BYU and Utah delivered commanding performances over the weekend, and the latest Associated Press Top 25 reflects their momentum. Both programs climbed higher after blowout victories that strengthened their postseason outlook and energized their Big 12 title ambitions — though each team’s path looks different with only weeks left in the regular season.
BYU rebounded forcefully after its first loss of the year to conference leader Texas Tech, overwhelming TCU in a 44-13 rout at LaVell Edwards Stadium. From the opening minutes, the Horned Frogs never established rhythm, and BYU controlled every phase of the game.
The win tightened the Cougars’ hold on a potential spot in the Big 12 title game, setting up a critical road test against Cincinnati. With their latest victory, BYU moved up to No. 11 in the AP poll, jumping past a Texas team that dropped its third game of the season.
Texas Tech also rose in the rankings, landing at No. 6 after a dominant win over UCF, tying with Oregon as the conference’s top-ranked programs. BYU remains the second-highest ranked Big 12 team heading into the season’s final stretch.
Utah made noise of its own after a high-powered showing on the road against Baylor. The Bears threatened early, but the Utes surged behind a breakout performance from Byrd Ficklin and a relentless 380-yard team rushing attack. Defensive play wasn’t flawless, but key takeaways — including a pick-six by Scooby Davis — secured a commanding victory. Utah climbed to No. 13, giving the conference three teams inside the top 15.
The Utes still hold a mathematical chance to reach the Big 12 title game, but that scenario depends heavily on BYU and several others taking losses in the coming weeks.
Houston entered the rankings at No. 25 despite a bye week, while Cincinnati dropped out after a weekend loss. Arizona and Arizona State earned votes but fell short of the Top 25.
The top of the AP poll stayed steady:
No. 1 Ohio State continues its reign with 57 first-place votes, followed by Indiana (8) and Texas A&M (1). Georgia remained fourth, and Ole Miss rounded out the top five. Meanwhile, Alabama slid from No. 4 to No. 10 after a loss to Oklahoma, and Texas dropped seven spots to No. 17 after falling to Georgia.
The next College Football Playoff rankings will be released Tuesday night, with both BYU and Utah poised to rise again following their impressive weekend performances.
