Big 12 Football Power Shift: BYU Climbs to No. 11, Iowa Holds Steady at No. 18
The latest AP Top 25 College Football Poll is out, and the Big 12 Conference has a new standard-bearer. BYU jumped four spots to No. 11 after a convincing 28-17 win over Arizona, making the Cougars the highest-ranked team in the conference. For Iowa fans, the Hawkeyes remain a solid presence at No. 18 in the national rankings.
How did BYU become the Big 12's top-ranked team?
BYU's rise came after a strong second-half performance in Provo. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier accounted for all four touchdowns, including a highlight-reel 61-yard pass to receiver Legend Glasker that set up the final score. The win over a conference opponent carried more weight nationally than the Cougars' season-opening blowout of Utah Tech, which had actually caused them to slip one spot.
Head coach Kalani Sitake's squad now sits two spots ahead of No. 13 Texas Tech, who needed a fourth-quarter surge to put away Oregon State. The Red Raiders have shown consistency issues that could haunt them as conference play heats up.
What does the Big 12 picture look like after Week 3?
Utah made a statement with a 43-10 demolition of Arkansas. The Utes executed a near-flawless game plan against their SEC opponent, with Devon Dampier and Wayshawn Parker combining for five touchdowns. Utah's offense racked up 442 total yards and dominated both lines of scrimmage, earning a three-spot jump to No. 17.
Houston rounds out the ranked Big 12 teams at No. 22. The Cougars are showing signs of becoming a legitimate threat under head coach Willie Fritz for the first time in his tenure.
Where does Iowa stand in the national picture?
Iowa holds steady at No. 18 in the poll. The Hawkeyes remain in the mix as one of the top programs in the country, though they trail several Big Ten rivals. Ohio State, who suffered a stunning 24-23 loss to Texas, fell to No. 6. Oregon took the biggest tumble of the week, dropping 15 spots to No. 21 after an upset loss to Oklahoma State.
Who are the new top teams in college football?
Texas is the new No. 1 team in the nation. Arch Manning led the Longhorns to an improbable fourth-quarter comeback to edge Ohio State. Georgia sits at No. 2, followed by Notre Dame, Indiana, and Miami to round out the top five.
Complete AP Top 25 Poll for Week 3
- Texas (56 first-place votes)
- Georgia (3)
- Notre Dame (1)
- Indiana (3)
- Miami (FL) (4)
- Ohio State
- LSU (1)
- Ole Miss
- Texas A&M
- Alabama
- BYU
- USC
- Texas Tech
- Penn State
- Tennessee
- SMU
- Utah
- Iowa
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Oregon
- Houston
- Louisville
- Oklahoma
- Virginia
Others receiving votes: Washington 172, Florida 83, Boise State 57, Oklahoma State 36, Western Michigan 35, Tulsa 18, Mississippi State 17, South Carolina 15, Virginia Tech 11, UCLA 9, James Madison 6, Arizona 5, North Dakota State 3, Pittsburgh 1, Kansas State 1.
What's next for the ranked Big 12 teams?
BYU wraps up non-conference play on the road against Colorado State on Saturday. The Cougars will look to keep their momentum before diving deeper into Big 12 competition. Texas Tech, Utah, and Houston will all be watching closely as the conference pecking order continues to take shape.
For Iowa, the Hawkeyes will aim to climb the rankings as the season progresses, with Big Ten matchups looming on the horizon.