The Big 12 football season is entering its final weeks, bringing many surprises along the way.
A year marked by unpredictable outcomes has seen teams that were initially expected to struggle rise to the top, while several anticipated contenders have fallen short.
Among the few teams expected to land in the upper rankings, No. 17 Kansas State has maintained a strong position for a spot in the conference championship.
Surprising teams such as No. 9 BYU, No. 11 Iowa State, and No. 23 Colorado are also in prime positions to vie for a spot in the championship game, set to take place on December 7 in Arlington, Texas.
Meanwhile, teams like Utah, Oklahoma State, Kansas, and Arizona have unexpectedly languished in the lower half of the standings.

This season marks a significant transition for the Big 12 as it expands to include four new teams, making it a 16-member league.
Here is a closer examination of the teams that are still in contention for a shot at the Big 12 title:

**BYU**
Initially projected to finish 13th, the Cougars (8-0, 5-0) have emerged as one of the eight undefeated teams this season.
They have consistently proven themselves, securing narrow victories against opponents like SMU, Baylor, and Oklahoma State, while also winning against their other matchups by at least a 13-point margin.
Led by a formidable defense, BYU’s quarterback Jake Retzlaff has been exceptional, amassing nearly 1,900 passing yards, 18 touchdown passes, and contributing 303 rushing yards with three rushing touchdowns.
If they can maintain their current form, BYU is set for a title game appearance.
Upcoming schedule: at Utah, Kansas, at Arizona State, and Houston.

**Iowa State**
The Cyclones (7-0, 4-0) have also exceeded their preseason predictions.
They narrowly defeated their rivals Iowa by a single point and recently outperformed UCF 38-35, matching the best start to a season in the program’s history, tied with 1938.
Iowa State boasts the ninth-best defense in the nation, allowing just 14 points per game and has an impressive pass defense which ranks second, conceding an average of only 133 yards.
Quarterback Rocco Becht has been a reliable leader, amassing 1,712 yards and 11 touchdown passes thus far.
Like BYU, Iowa State has control of its own destiny.
Remaining schedule: Texas Tech, Kansas (in Kansas City), Cincinnati, at Utah, Kansas State.

**Kansas State**
The Wildcats (7-1, 4-1) are one of the few teams in the Big 12 that have met pre-season expectations.
Although they were predicted to finish second, they currently sit in third place, just one game behind BYU.
Kansas State suffered a 38-9 defeat against BYU but has otherwise excelled, exhibiting a balanced offense and ranking 20th nationally in points allowed per game (21.3).
Quarterback Avery Johnson has tallied 2,027 yards and 20 touchdowns, while running back DJ Giddens is approaching 1,000 rushing yards.
A pivotal game against Iowa State looms as the finale of their season.
Remaining schedule: at Houston, Arizona State, Cincinnati, at Iowa State.

**Colorado**
Under first-year coach Deion Sanders, the Buffaloes (6-2, 4-1) have shown improvement and have a chance to compete in the conference title hunt during their return to the Big 12.
Notable player Travis Hunter is in contention for the Heisman Trophy, and quarterback Shedeur Sanders ranks sixth nationwide with 2,591 passing yards and 21 touchdowns.
This resurgence is impressive considering the team was projected to finish 11th.
Remaining schedule: at Texas Tech, Utah, Kansas (in Kansas City), Oklahoma State.

**Teams with Hope**
Cincinnati, TCU, Texas Tech, West Virginia, and Arizona State are still mathematically in the championship mix, but all must embark on a winning streak and hope for favorable outcomes from rival teams.
Four of these teams currently hold a 3-2 record within the conference, while Arizona State is at 2-2.
None were expected to exceed a seventh-place finish, with Cincinnati and Arizona State among the projected bottom three teams.