College Football Power Rankings: Oregon, BYU Lead Western Contenders as Playoff Picture Nears Clarity
As the regular season winds down, the landscape of college football in the West is largely set, though significant drama remains, particularly within the Mountain West Conference. The latest power rankings, compiled by SuperWest Sports’ Dane Miller, reflect a hierarchy taking shape as teams jockey for position heading into championship week.
At this point in the season, the Power Rankings are relatively set in stone. USC’s loss on the road to Oregon is not that damaging, especially in the context of Arizona State taking all the way until the fourth quarter to pull away from Colorado. Arizona is trending up and the margin of victory over Baylor was impressive, but still not enough to jump ASU’s resume of wins. The primary action is at the bottom of the list with all the chaos in the Mountain West. New Mexico has an argument for that 10th spot and even has a win over UNLV. But UNM’s loss to San Jose State was a major factor in keeping them at the unseen No. 11.
Here’s a breakdown of the Top 10 teams in the West, as of this week:
1. Oregon (7-1, 10-1) ◄►
Beating USC proved to be a crucial step for the Ducks in their College Football Playoff aspirations. While Oregon’s resume previously lacked a signature win, the victory over the Trojans provided a significant boost. Now, the final hurdle stands in the form of a showdown against Washington. However, a loss to the Huskies would create an uncomfortable scenario on Selection Sunday, given the earlier struggles of some of their defeated opponents. As one analyst noted, “The 2025 schedule presented challenges, but every season holds surprises.”
2. BYU (7-1, 10-1) ◄►
The Cougars are making a compelling case for inclusion in the Playoff field, but a perceived “Power 2 bias” remains the primary obstacle. According to sources, television executives prioritize ratings and favor established SEC programs and Notre Dame, potentially overshadowing the merits of deserving teams like BYU. “It’s not about the most deserving teams; it’s about maximizing revenue,” a senior official stated. The Big 12’s automatic bid may be the Cougars’ only viable path to the postseason.
3. Utah (6-2, 9-2) ◄►
The Utes exemplified the “survive and advance” mentality with a hard-fought victory at Rice-Eccles Stadium. However, in an era where dominant performances are rewarded, Utah’s narrow win over Kansas State failed to significantly improve their Playoff chances. Despite the slim odds, the season has been a resounding success, laying a foundation for sustained competitiveness in the Big 12. A win over Kansas could secure an invitation to the Las Vegas Bowl, potentially against a Big Ten opponent.
4. USC (6-2, 8-3) ◄►
The Trojans are demonstrating progress under their new coaching staff, with winning on the road representing a key step in their evolution within the Big Ten. While conference losses at Illinois and Oregon are anticipated, avoiding such defeats will be crucial for USC to ascend to the upper echelon of the conference. “Progress takes time,” one observer commented, “and USC has undoubtedly moved forward this year.” The focus now is on building momentum and capitalizing on the gains made.
5. Arizona State (6-2, 8-3) ◄►
Despite a slow start against a struggling Colorado team, Arizona State ultimately secured a decisive victory, demonstrating the importance of the final score. Looking ahead to the highly anticipated Territorial Cup game, the Sun Devils possess key advantages, particularly a strong rushing offense matched against Arizona’s weak run defense. This rivalry game, arguably the biggest since 2014, presents a significant opportunity for ASU to assert their dominance.
6. Arizona (5-3, 8-3) ◄►
Senior Day provided a memorable conclusion for the Wildcats, highlighted by a dramatic interception by defensive back Treydan Stukes that sparked a late-game surge. Arizona scored three touchdowns in the final four minutes to secure a 41-17 victory over Baylor, sending a clear message to their rivals at Arizona State. “This team is talented, well-coached, and capable of winning in Tempe,” a source close to the program emphasized.
7. Washington (5-3, 8-3) ◄►
The Huskies delivered a dominant performance against UCLA in Pasadena, securing their third road win under head coach Jedd Fisch. Now, the team returns to Seattle for what could be the most significant game of Fisch’s tenure, with the potential to disrupt Oregon’s Playoff hopes. A win would dramatically alter the trajectory of a program already on the rise.
8. San Diego State (6-1, 9-2) ◄►
Currently leading the Mountain West, the Aztecs control their own destiny. A victory over New Mexico in Albuquerque would eliminate the need for complex tiebreaker scenarios. However, a loss would leave their fate in the hands of other teams’ results. This season represents a significant turnaround for San Diego State after years of struggles, with a conference championship and LA Bowl appearance within reach.
9. UNLV (5-2, 9-2) ▲1
The Rebels are peaking at the right time, highlighted by a convincing win over Hawaii. Their remaining schedule includes a road game against rival Nevada, with their Championship Game hopes contingent on a victory and losses from both Boise State and New Mexico. “The Broncos play at Utah State and the Lobos host San Diego State, so there’s still hope,” a team insider revealed.
10. Boise State (5-2, 7-4) ▲NR
The Broncos rediscovered their form with a dominant performance against Colorado State. Facing Utah State on the road, they have an opportunity to finish the year strong. However, a loss would result in their third conference loss since joining the Mountain West in 2011. Crucially, Boise State holds head-to-head wins over both New Mexico and UNLV, which could prove decisive in tiebreaker scenarios.
Cal dropped out of the rankings this week.
Dane Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
