
8. Cincinnati
9. Houston
10. Kansas
11. Arizona
12. Kansas State
13. West Virginia
14. UCF
15. Colorado | Lost 36–20 at Houston. The Buffaloes are improved from last year but still a step behind the middle tier of the Big 12.
16. Oklahoma State | Idle, but the 69–3 loss at Oregon still hangs over everything. Until the Cowboys show a pulse against an FBS opponent, they remain at the bottom.
Zack
1. Texas Tech | Oregon State is not very good, but the Red Raiders scored easily early and didn’t allow any points to the Beavers until the game was essentially over. They move up to #1 for me, or at least for now, as they travel to Utah to take on the surging Utes.
2. Iowa State | Struggling with Arkansas State like the Cyclones did is not a good look. Arkansas just destroyed this team, and Iowa State never really had control of the game. Now they need a bounce back game as they host an Arizona team that is feeling pretty good after beating Kansas State.
3. Utah | The Utes were a non-factor in my mind to start the season, but after three convincing wins against albeit easy teams, they have themselves in the conversation. A win against Texas Tech on Saturday would go a long way to add to it.
4. TCU
5. Arizona State
6. Baylor
7. BYU
8. Cincinnati
9. Arizona
10. Kansas
11. Kansas State
12. Houston
13. West Virginia
14. UCF
15. Colorado | Houston has improved since last season, but the Buffaloes have dropped off quite a bit to lose like this.
16. Oklahoma State | No game for the Cowboys means no chance to move up. They stay at the bottom.
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