The Big 12 conference has placed three teams in the top 10 of the Associated Press Top 25 following significant upheaval within the SEC, according to a report published October 19, 2026.
Following a Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in which five of the top seven teams lost, No. 2 BYU, No. 8 Texas Tech, and No. 10 Utah landed in the top 10 on Sunday. This marked the most losses by top seven teams in a single regular season day since the AP rankings began 90 years ago.
BYU secured its No. 2 ranking after a 28-24 victory over No. 2 Notre Dame on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, while playing as a 10.5-point home underdog. The win, which occurred at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, represents the Cougars' highest-ranked victory since defeating No. 1 Miami in 1990.
Currently 6-0, BYU has opened the season with six consecutive wins for three straight years. Despite star running back LJ Martin being sidelined by injury for the last two-plus games, quarterback Bear Bachmeier has led the team's offense, while the defense remains a top-15 unit nationally.
Texas Tech achieved a 53-25 victory over Arizona State, building a 43-10 halftime lead and totaling 502 yards of offense. Coach Joey McGuire noted that the 6-0 team has found ways to win despite facing criticism regarding their performance compared to the 2025 Big 12 championship team.
Utah, which entered the top 10 for the first time in two years, holds a 12-game winning streak. The Utes secured a 27-24 victory over Colorado in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. The win was supported by two scoring drives from Devon Dampier and a 30-yard interception return late in the game by James Chenault Jr.
The ACC's Miami reached the No. 1 spot after defeating Florida State in double overtime, ending a 24-year drought for a team outside the SEC or Big Ten holding the top position. This shift follows losses by SEC teams Georgia, Alabama, Texas, Florida, and Missouri.
In the SEC, No. 13 Alabama, No. 18 LSU, No. 19 Texas, No. 20 Florida, and No. 22 Missouri are all two-loss teams. This is the highest number of ranked two-loss teams in a Week 8 poll since 2022.
BYU's upcoming regular-season schedule includes a matchup against rival Utah on Nov. 7.
The Cougars' most difficult remaining regular-season game is scheduled against Utah on Nov. 7.
