Top 10 College Football Power Rankings for Best in West Week 9: 2025 Season Update

Power Shift in the Big 12: BYU Ascends as Utah Struggles

A basic change is occurring among teams from the Western region of the Big 12 Conference, signaling a new era in collegiate football. Brigham young University, or BYU, has firmly established itself as a powerhouse, surpassing its longtime rival, the University of Utah, in both on-field performance and national perception.

The Rise of BYU

The Cougars’ rapid ascent over the last three seasons has been remarkable. Their success is built upon a strong program culture and passionate fanbase. Maintaining this level of achievement will be crucial, but current indicators suggest BYU’s position as a top contender is secure.

Utah’s Descent and Questions for Whittingham

Conversely,the University of Utah is facing considerable difficulties. The Utes have now suffered three consecutive losses to BYU, a losing streak not seen since the late 1980s and early 1990s. Concerns are mounting about roster depth and a decline in their traditionally strong offensive line, allowing a concerning 12 tackles for loss and four sacks in recent games. Some analysts suggest Head Coach Kyle whittingham may consider retirement at the end of the current season.

West Region Team Rankings – Week Nine

here’s a current assessment of the top ten teams in the Big 12’s West division, based on recent performance and potential.

Rank	Team	Record (Conf/Overall)	Trend
1	Oregon	3-1 / 6-1	Steady
2	BYU	4-0 / 7-0	▲1
3	Utah	2-2 / 5-2	▼1
4	Arizona State	3-1 / 5-2	▲2
5	USC	3-1 / 5-2	▼1
6	Washington	2-2 / 5-2	▼1
7	Boise State	3-0 / 5-2	▲2
8	San Diego State	2-0 / 5-1	Steady
9	UNLV	2-1 / 6-1	▼2
10	California	2-1 / 5-2	New Entry

Key Developments and Upsets

Arizona state’s recent upset victory over Texas Tech has significantly altered the conference landscape. the Sun Devils,however,remain inconsistent,demonstrating flashes of brilliance alongside frustrating setbacks. Their ability to maintain peak performance will determine their championship aspirations. The University of California has also emerged as a notable contender, showcasing resilience with a current 5-2 record.

did You Know? BYU’s current seven-game winning streak is their longest since 2006, demonstrating a level of sustained success not seen in over a decade.

Pro tip: Keep a close watch on Arizona State’s remaining schedule. Their path to the championship game remains viable, but they must avoid costly slip-ups against lower-ranked opponents.

Looking Ahead

The Big 12’s West division promises an exciting finish. the emergence of BYU, coupled with the struggles of Utah, has created a dynamic and unpredictable habitat. Can BYU maintain its momentum? Will Utah find a way to regain its former glory? The coming weeks will undoubtedly provide answers.

Understanding Big 12 Football Dynamics

The Big 12 Conference has a rich history of competitive football, known for its high-scoring offenses and passionate fan bases. Recent expansion and realignment have added new layers of complexity to the conference landscape. Teams like BYU are bringing fresh energy and challenging established powers, leading to increased competition and unpredictable outcomes. The strategic implications of these shifts extend beyond the field, impacting recruiting, media rights, and long-term program growth.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Big 12 West

• What is driving BYU’s success in the Big 12? BYU’s success is attributed to a strong program culture, dedicated fanbase, and effective recruiting strategies.
• Is Utah’s decline a temporary setback? Utah’s current struggles raise concerns about roster depth and coaching effectiveness, suggesting a potential long-term issue.
• How crucial is the Arizona State vs. Texas Tech game? The upset victory significantly altered the conference power rankings and impacted Arizona State’s championship aspirations.
• What makes the Big 12 Conference unique? The Big 12 is known for its high-scoring offenses, competitive matchups, and passionate fan bases.
• What shoudl fans expect from the remainder of the season? Expect a highly competitive finish with several teams vying for championship contention, particularly in the West division.

What are your predictions for the Big 12 championship game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Can oregon maintain its offensive momentum against a tough UCLA defense?

1. University of Oregon (8-0) – Ducks Still Flying High

Oregon continues to dominate, showcasing a potent offence led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Their win against Washington State solidified their position at the top.key to their success is a consistently strong running game and a surprisingly effective pass rush.

* key Stats: Averaging 42.5 points per game, 515 total yards per game.

* Upcoming Game: vs. UCLA – a crucial Pac-12 matchup.

* College Football Playoff Implications: Oregon is a near-lock for the CFP if they remain undefeated.

2. University of Washington (7-1) – Huskies Bounce Back

After a tough loss to Oregon, Washington responded with a convincing win over Arizona. Michael Penix jr. is still a heisman contender,and their receiving corps remains one of the nation’s best.

* Key Stats: 38.1 points per game, 480 passing yards per game.

* Upcoming Game: vs. Stanford – a potential trap game.

* Pac-12 Championship Outlook: Still a strong contender for the Pac-12 title.

3. University of Utah (7-1) – Utes Remain a Force

Utah’s defense is consistently among the best in the nation, and their running game is punishing. Their only loss came against Oregon in a close contest. They are a tough matchup for anyone.

* Key Stats: Allowing only 17.5 points per game, averaging 180 rushing yards per game.

* Upcoming Game: vs. oregon State – a key Pac-12 North battle.

* Mountain West Conference Watch: Utah’s success impacts recruiting in the region.

4.Arizona state University (6-2) – Sun Devils Surge

A surprising contender, Arizona State has been exceeding expectations.Their offense is clicking, and their defense has shown important improvement. Jaden Rashada is proving to be a capable quarterback.

* Key stats: Averaging 35 points per game, forcing 2.5 turnovers per game.

* Upcoming game: vs. Colorado – a chance to solidify their position.

* Dark Horse Potential: could make a run at the Pac-12 South title.

5. Boise State University (6-2) – Broncos back in the Mix

Boise State is consistently competitive, and this year is no exception. Their strong running attack and opportunistic defense make them a dangerous opponent.

* Key Stats: 32.8 points per game, 200 rushing yards per game.

* Upcoming Game: vs. Fresno State – a crucial Mountain West conference game.

* Mountain West Championship Race: A frontrunner for the conference title. (See TheMW.com for updated standings).

6.UCLA (5-3) – Bruins Battling Consistency

UCLA has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been an issue. Their offense is capable of putting up big numbers, but their defense struggles at times.

* Key Stats: Averaging 34.5 points per game, 450 total yards per game.

* Upcoming Game: @ Oregon – a tough road test.

* Recruiting Impact: UCLA’s location is a major recruiting advantage.

7. Oregon State University (5-3) – Beavers Building Momentum

Oregon State is a well-coached team that plays hard. Their offense is balanced, and their defense is improving. They are a tough out for anyone.

* Key Stats: Averaging 30 points per game, 175 rushing yards per game.

* Upcoming Game: @ Utah – a challenging road game.

* Pac-12 Dark Horse: Could upset some of the top teams in the conference.

8. Fresno State university (5-3) – Bulldogs Bite Back

Fresno State is a perennial power in the Mountain West Conference. Their offense is explosive,and their defense is aggressive.

* Key Stats: Averaging 33.5 points per game, 280 passing yards per game.

* Upcoming Game: @ Boise State – a key conference matchup.

* mountain West Conference Contenders: Always a threat to win the conference.

9. San Diego State University (4-4) – Aztecs Showing Grit

San Diego State is a tough,physical team that plays hard-nosed football. Their defense is their strength, and their offense is improving.

* Key Stats: Allowing 22.5 points per game,averaging 150 rushing yards per game.

* Upcoming Game: vs.nevada – a chance to get back to.500.

* Defensive Prowess: Known for their strong defensive traditions.

10.Colorado State University (4-4) – Rams Rising

Colorado state has been a pleasant surprise this season. Their offense is clicking,and their defense is making strides.

* Key Stats: Averaging 31 points per game, 400 total yards per game.

* Upcoming Game: @ arizona State – a tough road test.

* **Off