2026 Week 3 Power Rankings for CFB Teams in the West

1. USC (0-0, 3-0) ▲1

The Trojans haven’t been tested this season.

Lincoln Riley has led USC to easy wins over San Jose State, Fresno State, and Louisiana.

But the soft schedule and late-game touchdowns allowed create some reasonable doubt.

Nobody will know just how good USC really is until they play Oregon in two weeks.

2. BYU (1-0, 2-0) ▲1

BYU’s Playoff chances increased after its win over Arizona.

The Big 12 may have gained some national respect, too, after Oklahoma State beat Oregon.

Regardless, the Cougars have to keep winning. The Playoff Committee will do anything it can to limit the number of bids from the Big 12.

But so long as BYU keeps winning, that won’t matter.

3. Utah (0-0, 2-0) ▲2

That’s how you gain respect. The Utes crushed Arkansas in a 43-10 blowout.

The SEC propaganda machine will spin it to de-emphasize the win.

But the large margin of victory shows that Utah is one of the favorites to win the Big 12.

And after Texas Tech struggled in Corvallis, the league appears to be open for the taking.

4. UCLA (0-0, 2-0) ▲2

Bob Chesney has UCLA rolling.

It took a while to get it going against San Diego State. But the final score met expectations.

The Bruins might not be good enough to compete at the top of the Big 10. Yet, the program is light-years ahead of where it’s been the past few seasons.

And the season is still early. Why not UCLA?

5. Oregon (0-0, 1-1) ▼4

The loss to Oklahoma State was arguably the worst defeat in program history. Dan Lanning and his staff should be embarrassed.

It’s hard to put into context just how bad the Cowboys have been.

They had lost 21 games in a row to FBS opponents and were coming off a defeat to Tulsa. OK State was by far the worst Power Conference team in the country.

At some point, more than one person needs to be fired. The decision to promote coordinators from within was a mistake that might cost Oregon its entire season.

6. Boise State (0-0, 1-1) ▲3

The Broncos are on track to make the Playoff.

The victory over Memphis was critical.

But Oregon’s unexpected loss to Oklahoma State changes the dynamic moving forward. If the Ducks lose more games, the close defeat in Eugene becomes less respectable.

To counteract that, Boise State should run the score up at every opportunity.

7. Washington (0-0, 2-0) ▼3

This is not the Washington team that was expected in the preseason.

The close game against Utah State was very damaging. The respect is gone. Jedd Fisch’s time in Seattle appears to be nearing an end.

The struggles against Washington State in Week One are now eye-opening after Kansas State dogwalked Wazzu.

The Dawgs may be 2-0. But the perception of the program is at a several-year low.

8. Arizona (0-1, 1-1) ▼1

The primary concern around Arizona entering the season was its secondary.

The unit gave up downfield throws against NAU and BYU.

It’s a problem that’s not going away. The defense isn’t as good this season and the offense is not as efficient.

The Cats are still a good team. Just not a great one.

9. Arizona State (0-0, 1-1) ▼1

Spin the stats however you want.

Arizona State was expected by many to be competitive against Texas A&M and they weren’t.

It was a 28-point defeat after many were predicting ASU to cover the 14-point spread. Yet, the Tempe media is spinning the loss into a moral victory.

The reality is ASU got blown out by the only good team its faced.

10. New Mexico (0-0, 2-0) ▲NR

New Mexico has taken care of business to start the season.

With two convincing wins over nobodies, the Lobos look to be one of the top teams in the Mountain West.

Still, the MWC’s path to the Playoff is a long shot. All UNM can do is keep beating the teams on its schedule and let the cards fall.

This week’s matchup with Oklahoma is an opportunity to gain respect nationally.

Dropped Out: San Diego State