Two Clear Big 12 Leaders Post Week One

And the Big 12 misses a huge opportunity

Author

John Kurtz
September 01, 2025

Week one in the Big 12 is almost in the books. Only TCU–North Carolina remains tonight, but here are my top five takeaways from a weekend defined by missed opportunities and impressive debuts.

1. The Big 12 Missed a Major Opportunity for Respect

Thursday and Friday gave the league opportunities for big statement wins over Nebraska (a darkhorse Big Ten playoff contender), Auburn (an established SEC brand), and Georgia Tech (a top-four ACC team).

Each game had bright spots, but Baylor, Colorado, and Cincinnati couldn’t cross the finish line.

Baylor, in particular, got bullied in the trenches by Auburn. The Tigers outrushed the Bears 307–64, with QB Jackson Arnold piling up 137 himself. 

Bears QB Sawyer Robertson threw for 419 yards and showed off multiple promising targets (Kole Wilson, Michael Trigg, Kobe Prentice), but another underwhelming Dave Aranda defense was the difference in the game. 

Until that improves, Baylor won’t be in the Big 12 title mix.

Cincinnati and Colorado were both scrappy underdogs, but “close” doesn’t change the national narrative. Cincy QB Brendan Sorsby nearly pulled off a comeback with 96 rushing yards and two TDs, all while facing a sea of Nebraska red at Arrowhead. 

If not for an ill-advised deep ball on the Bearcats’ final drive, he may have done it. 

Still, there are signs that Cincinnati is capable of 7–8 wins.

Colorado went toe-to-toe with a playoff hopeful in Georgia Tech, but failed to capitalize enough on three first-quarter turnovers. Much like Baylor, the Buffs got mauled up front and allowed 156 rushing yards to Yellow Jackets QB Haynes King, including the game-winning TD. 

2. Utah and Iowa State Are Ahead of the Pack

Utah couldn’t have scripted a better start to the season.

Really, the only stat you need to know from its win over UCLA is this: Utah had more rushing yards (286) than UCLA had total yards (220).

There are few things in this world more reliable than a Kyle Whittingham and Morgan Scalley-led defense, and it appears you can once again set your watch to that in 2025.

New Mexico transfer quarterback Devon Dampier was in complete control of the offense, completing 21 of 25 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for another 87 yards and a score without turning it over. 

His performance drew comparisons to a current NFL signal-caller. 

There’s every reason to believe that the Utes are in line for a major bounce-back year after a 5-7 injury-plagued slog in 2024. 

The Cyclones walloped defending Missouri Valley Conference champion South Dakota 55-7 in Ames. The MVC is a loaded FCS conference that includes North Dakota State and South Dakota State.

Rocco Becht completed his first 14 throws and finished 19–20, showing no drop-off despite losing NFL receivers Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins. Thirteen completions to tight ends helped ease the transition.

Nobody in the league has matched ISU’s résumé so far. Spoiler: they’ll be #1 in my power rankings this week.

3. Texas Tech, BYU, and Kansas Aren’t Far Behind

Yes, the competition was weak, but Tech, BYU, and KU left little doubt.

The Red Raiders' roster had the look of a team that can be physically dominant in the Big 12.

Tech throttled Arkansas-Pine Bluff 67–7, piling up over 600 yards and out-rushing them 294–52. That’s exactly the kind of dominance in the trenches their portal haul was designed to deliver. The only worry: QB Behren Morton’s knee (more below).

BYU had a party in Provo. Freshman QB Bear Bachmeier accounted for five touchdowns, the Cougars ran for 468 yards, and even returned a blocked field goal for a score in a 69–0 blowout.

Kansas followed its Week Zero win over Fresno State by rolling up 634 yards in a 46–7 rout of Wagner. Jalon Daniels tossed four TDs and looked sharp. Now, a real test awaits at Missouri.

4. K-State Looks Lost

The preseason favorite? They sure don’t look like it.

After a sloppy loss in Ireland to Iowa State, K-State nearly lost at home to North Dakota — not NDSU, just plain North Dakota (5–7 last year, new coach). The Wildcats trailed 35–31 with just over two minutes left before escaping after an 81-yard game-winning touchdown drive.

This team looks soft. The offensive line couldn’t move an FCS front, the secondary got torched, and RB Dylan Edwards’ explosiveness is sorely missed.

Avery Johnson’s 318 yards and 3 TDs look nice on paper, but he had six turnover-worthy plays per Pro Football Focus (I counted seven). His decision-making and feel remain a major concern.

Forget preseason expectations; it’s back to the drawing board for Chris Klieman.

5. Too Many Quarterback Injuries

Oklahoma State QB Hauss Hejny lit up his first two drives (123 yards, 2 TDs) before a foot injury ended his day and sidelined him for up to five weeks after surgery. Without him, OSU managed only 13 more points.

Texas Tech fans had flashbacks when Behren Morton went down in their blowout win, but early word is a knee hyperextension, not something that will be a long-term issue.

UCF starter Cam Fancher also left with an injury after a brutal hit that was ruled targeting. Tayven Jackson replaced him and finished with 282 yards and two TDs in a narrow 17–10 win over Jacksonville State.


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