College Sports

Major Development for Texas Tech Red Raiders as They Emerge as the Clear Front-Runner

Nero Scoffield

October 6, 2025

3 Min Read

0 Views

0 Comments

The Big 12 landscape is taking shape, and the path is clear for Texas Tech.

The Big 12 continues to live up to its reputation as the most unpredictable conference in college football. Last year’s four-way tie for the top spot and the unexpected struggles of teams like Utah, Oklahoma State, and Kansas State proved that anything can happen in this league. Six weeks into the current season, though, the picture is beginning to come into focus.

Right now, Texas Tech has emerged as the clear frontrunner. The Red Raiders have racked up impressive wins over Utah and Houston — the latter of which entered the matchup undefeated and seemingly improved before running into a Texas Tech team firing on all cylinders.

BYU isn’t far behind, remaining unbeaten and holding strong in the AP Poll. But enough setup — it’s time to dive into this week’s edition of the Big 12 Power Rankings.

Week 7 Big 12 Power Rankings

1. Texas Tech Red Raiders
   It’s no surprise who sits atop the Big 12 right now. Texas Tech has been dominant regardless of who’s under center or who lines up across from them. The Red Raiders look like the most complete and talented team in the conference and have backed it up with consistent, statement-making performances each week. They’ve earned their spot in the AP Top 10 — and for now, the view from the top is all theirs.
2. BYU Cougars
   BYU continues to be one of college football’s most overlooked programs. Despite a perfect 5-0 record under Kalani Sitake, the Cougars still seem to be waiting for national recognition. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier has led the way with confidence and poise, and until proven otherwise, BYU deserves its standing as the Big 12’s second-best team.
3. Arizona State Sun Devils
   The Sun Devils might’ve entered the season a bit overhyped, but they’ve shown legitimate promise. Even with a narrow loss in SEC territory, Arizona State has looked the part of a conference title contender. Their upcoming matchup against Utah should tell us if they’re truly ready to compete for the crown.
4. Utah Utes
   This weekend’s showdown with Arizona State will be pivotal, with third place in the power rankings on the line. After an early stumble against Texas Tech, Utah looks poised to rebound. With a seasoned coach and a talented roster, the Utes are climbing their way back into the Big 12 conversation — and their rivalry clash with BYU could have major Top 25 implications.
5. Cincinnati Bearcats
   Welcome to the top five, Cincinnati. A week ago, few expected the Bearcats to be here, but football never fails to surprise. Their only blemish so far is a narrow loss to Nebraska, and they continue to find ways to win. Call it luck or resilience — either way, Cincinnati has earned its spot among the Big 12’s elite this week.
6. Iowa State Cyclones
   Iowa State’s inconsistency has been puzzling. One week they look like contenders, the next they’re struggling to stay afloat. Their recent loss to Cincinnati was a setback, and now Matt Campbell must steady the ship before things spiral. The Cyclones have the talent — but consistency is the missing ingredient.
7. TCU Horned Frogs
   TCU remains one of the league’s most dangerous teams, proving as much with a strong showing against Colorado. The Buffaloes may be reeling, but the Horned Frogs handled business and continue to show flashes of their 2022 form. They’re lurking just behind the top contenders, ready to climb.
8. Baylor Bears
   It wasn’t pretty, but Baylor’s narrow win over Kansas State showed grit. The Wildcats are better than their record suggests, and the Bears deserve credit for pulling out the win. Sometimes surviving close games says more about a team’s toughness than a blowout ever could.
9. Kansas Jayhawks
   Kansas has an opportunity to make noise this weekend against Texas Tech. Losses to Mizzou and Cincinnati look more respectable with each passing week, but the Jayhawks still need a signature win to prove their legitimacy. Upsetting the Red Raiders could change everything in the Big 12 race.
10. Houston Cougars
    Tough luck for Houston — nobody wants to face Texas Tech right now. The Cougars were overwhelmed by the Red Raiders and haven’t shown enough to suggest they’re ready to turn things around. For now, they’re stuck near the bottom of the rankings, hoping for a spark.
11. Arizona Wildcats
12. Kansas State Wildcats
13. UCF Knights
14. Colorado Buffaloes
15. West Virginia Mountaineers
16. Oklahoma State Cowboys