Big 12 Mojo Rankings: Week Four
Welcome one and all to the week four edition of the Big 12 Football Mojo Rankings.
Each Thursday, new rankings drop to reflect my thoughts on how the conference race stacks up in more ways than just pure wins.
These rankings are about winning, of course, but I also factor in other ingredients like style, momentum, star power, schedule, and the overall state of the program.
As conference play gets underway, here are my week four Mojo Rankings for the Big 12.
1. TEXAS (3-0)
Last Week: (#1) W 31-10 vs. Wyoming
The Longhorns fought through a letdown post-Alabama, thanks to big plays in the fourth quarter. A 10-10 game entering the final frame, Texas hit the gas late and separated thanks to their elite explosiveness. After a scare at home, they begin their Big 12 farewell tour, now refocused. Bad news for Baylor? Perhaps. Either way, they're heavy favorites to end this 100+ year sibling rivalry with a win.
Up Next: AT Baylor, Saturday @ 6:30 pm on ABC
2. OKLAHOMA (3-0)
Last Week: (#3) W 66-17 @ Tulsa
The Sooners moved past their OC's off-field drama by crushing an in-state little brother. The defense looks improved and disruptive, while Dillon Gabriel was sizzling hot in the passing game, throwing for 476 yards and connecting with three different 100-yard receivers. They also picked up a 4-star edge in David Okoye midweek.
Up Next: AT Cincinnati, Saturday @ 11:00 am
3. KANSAS STATE (2-1)
Last Week: (#2) L 30-27 @ Missouri
The Wildcats lost on a 61-yard walkoff field goal on the road against a historic rival from the SEC, on a day when QB Will Howard got banged up with a leg injury and veteran LB Daniel Green lost for the year due to an injury. Mizzou was able to expose KSU's secondary for big plays. Oh, and surprise, the 'Cats are less explosive post-Deuce Vaughn. Howard's health is the biggest question this week and could mean we see a lot of freshman 4-star QB Avery Johnson. I'm still giving them the benefit of the doubt for right now.
Up Next: Home vs. UCF, Saturday @ 7:00 pm on FS1
4. UCF (3-0)
Last Week: (#4) W 48-14 vs. Villanova
QB Timmy McClain passed his initial starting test with flying colors, and it was another solid defensive outing as the Knights crushed Villanova. Now, there are some raised stakes for their long-awaited Big 12 opener as they head to "The Little Apple." There are opportunities galore in this historic game for the program, and the 'Cats are a little banged up. So, an exciting trip is coming.
Up Next: AT Kansas State, Saturday @ 7:00 pm on FS1
5. KANSAS (3-0)
Last Week: (#5) W 31–24 @ Nevada
The Jayhawks survived a road scare in Reno. Then, Lance Leipold ticked off the entire BYU community by mentioning the Cougars' older roster and the advantages of having more mature players. It was nothing salacious (and it's true), but he hit a sore spot, to say the least, and inadvertently spiced up the headlines heading into this game— which is officially a sellout.
Up Next: Home vs. BYU, Saturday @ 2:30 pm on ESPN
6. BYU (3-0)
Last Week: (#9) W 38-31 @ Arkansas
The Cougars scored a terrific win in SEC country, taking down the Hogs with defense and another strong performance from freshman RB LJ Martin of El Paso. DE Tyler Batty took home Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors. A win in Lawrence would be a terrific leap forward, but the offense remains suspect. Elsewhere, alum and Rams rookie WR Puka Nacua is the talk of the NFL and fantasy football circles, resulting in an excellent spotlight for the program. Zach Wilson, on the other hand? Meh, not so much.
Up Next: AT Kansas, Saturday @ 2:30 pm on ESPN
7. TCU (2-1, 1-0)
Last Week: (#7) W 36-13 vs. Houston
The Frogs bullied Houston in the Big 12 opener as QB Chandler Morris had a big game. This week's Iron Skillet matchup with Metroplex rival SMU should be far more interesting and entertaining. There are a lot of interesting angles to this game, from Sonny Dykes, Big 12 vs. future ACC, and the fact TCU recently decided to pause this long-standing rivalry after 2025. But solely competition-wise, the Mustangs are a great challenge for the Frogs this week.
Up Next: Home vs. SMU, 11:00 am on FS1
8. CINCINNATI (2-1)
Last Week: (#6) L 31-24 vs. Miami (OH) / OT
The Bearcats were stunned with an unexpected overtime loss to Miami (Ohio). Cincy saw a potential 35-yard game-winner blocked to end regulation, forcing the extra frame, where Emory Jones threw a pick to seal the loss. It was a letdown following last week's River City Rivalry win. Next up, a sellout crowd for their historic Big 12 opener as #16 Oklahoma rolls into town.
Up Next: Home vs. Oklahoma, Saturday @ 11:00 am
9. WEST VIRGINIA (2-1)
Last Week: (#12) W 17-6 vs. Pitt
The Mountaineers won an ugly but satisfying Backyard Brawl. A victory that worked wonders for everyone attached, particularly head coach Neal Brown, for at least one week. The 'Eers lost QB Garret Greene to injury early and turned to Nicco Marchiol. It's hard to imagine running 50+ times vs. 60 passing yards is sustainable, even if you have CJ Donaldson, but the defense is solid, and they now have a significant win to build from. Playing against a vulnerable Texas Tech team at home is another ripe opportunity.
Up Next: Home vs. Texas Tech, Saturday @ 2:30 pm on ESPN+
10. TEXAS TECH (1-2)
Last Week: (#11) W 41-7 vs. Tarleton State
As expected, the Red Raiders earned their first win and beat up an overmatched Tarleton State squad. But life isn't lollipops and rainbows in Lubbock, as there have been some evident frustrations, particularly surrounding the play of QB Tyler Shough. There are calls for Behren Morton, but OL is also an issue, and it's apparent McGuire has grown a little frustrated with some of the outside questioning. Heading to Morgantown, Tech enters as favorites but is 1-5 in authentic road games under this staff.
Up Next: AT West Virginia, Saturday @ 2:30 pm on ESPN+
11. BAYLOR (1-2)
Last Week: : (#14) W 30-7 vs. Long Island
The Bears picked up a much-needed win, but a lengthy rain delay and lack of execution led to some less-than-stellar takeaways. Freshman RB Dawson Pendergrass had a terrific performance. But now it's all about the follow-ups, and this Saturday marks a historic moment and opportunity as #3 Texas comes to town for the final time and as a heavy favorite. The game is officially a sellout on national TV, so there's an excellent opportunity to take a significant step forward on a big stage.
Up Next: Home vs. # Texas, 6:30 pm on ABC
12. IOWA STATE (1-2)
Last Week: (#10) L 10-7 @ Ohio
The Cyclones hit a fresh low point, falling to the Bobcats. But that followed and was topped by a viral Matt Campbell vs. fan postgame interaction that led to some embarrassment and the Cyclones head coach issuing an apology. That was a bad loss and a bad look, but there's still faith in the ability of their defense and young QB Rocco Becht. Most of the criticism revolves around the lack of weapons or protection around him.
Up Next: Home vs. Oklahoma State, Saturday @ 3:00 pm
13. OKLAHOMA STATE (2-1)
Last Week: (#8) L 33-7 vs. South Alabama
What in tarnation? The Pokes didn't just lose to South Alabama; they got blown out, embarrassed, and dominated on their home field in front of a big crowd. A stunning outcome, no matter how you slice it. The Cowboys' OL stinks, and the three-man QB rotation has only resulted in an uninspired three-way tie for mediocrity. It should be one heck of a rock fight in Ames.
Up Next: AT Iowa State, Saturday @ 3:00 pm
14. HOUSTON (1-2, 0-1)
Last Week: (#13) L 36-13 vs. TCU
TCU ruined Houston's Big 12 debut, leading the home team the entire game. The Houston offense and QB Donovan Smith struggled mightily and failed to score a touchdown against the Frogs. The Coogs' only TD came courtesy of Matthew Golden's 98-yard kick return that helped earn him Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Sam Houston should be an easy win despite the struggles. But, things are heating up for Holgo in Houston, and not in a good way.
Up Next: Home vs. Sam Houston, Saturday @ 6:00 pm on ESPN+