1. Oregon (1-0, 4-0) ▲1

The Ducks started Big Ten play with a convincing victory over UCLA in Pasadena. But the real season begins now.

Oregon has seven straight matchups against the traditional members of the Big Ten Conference.

This is what we have all been waiting for. It’s time to show it on the field.

2. BYU (2-0, 5-0) ▲1

Kalani Sitake’s Cougars are arguably the biggest surprise of the 2024 season.

BYU has three road wins to start the year and are 5-0 entering the bye week.

The step forward in the second year of the Big 12 is a positive sign for the future of the program.

3. Utah (1-1, 4-1) ▼2

There’s a reason why true freshmen quarterbacks rarely play in meaningful games.

Isaac Wilson wasn’t ready.

He got by against Utah State and Oklahoma State. But facing a quality defense for the first time this season, his inexperience showed.

Yet, that’s the knife’s edge the program sits on. The question is: When does Cam Rising return?

4. USC (1-1, 3-1) ◄►

USC’s victory over Wisconsin is more noteworthy than some may expect.

The Badgers are historically viewed as having strong offensive and defensive lines. Finding a way to beat them is a signal that the Trojans can hang in the trenches with the traditional Big Ten teams.

The ceiling of the season was just raised substantially.

5. UNLV (1-0, 4-0) ▲1

Culture. That’s the first word that should come to mind when UNLV Football is mentioned.

The Running Rebels had a quarterback quit the team in the middle of the week and responded with their most complete performance of the season.

If there were any questions about UNLV moving forward, they have been answered.

6. Boise State (0-0, 3-1) ▲1

The Broncos made a statement.

Washington State came to Boise feeling confident and got sent home with an embarrassing blowout.

The victory should have a positive impact on the Playoff Committee members.

Ashton Jeanty is the best running back in the country and puts BSU in a favorable position.

7. Arizona (1-0, 3-1) ▲NR

Credit Arizona’s coaching staff and players for getting it together. Performances like that were what the fanbase was expecting over the offseason.

The defense played elite and the offense converted pivotal plays with the game on the line.

Whatever Brent Brennan did over the bye week worked.

8. California (0-1, 3-1) ▼3

Florida State getting blown out by SMU puts Cal’s loss in a different perspective.

The Bears probably should have found a way to win that game. But that doesn’t matter with ESPN’s College GameDay coming to Berkeley for the first time ever.

Over the offseason, an upset over Miami was viewed as a reasonable possibility. It’s time to deliver.

9. Colorado (2-0, 4-1) ▲1

Colorado’s blowout 48-21 victory on the road at Central Florida was arguably Deion Sanders’ best win of his coaching career.

The Buffs won the trenches, established a reasonable run game, and used their athletes to make plays.

That’s a recipe for success and Coach Prime might have found it.

10. Arizona State (0-1, 3-1) ▼1

The Sun Devils used the bye week to regroup and prepare for Kansas.

The Jayhawks do not have a win over an FBS opponent this season and are on a four-game losing streak.

It’s reasonable to expect a convincing Arizona State win. Any struggles could be a worrying sign.