Big 12 football power rankings: Iowa State, Kansas on the rise in Week 3

4. Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-0)

The Oklahoma State Cowboys had a solid early season victory against the Arizona State Sun Devils 34-17 in Stillwater last week. Quarterback Spencer Sanders is attempting to prove everyone wrong by taking a necessary step in his development. Specifically, he’s thrown just one interception through two games.

Hopefully, the trend for Sanders continues, and he can take care of the football.

3. Kansas State Wildcats (2-0)

The Wildcats have played well with Nebraska transfer quarterback Adrian Martinez. The Wildcats made short work of the Missouri Tigers in their first matchup since 2011. The defense forced four turnovers, and Duece Vaughn ran for 145 yards and two touchdowns. The Wildcats have to throw the football better if they want to contend in the Big 12.

2. Iowa State Cyclones (2-0)

The Cyclones won the Cyhawk Trophy for the first time since 2014 in a bowling shoe ugly game against in-state rival Iowa 10-7. It was arguably one of the biggest wins in head coach Matt Campbell’s career. The only thing missing from Campbell’s remarkable run at Iowa State is a Big 12 title. They’ve played for one; can they win it this year?

1. Kansas Jayhawks (2-0)

Are the Kansas Jayhawks the best team in the Big 12? Of course they aren’t, but give credit where credit is due. The Jayhawks routed Tennessee Tech in its season opener, which might not seem like much, but there was a time Kansas would struggle to beat an FCS team. The Jayhawks then went to Morgantown and found a way to defeat the Mountaineers in overtime.

The rest of the schedule is strict with Houston, Duke, and Iowa State upcoming. Kansas might not win many more games, but they will be no pushover this season.