Tanner Pavlosky / UCF Athletics
Week 4 gave us clarity in the Big 12, with several teams separating themselves as true contenders and others already feeling the weight of conference play. From explosive quarterback play to stingy defenses, the league is proving why it calls itself “A Different League.”
Texas Tech is lighting up the scoreboard.
The Red Raiders boast the nation’s top scoring offense at 58 points per game, and Behren Morton looks like a quarterback capable of carrying them into the Big 12 title race. His 464-yard outing against Oregon State wasn’t just a career performance — it was the single-best passing day in the FBS this season.
Iowa State keeps finding ways to win.
The Cyclones survived Arkansas State 24-16, moving to 4-0 and extending their winning streak to five games. Rocco Becht has settled into his role, and this team continues to grind out victories, leaning on timely defense and a veteran roster.
Cincinnati has a quarterback worth watching.
Brendan Sorsby etched his name into the conference record books last week, tossing five touchdowns in a single quarter — a first in Big 12 history. Pair that with his 12 total touchdowns so far, and it’s no wonder the Bearcats are quietly 2-1 and building momentum.
BYU’s defense is elite.
Through three games, the Cougars are giving up just 1.5 points per contest — best in the nation. Add in LJ Martin averaging over 120 rushing yards per game, and Kalani Sitake’s team looks like a dangerous mix of physicality and efficiency.
Baylor’s ground game remains reliable.
Bryson Washington continues to be a workhorse, logging his sixth career 115-yard, multi-TD game against Samford. Pair that with Sawyer Robertson’s consistency through the air, and Baylor has the balance to give anyone problems.
UCF is quietly balanced on both sides.
The Knights are 2-0, averaging over 42 points while also fielding one of the nation’s top 10 defenses. With North Carolina visiting Orlando this week, Gus Malzahn’s team gets a national stage to prove it’s for real.
As we move into Week 5, the Big 12 looks as competitive as ever — top-heavy at the moment, but with plenty of dark horses waiting to prove they belong in the championship conversation.
About the Author
Dalton Tinklenberg is the Founder and Media Director of The Scouting Depot, where he leads comprehensive coverage of college and professional football. He is an active member of some of the most respected organizations in sports journalism, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), Maxwell Football Club, Online News Association (ONA), National Football Foundation (NFF), and the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).
Before launching The Scouting Depot, Dalton worked with Blue HQ Media, where he covered major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Through his professional affiliations and on-the-ground experience, Dalton combines deep knowledge of the game with recognized standards of storytelling, editorial excellence, and authenticity in sports coverage.
