<body><div><h2>There is already a new No. 1 in the latest Big 12 power rankings.</h2>The Big 12 delivered a steady start to the 2024 college football season, with just two teams opening as losers — <a href="https://247sports.com/longformarticle/college-football-overtime-cam-wards-miami-transfer-comes-full-circle-leads-off-takeaways-from-loaded-week-1-235480899/">the second fewest among the Power Four conferences</a>. While several members of the new-look league avoided disaster with narrow wins after fending off upsets, most took control from the start to secure victories in Week 1.All four newcomers came through unscathed, highlighted by the return of Colorado and <a href="https://247sports.com/coach/Deion-Sanders-4617">Deion Sanders</a>, <a href="https://247sports.com/longformarticle/colorado-trajectory-under-deion-sanders-debated-after-stars-bail-buffs-out-late-against-ndsu-235293496/">who defeated FCS powerhouse North Dakota State,</a> 31-26. West Virginia was among the two Big 12 teams to suffer a loss in the opener after running into a College Football Playoff-caliber opponent in Penn State. Houston and new head coach <a href="https://247sports.com/coach/Willie-Fritz-3554">Willie Fritz</a> also got off to a poor start.Although it is important not to overreact after Week 1, a new No. 1 already climbed to the top of the updated Big 12 power rankings after a commanding performance. So, who is the team to beat in the conference after the opening weekend?Get the latest football and recruiting scoop on your favorite college team today.Below is a look at the updated Big 12 college football power rankings after Week 1:<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2x8vzX_0vI0Bl5d00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2x8vzX_0vI0Bl5d00" width="620" height="320" ><figcaption>(Photo: Getty)</figcaption></figure>16. HOUSTON COUGARS (0-1)New head coach <a href="https://247sports.com/coach/Willie-Fritz-3554">Willie Fritz</a> said it himself after a 27-7 loss to UNLV in the season opener that he "didn't see much good out there." Houston rushed for just 87 yards, gave up sick sacks, finished just 3-for-18 on third and fourth downs while also backing itself up with 10 penalties. Preseason ranking: 16th15. CINCINNATI BEARCATS (1-0)The Bearcats offense with new quarterback <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Brendan-Sorsby-46114483">Brendan Sorsby</a> was strong in a 38-20 win against FCS Towson. The transfer from Indiana threw for 383 yards with two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. However, Cincinnati gave up a lot of yards to an inferior opponent, something it will need to improve on before the Big 12 schedule begins. Preseason ranking: 13th14. BYU COUGARS (1-0)BYU nearly doubled FCS Southern Illinois in time of possession during its 41-13 win Saturday. The Cougars were never in danger after jumping out to an early 14-0 lead in the opening quarter. Quarterback <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Jake-Retzlaff-46128980">Jake Retzlaff</a> got his first win as the starter after going 0-4 last season. He completed 67% of his passes for 348 yards and three touchdowns. Preseason ranking: 15th<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3SJSt0_0vI0Bl5d00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3SJSt0_0vI0Bl5d00" width="620" height="320" ><figcaption>(Photo: Getty)</figcaption></figure>13. TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS (1-0)Texas Tech needed overtime to avoid a disaster against FCS Abilene Christian in the opener. The Red Raiders led by as much as 18 points late in the second quarterback before the Wildcats made a run. A failed two-point conversion try on the first offensive possession for overtime for Abilene Christian allowed Texas Tech to escape with a 52-51 win. Preseason ranking: 9th12. ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS (1-0)Arizona State made a statement in the opener. The Sun Devils were favored by less than a touchdown against Wyoming, but dominated in a 48-7 win Saturday night. The defense nearly posted a shutout before the Cowboys finally got on the board with two seconds remaining. Arizona State gained almost 500 yards with 241 rushing. Preseason ranking: 14th11. BAYLOR BEARS (1-0)Baylor and new quarterback <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Dequan-Finn-46038451">Dequan Finn</a> came out hot in the first quarter of a 45-3 win against FCS Tarleton State. The Bears scored three touchdowns in the opening quarter, including a 39-yard run by Finn, a sixth-year transfer from Toledo. He finished 14-for-22 with 192 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. Preseason ranking: 12th<h2>10. Colorado Buffaloes (1-0)</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1lCXVH_0vI0Bl5d00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1lCXVH_0vI0Bl5d00" width="620" height="320" ><figcaption>(Photo: Getty)</figcaption></figure>Week 1 result: Beat North Dakota State, 31-26North Dakota State boasted wins in six of its last seven games against FBS opponents prior to facing Colorado. The Buffaloes offense delivered 10 explosive plays with <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Shedeur-Sanders-46042823">Shedeur Sanders</a> totaling 445 yards passing with four touchdowns — three of which found two-way star <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Travis-Hunter-46084728">Travis Hunter</a>. Colorado looked improved on defense, specifically in the trenches with seven tackles for loss and a pair of sacks against an undersized Bison front five. Still, North Dakota State came up five yards short of stunning Colorado with what would have been a game-winning Hail Mary as the clock expired. The big test is a road trip to face rival Nebraska Saturday night. Preseason ranking: 11th<h2>9. TCU Horned Frogs (1-0)</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4EUbTv_0vI0Bl5d00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4EUbTv_0vI0Bl5d00" width="620" height="320" ><figcaption>(Photo: Sergio Estrada, USA TODAY Sports)</figcaption></figure>Week 1 result: Beat Stanford, 34-27TCU pulled out a gutsy win on the road after trailing for the better part of three quarters. <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Josh-Hoover-46093827">Josh Hoover</a> led the Horned Frogs on an 8-play, 74-yard go-ahead drive that ended with a four-yard touchdown pass to <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Jack-Bech-46058716">Jack Bech</a> with 3:13 remaining in the fourth quarter. Hoover missed all of spring camp due to injury, but looked strong for TCU in Week 1, completing 67% of his passes for 353 yards and two touchdowns. The Horned Frogs probably should have won by a more comfortable margin, but big mistakes kept it close. TCU had more than 100 yards of penalties, two turnovers and a missed field goal. It looks to clean that up against Long Island in Week 2. Preseason ranking: 10th<h2>8. West Virginia Mountaineers (0-1)</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=015d3r_0vI0Bl5d00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=015d3r_0vI0Bl5d00" width="620" height="320" ><figcaption>(Photo: Getty)</figcaption></figure>Week 1 result: Lost to No. 8 Penn State, 34-12West Virginia faced the toughest Week 1 opponent in the Big 12, without question. Penn State looked every bit like a College Football Playoff team after <a href="https://247sports.com/college/west-virginia/article/mountaineer-report-card-top-and-bottom-performers-in-the-loss-to-penn-state-235443887/">it went into Morgantown and handled the rival Mountaineers</a>. Two field goals is all the Nittany Lions defense allowed in the first three quarters before <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/CJ-Donaldson-46058788">CJ Donaldson</a> finally found the end zone early in the fourth. Penn State held West Virginia to just 85 yards rushing despite entering 2024 with what projects to be among the top ground attacks in the Big 12, if not nationally. Preseason ranking: 8th<h2>7. UCF Knights (1-0)</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3PxJbm_0vI0Bl5d00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3PxJbm_0vI0Bl5d00" width="620" height="320" ><figcaption>(Photo: Getty)</figcaption></figure>Week 1 result: Beat New Hampshire, 57-3The <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/KJ-Jefferson-90380">KJ Jefferson</a> era at UCF got off to a terrible start. But the Knights' stable of running backs took over en route to a blowout win in Week 1. Expectations were high for Jefferson this season after he transferred in from Arkansas. However, he completed just 7 of 14 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns with an interception against New Hampshire last Thursday. UCF did rush for 454 yards on 54 carries with <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/RJ-Harvey-Jr-46054247">RJ Harvey</a> registering 142 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The Knights face Sam Houston in Week 2. Preseason Ranking: 7th<h2>6. Iowa State Cyclones (1-0)</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=15Q5dF_0vI0Bl5d00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=15Q5dF_0vI0Bl5d00" width="620" height="320" ><figcaption>(Photo: Getty)</figcaption></figure>Week 1 result: Beat North Dakota, 21-3Possessions were limited in a low-scoring affair in Ames as Iowa State squeaked out a narrow victory against FCS North Dakota. The Cyclones were held to 86 yards rushing on 22 carries. Star running back <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Abu-Sama-46128963">Abu Sama</a> did go down with an injury in the third quarter and did not return. Meanwhile, the Fighting Hawks chewed up as much clock as they could with 42 carries totaling 174 yards. <a href="https://247sports.com/college/iowa-state/longformarticle/iowa-state-football-takeaways-from-win-over-north-dakota-235440280/">That could be a bit of a concern for an Iowa State defense</a> that ranked second in the Big 12 last season for yards per game allowed. Next up is the CyHawk Rivalry against Iowa in Week 2 on CBS. Preseason Ranking: 6th<h2>5. Kansas Jayhawks (1-0)</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0ZAMGv_0vI0Bl5d00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0ZAMGv_0vI0Bl5d00" width="620" height="320" ><figcaption>(Photo: Getty)</figcaption></figure>Week 1 result: Beat Lindenwood, 48-3<a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Jalon-Daniels-46081530">Jalon Daniel</a>s flashed at times, but it was the dominant rushing attack for Kansas that led to an easy win against FCS Lindenwood last Thursday. The Jayhawks rushed for 333 yards on 44 carries, finding the end zone four times — including a pair of touchdowns by <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Devin-Neal-46093618">Devin Neal</a>. <a href="https://247sports.com/college/kansas/article/mello-dotson-pick-six-kansas-football-cornerback-235375987/">The Kansas defense contributed to the scoring as well with a pick-6 by</a> <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Mello-Dotson-46080088">Mello Dotson</a> to break the game open in the second quarter. The crowd of nearly 21,000 inside Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City was impressive, too. The Jayhawks can make a statement next Saturday when they travel to Illinois. Preseason Ranking: 5th<h2>4. Arizona Wildcats (1-0)</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3Gnuh8_0vI0Bl5d00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3Gnuh8_0vI0Bl5d00" width="620" height="320" ><figcaption>(Photo: Getty)</figcaption></figure>Week 1 result: Beat New Mexico, 61-39It took one game for Arizona wide receiver <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Tetairoa-McMillan-46081836">Tetairoa McMillan</a> to put his name in the Big 12 record books. His 304 yards receiving ranks fifth in conference history (since 1996) for most in a single game. He also totaled four touchdowns on 10 receptions. <a href="https://247sports.com/college/arizona/article/how-arizona-footballs-core-four-led-by-qb-noah-fifita-and-wr-tetairoa-mcmillan-kept-the-wildcats-together-235237691/">The connection between McMillan and his quarterback</a> <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Noah-Fifita-46081833">Noah Fifita</a> is electric as the Wildcats' offense will not be a concern in 2024. Now, what about the defense? Arizona did allow nearly six yards per play and the 39 points scored by New Mexico was the second-most given up by a Big 12 defense in Week 1. Next up for the Wildcats is FCS opponent Northern Arizona. Preseason Ranking: 4th<h2>3. Kansas State Wildcats (1-0)</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0rdGR6_0vI0Bl5d00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0rdGR6_0vI0Bl5d00" width="620" height="320" ><figcaption>(Photo: Getty)</figcaption></figure>Week 1 result: Beat UT Martin, 41-6The first quarter and a half was a bit shaky for Kansas State and first-year starting quarterback <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Avery-Johnson-46111693">Avery Johnson</a>. The Wildcats had just one touchdown to show for on their first four possessions with two punts and an interception as well. Head coach <a href="https://247sports.com/coach/Chris-Klieman-3878">Chris Klieman</a> <a href="https://247sports.com/college/kansas-state/longformarticle/kansas-state-football-postgame-analysis-ut-martin-235422287/">was not pleased with how the Kansas State offense started the game</a>, saying it was out of sync and that the Wildcats, "couldn't get out of [their] own way early on." Johnson finished 14-for-21 passing for 153 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. Kansas State faces an interesting road test at Tulane next Saturday. Preseason Ranking: 1st<h2>2. Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-0)</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3tCNZq_0vI0Bl5d00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3tCNZq_0vI0Bl5d00" width="620" height="320" ><figcaption>(Photo: Getty)</figcaption></figure>Week 1 result: Beat South Dakota State, 44-20<a href="https://247sports.com/college/oklahoma-state/article/instant-reactions-from-no-17-oklahoma-states-season-opening-win-against-south-dakota-state--235418295/">Oklahoma State had control from the get-go against two-time reigning FCS champion South Dakota State</a>, snapping its 29-game win streak. <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Ollie-Gordon-46096695">Ollie Gordon</a> topped 100 yards rushing for the 10th time in 12 games dating back to last season. He also found the end zone twice. The Cowboys were efficient with no turnovers and just one penalty. The Jackrabbits gashed the Pokes for a handful of explosive plays — something Oklahoma State will need to address before it hosts Arkansas this Saturday. Preseason Ranking: 2nd<h2>1. Utah Utes (1-0)</h2><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2qYiJU_0vI0Bl5d00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2qYiJU_0vI0Bl5d00" width="620" height="320" >Week 1 result: Beat Southern Utah, 49-0<a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Cameron-Rising-86414">Cam Rising</a> did not miss a beat in his long-awaited return for Utah. The seventh-year quarterback threw for five touchdowns in the Utes win against FCS Southern Utah. As impressive as Rising and the Utah offense were with touchdowns on each of their five possessions before the backups went in, it was the Utes' defense that deserves recognition as the only unit in the Big 12 to post a shoutout in Week 1. Southern Utah averaged less than three yards per play and crossed into Utah territory on three of 12 possessions. The Utes face Baylor next Saturday in a previously scheduled game that does not count toward the Big 12 standings. Preseason Ranking: 3rd</div></body>

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Big 12 football power rankings see new No. 1 become Week 1 headliner

There is already a new No. 1 in the latest Big 12 power rankings. The Big 12 delivered a steady start to the 2024 college football season, with just two teams opening as losers — the second fewest among the Power Four conferences. While several members of the new-look league avoided disaster with narrow wins after fending off upsets, most took control from the start to secure victories in Week 1.

Big 12 football power rankings see new No. 1 become Week 1 headliner

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