By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
Sports
2026 Week 2 Power Rankings for CFB Teams in the West
Toss the preseason expectations out the window.
The results from Week 1 are the only body of work to analyze.
UCLA went on the road and beat rival California. That win was the most impressive result in the West over the weekend.
USC also dominated Fresno State in convincing fashion.
In other words, the Big Ten continues to roll.
Here’s how I view the Top Teams in the West heading into Week 2.
1. Oregon (0-0, 1-0) ◄►
That did not look like what we expected.
Oregon was considered a preseason favorite to win the National Championship.
This team has a long way to go. The spread was 24 points, and it turned into a single-possession game.
A win may be a win. But that was a flop.
2. USC (0-0, 2-0) ◄►
There was never any real concern behind USC’s poor finish in its Week 0 opener.
But for anyone doubting, Lincoln Riley gave them an answer.
The Trojans dominated Fresno State 39-0. The shutout was over a team some considered to be a contender in the Pac-12.
Watch out, there may be some substance around the USC hype this season.
3. BYU (0-0, 1-0) ◄►
The Cougars dominated Utah Tech for an easy win in the opener.
The victory sets the stage for a critical matchup with Arizona this weekend.
BYU can’t afford any stumbles in the Playoff race. The national media will seize the first opportunity it can to write off the Big 12.
It’s a must-win game in Provo.
4. Washington (0-0, 1-0) ◄►
The sloppy win over Washington State was acceptable for a season opener.
Was it perfect? No, not by any means.
But a win over a rival in the first game of the year is a foundation to build on.
There is plenty for Jedd Fisch and his staff to work on before Big Ten play starts later this month.
5. Utah (0-0, 1-0) ◄►
A blowout victory over an FCS opponent is the right way to start a season.
Utah crushed Idaho and can turn its full attention to Arkansas.
The SEC opponent presents a great opportunity to gain respect. A convincing win over the Razorbacks would be acknowledged by the East Coast media.
The Big 12 needs its top programs to carry the banner.
6. UCLA (0-0, 1-0) ▲NR
Starting a new era with a road win over a rival was clutch.
The final score was one for the history books. UCLA’s win emphasized the strength of the Big Ten.
Now, the expectations are raised.
A clear victory over San Diego State this weekend is a reasonable expectation.
7. Arizona (0-0, 1-0) ◄►
The Arizona secondary gave up a few plays downfield against Northern Arizona.
And the Wildcats’ offense wasn’t efficient enough. But the defense did not give up a touchdown.
Any weaknesses will probably be magnified and exploited by BYU this weekend.
The final score in Provo will show where UA stands early in the season.
8. Arizona State (0-0, 1-0) ▲1
Cutter Boley threw six touchdowns in the opener against Morgan State.
The dominant performance answered some preseason questions. Arizona State looks to be legitimate this year.
Now, an upset victory on the road against Texas A&M doesn’t seem that unreasonable.
A win over the Aggies would improve the Big 12’s reputation and make ASU a Playoff contender.
9. Boise State (0-0, 0-1) ▼3
Boise State gained respect despite its loss to Oregon.
The Broncos went toe-to-toe with one of the favorites to win the National Championship. On their home field.
The close margin of defeat could be a favorable metric in the Playoff race.
But that won’t matter if BSU loses to Memphis this weekend. The season is on the line.
10. San Diego State (0-0, 1-0) ◄►
The Aztecs scored 53 points in the opener. It was the most that San Diego State had scored in a single game since 2016.
The offense is rolling.
This week’s matchup with UCLA could change the trajectory of the season.
A win on the road over a Big Ten opponent would build the Pac-12’s reputation.
Dropped Out: Cal
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
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