Big 12 Men’s Basketball Power Rankings for Week 5
The Big 12 men’s basketball season is now five weeks old and we’re getting clear separation at the top among the top teams in the conference.
With most schools prepping for exams and graduation, the big games are coming this weekend at neutral sites in places like Houston and Fort Worth.
After five weeks, we present our latest Big 12 men’s basketball power rankings for the 2023-24 season.
Tier One
1. Baylor (9-0) – Last Week — 1
2. Houston (10-0) – Last Week — 2
3. Kansas (9-1) – Last Week — 3
4. Oklahoma (9-0) – Last Week — 6
5. BYU (8-1) – Last Week — 4
Only minor adjustments here. If you’re being picky, Baylor and Houston haven’t beaten a Top 25 team, but the Bears and Cougars have both beaten teams that could easily be ranked under different circumstances. It’s not like either has played a cupcake schedule. Kansas remains at No. 3 because the Jayhawks have a loss. But, they also have a 3-1 record against ranked teams.
Oklahoma moves onto the first tier after beating Arkansas on Saturday. The Sooners, surprisingly, are one of three remaining teams in the conference that are undefeated. At this point in the season, that has to put a team on the top tier.
BYU remains on the top tier for now. The Cougars shouldn’t be penalized for losing their first game. But, they drop behind OU on this tier and another loss likely drops them to the second tier.
Tier Two
6. Texas (7-2) – Last Week — 5
7. Iowa State (8-2) – Last Week — 9
8. TCU (7-1) – Last Week — 7
9. Cincinnati (7-1) – Last Week — 8
10. Kansas State (8-2) – Last Week — 11
11. Texas Tech (6-2) – Last Week — 10
At some point there will be a fourth tier. But the Big 12 isn’t there yet. All six of the teams here are quality teams with just one or two losses. Most of those losses are either to ranked or Top 100 NET teams.
Texas drops to the second tier with its second loss of the season, though it should be noted both are to Top 25 teams. TCU absorbed its first loss at a neutral site to a Top 25 team in Clemson. Cincinnati also lost its first game of the season, falling to Xavier.
It will be awfully interesting to watch Kansas State the next few weeks. The Wildcats lose Nae’Qwan Tomlin but should get Ques Glover back in a few weeks.
Texas Tech also absorbed a big loss, as Devan Cambridge is out for the season with a knee injury. That could really hurt the Red Raiders long term.
Tier 3
12. UCF (6-3) – Last Week — 12
13. Oklahoma State (4-5) – Last Week — 13
14. West Virginia (4-5) – Last Week — 14
WVU may be getting help soon as Kerr Kriisa comes back from his NCAA suspension and the NCAA is re-examining Rae’Quan Battle’s waiver — again. And don’t rule out a hard pursuit of new Kansas State transfer Nae’Qwan Tomlin. The Mountaineers could get better fast, if things break right.
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
