After back-to-back blowout wins, the BYU Cougars and University of Utah Utes both climbed in the College Football Playoff rankingsnationwide, landing at No. 11 and No. 12 respectively on November 18, 2025. It’s the first time since December 2021 that both Utah and BYU have been ranked simultaneously in the playoff standings — a milestone for the Big 12’s most heated rivalry, now playing out on the national stage. The rise comes after BYU crushed San Diego State 45-10 and Utah demolished Colorado 52-17 during the weekend of November 15-16. But here’s the thing: despite their perfect records against everyone except Texas Tech, they’re still on the outside looking in.
From Slump to Surge: BYU’s Roller Coaster Ride
Just one week earlier, BYU sat at No. 12 after a shocking 34-31 loss to Texas Tech Red Raiders — their first defeat of the season. The team’s official Twitter account, @BYUfootball, summed it up bluntly: "NUMBER TWELVE." Fans were stunned. The Cougars had entered the season at No. 7 in the initial November 4 rankings, their highest-ever opening position in the 12-team playoff era. But that loss dropped them five spots, and whispers began about whether BYU could still make the cut.
Turns out, they didn’t miss a beat. A 9-1 record, a top-10 strength of schedule, and a dominant win over a ranked San Diego State team changed the narrative. "They’ve got a better record than some teams ahead of them," said KSL Sports analyst PK in a November 19 YouTube breakdown. "And yet, they’re still behind a team they beat? That doesn’t add up."
Utah’s Quiet Climb — And the Ghost of Texas Tech
The University of Utah Utes didn’t get the same spotlight, but their climb was just as impressive. After falling to Texas Tech in October, Utah went on a tear: six straight wins, including road victories at West Virginia and Kansas State. Their 7-2 record isn’t flashy, but their wins are by an average of 21 points. They jumped from No. 13 in the initial rankings to No. 12 — their highest placement since 2022.
But here’s the twist: Texas Tech, the team that beat both BYU and Utah, sits at No. 5. And they haven’t lost since. The committee clearly values head-to-head results above all else. Even though Utah has a better overall record than No. 4 Clemson and No. 3 Georgia, they’re still behind them — because they lost to a team that’s now ranked in the top five. That’s the brutal math of the playoff selection process.
Who’s Ahead of Them — And Why
Just ahead of BYU and Utah are three teams with two losses: Oklahoma Sooners (No. 10), Notre Dame Fighting Irish (No. 9), and Alabama Crimson Tide (No. 8). All have stronger non-conference resumes and more national brand recognition. But BYU’s 9-1 record is better than Alabama’s 8-2. So why the gap?
According to ESPN’s Football Power Index from early November, BYU had a 65.5% chance of making the playoff — still the highest among non-Power Five teams. But the committee doesn’t use algorithms. They use eyeballs. And they’ve consistently rewarded teams from the ACC, SEC, and Big Ten, even when their résumés are weaker.
Case in point: Tulane Green Wave, the Group of Five champion, sits at No. 10 — ahead of BYU — despite having two losses and a weaker schedule. The committee says they value "overall body of work," but in practice, conference affiliation still matters.
The Big 12’s Playoff Dream — And Its Hurdles
The Big 12 Conference is having its best season in years. With five teams ranked — Texas Tech (No. 5), BYU (No. 11), Utah (No. 12), Houston (No. 23), and Arizona State (No. 25) — the league could send three teams to the playoff for the first time. But that depends on who wins the conference title game on December 7.
Right now, Texas Tech holds the tiebreaker over BYU and Utah. If they win out, they’ll likely claim the conference crown and lock up a top-four seed. That would leave BYU and Utah fighting for the final at-large spot — and possibly losing to a one-loss ACC team with a weaker record.
What’s Next? The Final Push
The next rankings drop on November 25, 2025 — just before the final weekend of conference play. BYU faces a tough road game at West Virginia on November 29. Utah closes with a home game against Arizona State on November 30. Both teams need wins to keep their hopes alive.
And then, on December 7, the final rankings arrive. That’s when the committee decides who gets the final four at-large bids. If BYU and Utah both finish 10-2, and Texas Tech wins the Big 12, the committee will face a historic dilemma: honor the head-to-head result, or reward the better overall record?
For now, the answer is clear: they’re the first two out. But with two games left, this story isn’t over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are BYU and Utah ranked below teams with more losses?
The College Football Playoff committee prioritizes head-to-head results, strength of schedule, and conference affiliation over raw win-loss records. Even though BYU is 9-1, they lost to Texas Tech, who’s ranked No. 5. Teams like Alabama and Notre Dame have stronger non-conference wins and more national exposure, which sways the committee despite having two losses.
Can BYU still make the playoff if they lose their next game?
It’s unlikely. A loss to West Virginia would drop BYU to 9-2, and they’d likely fall behind teams like Clemson or Ohio State, who are expected to finish with one loss. To make the playoff, BYU needs to win out, hope Texas Tech loses in the Big 12 Championship, and pray the committee ignores the head-to-head result — which has never happened before.
Why does Utah’s ranking matter if they’re behind BYU?
Utah’s presence at No. 12 keeps the Big 12’s playoff case alive. If both teams are ranked in the top 12, it signals to the committee that the conference is deep and competitive. A single team from the Big 12 making the playoff is one thing — two is a statement. It could influence future access for Group of Five schools.
What’s the significance of Texas Tech being ranked No. 5?
Texas Tech’s No. 5 ranking is the biggest obstacle for BYU and Utah. Because they beat both teams, they control the tiebreaker. Even if BYU wins out and Texas Tech loses one game, the committee may still favor Texas Tech’s win over BYU as a "signature victory." That’s the brutal reality of the current system: one loss can erase months of dominance.
Has any team from outside the Power Five made the playoff?
No. Since the 12-team format began in 2024, no Group of Five team has made the playoff — even when they’ve had one loss and a conference title. Tulane, the 2023 champion, was ranked No. 11 last year and missed out. The committee has consistently favored Power Five teams, even with weaker résumés, making BYU and Utah’s chances a long shot despite their strong seasons.
When will we know if BYU or Utah made the playoff?
The final selections will be announced on December 8, 2025, after the conference championship games. The last rankings drop on December 7, giving the committee one final look before locking in the 12-team field. If BYU and Utah are both still in the top 12, they’ll be on the bubble — and fans across the Mountain Time Zone will be holding their breath.