Big 12 football power rankings: TCU makes statement, Texas wins big

5. No. 19 Kansas Jayhawks (5-1, 2-1)

If Lance Leipold gets more talent to Lawrence, the Jayhawks will be exceptional in the Big 12. The Horned Frogs obviously had the athletic advantage in the game, but Leipold and his staff schemed well. Leipold is the hottest name in coaching. If he leaves, offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki could be a suitable replacement.

4. No. 22 Texas Longhorns (2-1, 4-2)

It is hard to remember the last time the Longhorns were better than the Sooners. The Red River Rivalry was a massacre this year, however. Quarterback Quinn Ewers had his coming out party against the Sooners. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has to be excited at how well they’ve responded after the Texas Tech loss.

Their four-game stretch against Oklahoma State, TCU, Kansas State, and Kansas will determine the Big 12.

3. No. 8 Oklahoma State Cowboys (5-0, 2-0)

The Cowboys found a way to defeat the Red Raiders this weekend at home. When you are trying to win a conference title and get to the playoff, you need to win games like these. Spencer Sanders was inefficient but made plays when the team needed him. Most importantly, he did not make the crucial mistake that could have cost the Pokes the game.

2. No. 13 TCU Horned Frogs (5-0, 2-0)

The Horned Frogs served notice on the entire Big 12 by going to a boisterous Kansas Memorial Stadium and handing the Jayhawks their first loss. Kansas had that game schemed well on offense and defense. TCU did an excellent job of using its athletic advantage to make key plays in critical moments. The Frogs are a legit contender in the conference.

1. No. 17 Kansas State Wildcats (5-1, 3-0) 

The Tulane loss continues to look better since the Green Wave looks like a contender in the AAC. Nebraska transfer quarterback Adrian Martinez looks like a different player in head coach Chris Klieman and offensive coordinator Collin Klien’s system. He and running back Duece Vaughn are a defensive coordinator’s worst nightmare at the mesh point since both can score from anywhere on the field.