With conference play in full swing, a couple teams made headlines against talented opponents. Here how all 16 stack up after Week 4.
Week 4 of the 2025 college football season brought some exciting football, especially in the Big 12 Conference.
The weekend's most notable result was No. 16 Texas Tech's trip to Salt Lake City and its victory over No. 18 Utah. The Red Raiders impressed on both sides of the ball and put up points with their backup quarterback. After Week 4, they seem to be the team to beat in the Big 12.
Week 4 around the Big 12 was also highlighted by Arizona State's road win over Baylor and TCU's offensive showing against SMU. Oklahoma State continued its downward trajectory with a miserable home loss to Tulsa.
Before we turn the page to Week 5, here is an updated look at the Big 12 Conference power rankings.
16. Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-2, 0-0 Big 12)
Week 4 Result: 19-12 loss to Tulsa
Previous Rank: No. 16 (No change)
Analysis: A loss to Tulsa is as bad as it sounds. This team feels a long way from Big 12 contention, and Mike Gundy's job security is a significant question mark.
15. West Virginia Mountaineers (2-2, 0-1 Big 12)
Week 4 Result: 41-10 loss to Kansas
Previous Rank: No. 14 (Down 1)
Analysis: Momentum from the Pitt win didn't last. The Mountaineers are still a scrappy team, but depth issues could make it difficult for them to secure Big 12 wins.
14. Kansas State Wildcats (1-3, 0-1 Big 12)
Week 4 Result: BYE
Previous Rank: No. 13 (Down 1)
Analysis: This is not the Wildcats team fans expected. The offense is stagnant, and time is running out to turn things around. Hopefully, they used their bye week to their advantage.
13. UCF Knights (3-0, 0-0 Big 12)
Week 4 Result: 34-9 win over North Carolina
Previous Rank: No. 15 (Up 2)
Analysis: I still don't think UCF is that good, and North Carolina is certainly not a good team. The Knights' defense is strong, but the offense remains untested against Power 4 competition. Big conference games ahead will tell us more.
12. Cincinnati Bearcats (2-1, 0-0 Big 12)
Week 4 Result: BYE
Previous Rank: No. 11 (Down 1)
Analysis: The Bearcats go on the road next week to face Kansas. They need more consistency from quarterback Brendan Sorsby.
11. Colorado Buffaloes (2-2, 0-1 Big 12)
Week 4 Result: 37-20 win over Wyoming
Previous Rank: No. 12 (Up 1)
Analysis: Back to Kaidon Salter at quarterback as Deion Sanders tries to settle the offense. The Buffs' defense needs to improve if Colorado wants to get bowl-eligible.
10. Arizona Wildcats (3-0, 0-0 Big 12)
Week 4 Result: BYE
Previous Rank: No. 10 (No change)
Analysis: The Big 12's surprise team has a major test next week against Iowa State.
9. Baylor Bears (2-2, 0-1 Big 12)
Week 4 Result: 27-24 loss to Arizona State
Previous Rank: No. 5 (Down 4)
Analysis: I am a big fan of the Baylor offense, but their defense has not been up to par in the first four games. Their roster still has Big 12 title upside if they can fix early miscues.
8. Houston Cougars (3-0, 1-0 Big 12)
Week 4 Result: BYE
Previous Rank: No. 8 (No change)
Analysis: Arguably one of the most complete teams in the conference. Their defense, alongside quarterback Connor Weigman, looks built for a solid season.
7. Kansas Jayhawks (3-1, 1-0 Big 12)
Week 4 Result: 41-10 win over West Virginia
Previous Rank: No. 9 (Up 2)
Analysis: A very dangerous offense, but the defense remains suspect. They'll need cleaner play when competition increases.
6. BYU Cougars (3-0, 0-0 Big 12)
Week 4 Result: 34-13 win over East Carolina
Previous Rank: No. 7 (Up 1)
Analysis: The Cougars haven't faced anyone white yet, but the ground game and physical defense give them a real shot to make a run once conference play begins next week against Colorado.
5. Utah Utes (3-1, 0-1 Big 12)
Week 4 Result: 34-10 loss to Texas Tech
Previous Rank: No. 3 (Down 2)
Analysis: The Utes' first loss came at the hands of Texas Tech, but despite the down performance, Utah quarterback Devon Dampier remains one of the league's most dynamic playmakers.
4. TCU Horned Frogs (3-0, 0-0 Big 12)
Week 4 Result: 35-24 win over SMU
Previous Rank: No. 6 (Up 2)
Analysis: Rolled past SMU with five touchdown passes from Josh Hoover. How good their defense is remains a big question mark.
3. Arizona State Sun Devils (3-1, 1-0 Big 12)
Week 4 Result: 27-24 win over Baylor
Previous Rank: No. 4 (Up 1)
Analysis: Took care of Baylor to open Big 12 play. Their offense appears balanced, and the defense has rebounded since the loss to Mississippi State.
2. Iowa State Cyclones (4-0, 1-0 Big 12)
Week 4 Result: BYE
Previous Rank: No. 1 (Down 1)
Analysis: The gap between the Cyclones and the Red Raiders is razor-thin.
1. Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-0, 1-0 Big 12)
Week 4 Result: 34-10 win over Utah
Previous Rank: No. 2 (Up 1)
Analysis: A convincing 34-10 win in Salt Lake City cements them as the league's hottest team. Backup quarterback Will Hammond kept the offense rolling, proving the Red Raiders have two capable signal callers. Tech's defense is also extremely talented.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Big 12 football power rankings Week 4 following Texas Tech's big win
Category: General Sports
