It was a fun and chaotic week across the Big 12.
A League on the Rise After Feast Week
Kansas, Iowa State, and Brigham Young each delivered strong showings against quality opponents, while several others continued to build early-season momentum. League play is still a month away, but the movement in the standings is very real. This was the ranking last week.
Here are the updated Big 12 power rankings.
1. Arizona Wildcats (7-0)
Arizona climbs to number one after another convincing offensive week. The Wildcats rolled past Norfolk State with 98 points and continue to own one of the most impressive early season resumes with wins over Florida, UCLA, and UConn. A tougher December awaits with Auburn, Alabama, and San Diego State on deck.
2. Houston Cougars (7-0)
Houstonbounce-back will not be perfect this season after a 76-73 loss to Tennessee, but the response was strong as the Cougars held Notre Dame to 56 points in a bounce back win. Emanuel Sharp leads Houston with 16.4 points per game while the defense continues to allow only 59.1 points per night. Florida State awaits on Saturday.
3. Iowa State Cyclones (7-0)
Iowa State remains unbeaten following a terrific trip to Las Vegas that included wins over St. John’s, Creighton, and Syracuse. Joshua Jefferson continues to pace the offense at 17.6 points per game. The Cyclones host Alcorn State on Wednesday before visiting top ranked Purdue.
4. Brigham Young Cougars (6-1)
The Cougars enjoyed a statement week with wins over Wisconsin, Miami, and Dayton. Scoring 98 on the Badgers highlighted BYU’s explosive offensive ceiling. Richie Saunders is off to a standout start at 20.1 points per game. A challenging matchup with California Baptist comes Wednesday.
5. Kansas Jayhawks (6-2)
Kansas jumps from seven to five after a strong response to an earlier sluggish stretch. Still playing without Darryn Peterson, the Jayhawks defeated Notre Dame, Syracuse, and Tennessee in Las Vegas. A brutal slate continues with UConn Tuesday followed by Missouri and NC State.
6. Baylor Bears (5-1)
Baylor grinded out a win over Creighton, fell to St. John’s, then handled San Diego State to finish their MTE. Freshman star Cameron Carr continues to impress at more than 22 points per game. Sacramento State visits Tuesday before a road test at Memphis.
7. Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-2)
Texas Tech slips from six to seven. Losses to Illinois and Purdue raise questions, but the Red Raiders answered with wins over New Orleans and Wyoming. LSU’s high powered offense arrives Sunday, followed by Arkansas on December 13.
8. Oklahoma State Cowboys (7-0)
Oklahoma State stays put at eight after an 86-81 win over Northwestern. Vyctorius Miller remains the scoring leader at 17.4 per game while Jaylen Curry’s 30 point outburst against Nicholls added a spark. The Cowboys host Sam Houston on Tuesday and meet Grand Canyon on Saturday.
9. Colorado Buffaloes (7-0)
Colorado continues to rise, posting wins over San Francisco and Washington. Those victories carry weight for a program chasing national respect. A marquee showdown against unbeaten California Baptist comes Monday before a road trip to Colorado State.
10. Central Florida Knights (7-1)
The Knights jump from 13 to 10 after winning six straight. The strength of schedule is lacking but the momentum is real. UCF averages 88.3 points per game while allowing just under 77. Riley Kugel leads the Knights with more than 15 per game. Towson is next on Sunday.
11. TCU Horned Frogs (5-2)
TCU climbs out of the basement thanks to wins over Florida and Wisconsin. The Horned Frogs have scored 79 per game during their three game streak. Notre Dame comes Friday as TCU continues a December entirely free of true road games.
12. Arizona State Sun Devils (6-2)
Arizona State stays at 12 after a 13 point loss to USC. The earlier loss to Gonzaga also weighs on the resume, but both defeats are respectable. A major test awaits Saturday against Oklahoma.
13. Utah Utes (6-2)
Utah steadies at 13 after beating Ole Miss. Losses to Cal Poly and Grand Canyon still sting, and a tricky week awaits with a road trip to California followed by undefeated California Baptist.
14. Cincinnati Bearcats (5-2)
The Bearcats fall from 11 to 14 after losing at home to Eastern Michigan. Combined with a 10 point loss to Louisville, the concerns are growing. Cincinnati is scoring 75.4 per game while giving up only 64.1. Tarleton State visits Monday.
15. Kansas State Wildcats (5-2)
The Wildcats tumble from 10 to 15 after losses to Nebraska and Indiana, allowing 86 points in each. Kansas State returns home for three games starting Monday against Bowling Green.
16. West Virginia Mountaineers (6-2)
West Virginia slides to 16 after losses to Clemson and Xavier. A win over Mercyhurst stopped the skid, but the competition stiffens again soon with Wake Forest and Ohio State looming in early December.
Enjoy the new week of action. Whether you agree or disagree with these rankings we would love to hear your thoughts!