Josh Pate has released the first in-season edition of the JP Poll, his personal rating system ranking the top 20 teams in college football, and the Big 12’s presence is limited.
Kansas State was the lone representative from the conference, coming in at No. 19.
The JP Poll, which Pate describes as a power rating rather than a traditional poll, is designed to reflect how teams are playing right now rather than serving as a resume-based ranking. That means early-season performance, efficiency metrics, and on-field results all play a role, rather than relying solely on preseason projections or strength of schedule.
For Kansas State, the No. 19 spot comes after an up-and-down 2024 season that showed off flashy highlights but left room for improvement. The Wildcats are expected to contend in the Big 12 this season, and earning recognition in Pate’s poll shows they are still viewed as a dangerous team despite the lack of additional conference representation.
The absence of other Big 12 programs underscores the challenge the league faces in building early national momentum. Arizona State, Baylor, Texas Tech, and Iowa State all entered the season with expectations of competing for the conference crown, but were not included in this week’s list. Pate’s rankings are fluid, however, and early-season games against ranked opponents could provide opportunities for movement.
Kansas State will have a chance to climb higher with a strong showing in the coming weeks, especially with high-profile matchups ahead. For now, they carry the Big 12’s banner in the JP Poll, a reminder that the conference’s national profile will depend heavily on how its top contenders perform in September.
