2026 Week 4 Power Rankings for CFB Teams in the West

1. BYU (1-0, 3-0) ▲1

BYU dominated Colorado State. The margin of victory was appropriate for a Power 4 program over a Group of 6 foe.

The Cougars have emerged as the dominant power out West this season.

Already in the Playoff discussion, securing the Big 12’s auto-bid is the clearest path.

Yet, a single defeat could derail the entire resume.

2. Utah (0-0, 3-0) ▲1

The Utes look like one of the top teams in the country.

Devon Dampier runs Morgan Scalley’s offense efficiently, and the defense is stout.

The shutout of Utah State proved that Utah is a favorite to win the Big 12.

There is a reason for optimism in Salt Lake City. A playoff appearance is becoming more likely.

3. USC (1-0, 4-0) ▼2

USC played itself out of the top spot.

The Trojans were supposed to dominate Rutgers. Instead, the game magnified the team’s flaws.

It might be easy to attribute the result to the cross-country travel. But that’s a cop out.

The outlook on SC has turned from optimistic to questionable.

4. UCLA (1-0, 3-0) ◄►

Bob Chesney has one of the country’s top rushing offenses. Teams that run the ball effectively can control games.

But the defense gave up too many points to Purdue. The offense shouldn’t need to score 50-plus to win a Conference game.

Even so, the Bruins are 3-0 for the first time since 2023 and are 1-0 in the Big Ten for the first time in program history.

5. Oregon (0-0, 2-1) ◄►

The Ducks responded to the embarrassing defeat against Oklahoma State.

The 84-to-0 win was a step in the right direction. But further blowout victories are needed to restore their reputation.

Oregon is now oddly tied to the performance of the Cowboys in the Big 12.

That loss in Stillwater will follow UO until the end of the season.

6. Boise State (0-0, 2-1) ◄►

A win is a win.

The margin of victory over South Dakota was closer than expected. But the result doesn’t change anything.

Boise State remains in contention to make the Playoff.

The Broncos can’t afford any defeats in Pac-12 play and are dependent on Oregon’s performance in the Big Ten.

7. Washington (0-0, 3-0) ◄►

The comparative results for Washington are not good.

The close victory over Utah State looks terrible compared to Utah’s 33-to-0 win.

Realistically, the Dawgs are nowhere close to a Playoff-caliber team. This Husky squad could struggle in the Big Ten.

Buckle up, it’s about to get ugly in Seattle.

8. Arizona (0-1, 2-1) ◄►

The Wildcats did not start the game well and did not finish the game well.

The final score may look appropriate, but the ugly 1st Quarter was concerning.

Arizona is 0-3 against the spread this season. That’s the definition of underperforming.

Still, playmakers are starting to emerge from the receiving corps after the injury to Gio Richardson.

9. Arizona State (1-0, 2-1) ◄►

Call it a mulligan and move on. Arizona State should have handled Kansas more comfortably.

But it was a game played on a soccer field in a foreign country. In the rain. Don’t read too much into it.

Still, Cutter Boley’s performances are coming under more scrutiny.

It’s no wonder it took Kenny Dillingham so long to name him the starter in fall camp.

10. New Mexico (0-0, 2-1) ◄►

New Mexico gained respect against Oklahoma. The game was much closer than anyone was expecting.

The close result shows the strength of UNM’s program under Jason Eck.

But with success comes attention. Many power programs will be interested in hiring Eck for next season.

Enjoy it while you can, Lobos.