1. Utah (3-0) ◄►

The Utah defense is elite, but there are questions swirling around Cam Rising’s injury status.

The senior quarterback might require an extended absence while the fingers on his throwing hand heal.

Backup quarterback Isaac Wilson steadily improved each drive against Utah State, but the true freshman might not be ready for the level of play in the Big 12.

2. Oregon (3-0) ▲1

Now that’s the Oregon Ducks we expected to see.

Finally playing on a national stage, the UO front line dominated and Dillon Gabriel was ultra-efficient.

It’s only one week, but the throttling of Oregon State reframes the perception of the team heading into Big Ten play after this week’s bye.

3. USC (2-0) ▼1

The Trojans had a bye week after beating LSU and Utah State to open the year.

The win over the Tigers could prove to be a useful measuring stick, depending on how well the remainder of LSU’s season goes.

Heading to Michigan this week, USC can make a statement with a convincing win.

4. California (3-0) ◄►

No Jaydn Ott, no problem.

The depth Justin Wilcox has on his roster makes Cal a legitimate contender in the ACC. The defense is a turnover-generating machine and the running back room can compete with anyone.

The Bears are a complete team. It might be a special season in Berkeley.

5. Arizona State (3-0) ▲1

Kenny Dillingham’s group secured a solid road victory against Texas State.

Sam Leavitt operates the offense effectively and Cam Skattebo is a beast on the ground.

Entering Big 12 play with a 3-0 mark, there are now expectations for ASU to compete for a conference championship.

6. UNLV (3-0) ▲1

In some ways, it’s not surprising that UNLV is 3-0 with true road victories over Houston and Kansas.

The talent on the Running Rebels’ roster was apparent and they have a high-quality coaching staff.

But all the talk over the offseason was about how UNLV would handle its tough conference schedule, starting with Fresno State.

7. Boise State (1-1) ▼2

The Broncos had a bye in Week Three and are facing FCS opponent Portland State next—provided the whooping cough outbreak that canceled the South Dakota game in Portland last week has been contained.

BSU hopes the reconstituted Pac-12 will create more chances to impress the Playoff committee beginning in 2026, but that remains to be seen.

In the meantime, BSU must continue to blow out lesser opponents while playing Power Conference teams tough.

8. Washington State (3-0) ▲1

Jake Dickert and the Cougars took back the Apple Cup with a fourth-down game-winning stop at the goal line.

Washington State now has two victories over Power Conference opponents.

The schedule doesn’t get easier, though, with remaining road games against Boise State, Fresno State, and Oregon State.

9. BYU (3-0) ▲NR

Kalani Sitake and the Cougars are 3-0 to start the season with true road wins over SMU and Wyoming.

But the difficult part of the schedule begins now with Kansas State coming to Provo.

A victory over the Wildcats would signal just how far the BYU program has come in Year Two of the Big 12.

10. Colorado (2-1) ▲ NR

There’s no denying Colorado’s abundant roster talent.

With one of the top quarterbacks in the country and elite wide receivers, the Buffs will go as far as their offensive line takes them.

Matched up with Baylor in Boulder this week, CU has another opportunity to put the disastrous performance against Nebraska out of everyone’s mind.

Dropped out of rankings: Arizona, Washington