It wasn't the best start to the 2026 season for the Pac-12, but teams are starting to put it together.
After it had a FBS-high four winless teams going into Week 3, three Pac-12 squads were able to notch a mark in the win column, while looking impressive in the process. Five of the eight teams in the conference were victorious, setting the stage for nearly everyone to get to at least .500.
Week 4 will be the final week of non-conference play before the conference schedule begins, and all teams are trying to position themselves in strong standing before the chase for the Pac-12 crown begins. It's become pretty clear who is at the top and at the bottom, but there's loads of shuffling happening in between the power rankings.
makes statement among Group of Six teams
1. Boise State (2-1)
Last week ranking: 1 (↔️)
Week 3 result: Win vs. South Dakota 38-24.
What to know: It was no cakewalk against a formidable Championship Subdividion team, which hung with the Broncos into the fourth quarter before Dylan Riley pulled Boise State away. His 454 rushing yards in three games is third-most in the country, giving Boise State another powerful back leading the way with an intriguing road trip to Western Michigan up next.
Up next: at Western Michigan
2. Colorado State (2-1)
Last week ranking: 2 (↔️)
Week 3 result: Loss vs. No. 13 Brigham Young 41-23.
What to know: The litmus test on how legit Jim Mora's team is didn't go well, with playoff contender BYU coming into Fort Collins and leaving no doubt in a blowout victory. What's really concerning is the health of quarterback Hauss Hejny as he's been a breakout star for the Rams. Something to watch for going into first road game.
Up next: at Texas-San Antonio
3. Oregon State (1-2)
Last week ranking: 5 (⬆️2)
Week 3 result: Win vs. Montana 52-17.
What to know: Make no mistake about this Championship Subdivision win; Montana is a talented team and it stood no chance against a high-powered Beaver offense that ripped apart the Grizzlies. That's behind the top receiver in the country in Jesse Legree (476 yards) and quarterback Braden Atkinson, leads the country in passing yards per game (374.0). This is a fun team to watch.
Up next: at Texas-El Paso
4. Fresno State (2-1)
Last week ranking: 3 (⬇️1)
Week 3 result: Win vs. San Jose State 26-10.
What to know: It wasn't pretty but Fresno State won a third consecutive Battle for the Valley. The offense struggled to get in the end zone but the leg of Manaki Watanabe powered the special teams unit that came up clutch. Defense has also stepped up greatly so far.
Up next: vs. Rice
5. Washington State (1-2)
Last week ranking: 6 (⬆️1)
Week 3 result: Win vs. Duquesne 48-7.
What to know: Back home and Wazzu's offense finally shows signs of life against Duquesne, scoring multiple touchdowns for the first time this season. Caden Pinnick looks more comfortable at the helm as the Cougars have another power conference team − and old Pac-12 foe − on deck.
Up next: vs. Arizona
6. Texas State (1-2)
Last week ranking: 7 (⬆️1)
Week 3 result: Win vs. North Texas 49-35.
What to know: There's the Texas State offense we all expected. Brad Jackson led a relentless attack that won a shootout against North Texas, getting the Bobcats back on track after a pair of disappointing outings.
Up next: vs. Incarnate Word
7. San Diego State (1-2)
Last week ranking: 4 (⬇️3)
Week 3 result: Loss vs. James Madison 26-13.
What to know: Major concerns about the San Diego State offense struggling to score, with back-to-back shutouts in first half and playing catch up the entire time. Sean Lewis needs to figure out how to bring life back into the unit or its going to be his worst season with the Aztecs.
Up next: at Toledo
8. Utah State (0-3)
Last week ranking: 8 (↔️)
Week 3 result: Loss vs. No. 17 Utah 33-0.
What to know: The difficult season continues as the only winless team in the Pac-12 got a thumping from rival Utah. After the shutout, Utah State has the second-worst scoring offense (10.3 points per game) in the country and its quarterbacks are turning the ball over frequently. It's hard to see when a win could come for the Aggies.
Up next: vs. Troy
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pac-12 college football power rankings: Oregon State rising in latest shuffle
