Pac-12 football power rankings: Boise State asserts as CFP favorite

The Pac-12‘s start to the 2026 college football season depends on your perspective.

Two weeks in, the conference has reasons for optimism and cause for concern. On the bright side, it boasts the current favorite for the Group of Six’s automatic College Football Playoff berth and several teams showing real promise. On the other, four Pac-12 programs are still searching for their first win, the most of any conference despite the league having no more than 10 members.

One thing is clear: There’s no debate about the conference’s top team. The bigger question is who has emerged behind it and climbed into the Pac-12’s upper tier.

Texas replaces Notre Dame at No. 1

Arch Manning winning Heisman? Ohio State in trouble?

(1-1)

Last week ranking: 1 (↔️)

Week 2 result: Win vs. Memphis, 38-20

What to know: There is a clear frontrunner for the Group of Six playoff spot after the Broncos defended the blue turf convincingly against fellow G6 CFP hopeful Memphis. With how well Boise State has looked, there’s no reason to think it can’t win out the rest of the way, creating a massive gap from the rest of the conference. However, it can’t overlook a good FCS team in South Dakota coming in.

Up next: vs. South Dakota

(2-0)

Last week ranking: 2 (↔️)

Week 2 result: Win vs. Southern Utah, 58-24

What to know: The only undefeated team in the conference, Jim Mora is rolling in Year 1 behind great quarterback play from Hauss Hejny, who has thrown for nine touchdowns in two games. Now comes a pivotal moment with Big 12 contender BYU arriving to Fort Collins.

Up next: vs. No. 13 BYU

Last week ranking: 7 (⬆️4)

Week 2 result: Win vs. Sacramento State, 49-3

What to know: The subpar opening game at USC was wiped away in complete domination of Sacramento State, looking like the Fresno State you expect out of the valley. As long as Jayden Mandal can get the ball to receivers, the Bulldogs can succeed.

Up next: at San Jose State

Last week ranking: 3 (⬇️1)

Week 2 result: Loss vs. UCLA, 28-10

What to know: After the offense took a step forward in Week 1, it took two steps back in Week 2 after a tough outing against UCLA, throwing for just 45 passing yards and 10 plays in Bruins territory. However, the defense held its own for the majority of the game and can cause fits to just about anyone. The true test will come next when it has to try and stop a James Madison team coming off an 87-point outing.

Up next: James Madison

Last week ranking: 5 (↔️)

Week 2 result: Loss vs. No. 13 Texas Tech, 35-24

What to know: This may be one of the most impressive 0-2 teams in the country. The Beavers again played a ranked Big 12 opponent and gave them a scare, leading Texas Tech in the fourth quarter before the Red Raiders escaped. The record shouldn’t overshadow the clear improvement under first-year coach JaMarcus Shephard despite a tough nonconference schedule.

Up next: Montana

Last week ranking: 4 (⬇️2)

Week 2 result: Loss vs. Kansas State, 34-7

What to know: The defense did all it could against Kansas State but there’s serious concern with the offense after it failed to score more than 10 points in back-to-back weeks, resulting in an 8.5 points per game average that is dead last in FBS. Caden Pinnick has struggled to adjust to the FBS level, but maybe it will help not having to face a Power conference opponent in the first home game.

Up next: vs. Duquesne

Last week ranking: 6 (⬇️1)

Week 2 result: Loss vs. UTSA, 31-26

What to know: The dark horse status of Texas State took a dramatic hit by losing the I-35 Rivalry to UTSA. It was marred by turnovers with quarterback Brad Jackson having a rough outing, a surprise considering how much potential there was with the offense. The Bobcats are in need of a spark immediately to avoid wasting the talent.

Up next: vs. North Texas

Last week ranking: 8 (↔️)

Week 2 result: Loss vs. No. 19 Washington, 16-14

What to know: Surprisingly, Utah State looked better against a ranked FBS team than an FCS team. The Aggies had a shot against the Huskies, but again, turnovers are a major issue. It has given up the ball seven times, the second-most in the country just ahead of Rutgers. That doesn’t bode well with its about to face the daunting defense of its in-state rival in what’s shaping up to be a rough first season for Bronco Mendenhall.

Up next: at No. 17 Utah

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pac-12 football power rankings: Boise State asserts as CFP favorite