BYU and Utah rise in Big 12 football power rankings after opening wins
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 6:00 PM
Last updated Sep 9, 2026

Big 12 teams completed the first week of the 2026 season with a collective 13-3 record. The BYU Cougars moved to the top of the conference power rankings following a 63-7 victory over Utah Tech. The Utah Utes climbed to the third spot after a 66-14 win against Idaho that featured strong performances from quarterbacks Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin. Elsewhere, the Texas Tech Red Raiders opened with a 33-10 win over Abilene Christian, while the Houston Cougars held off Oregon State 33-20. The Arizona Wildcats secured a 35-7 win against Northern Arizona and now prepare for a road test in Provo. The conference schedule continues this Saturday with several nonconference matchups, including a high-profile game between Arizona and BYU.
- •BYU forces four turnovers in a 63-7 victory over Utah Tech.
- •Utah records a 66-14 win over Idaho while committing only one penalty.
- •Texas Tech wins 33-10 against Abilene Christian despite relying on four field goals.
- •Houston defeats Oregon State 33-20 following a weather-delayed contest.
- •Arizona visits BYU on Saturday for a test after a 35-7 win over Northern Arizona.
- 6:00 PMYahoo Sports — Big 12 football power rankings: Both BYU and Utah trending up after dominant Week 1 wins.
"Most Big 12 teams earned blowout victories in their season openers, while a few suffered tough losses.
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