Pac-12 football power rankings: What we learned from first week of conference games

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The new Pac-12 has officially begun.

After four weeks of nonconference action, the league finally kicked off its conference slate with all eight teams playing their first Pac-12 games in Week 5. We started to get a good sense of what teams are in the first four weeks, but conference play is where it gets real interesting as the race for the title and a potential College Football Playoff spot starts.

The first week of Pac-12 games mostly went as expected, with Boise State still reigning supreme, but there were some surprises that shifted the power rankings. How much did game one of eight affect it?

1. Boise State (4-1, 1-0)

Last week ranking: 1 (↔️)
Week 5 result: Win vs. Utah State, 37-18
What to know: The presumed leader had no trouble handling the Aggies in the conference debut. While Dylan Riley and the running game have been getting much deserved attention, Maddux Madsen really shined, proving how valuable an experienced quarterback can be.
Up next: at Fresno State

2. Oregon State (3-2, 1-0)

Last week ranking: 2 (↔️)
Week 5 result: Win vs. Colorado State, 56-26
What to know: Can anyone stop Braden Atkinson and Jesse Legree? The quarterback threw for a season-best 427 yards and the freshman receiver had two touchdowns with 156 yards, the fifth time he’s gotten at least 100 yards in his young career. With the explosive offense leading the way, the Beavers are on their first three game win streak since 2023.
Up next: vs. San Diego State

3. Fresno State (4-1, 1-0)

Last week ranking: 3 (↔️)
Week 5 result: Win vs. Washington State, 26-6
What to know: Make it four in a row for the Bulldogs as they hounded Washington State on the road, limiting the Cougars to 30 rushing yards and making it comfortable for the offense. The defense has really been carrying the way, giving up 10 points or less in three of the four wins so far.
Up next: vs. Boise State

4. San Diego State (2-3, 1-0)

Last week ranking: 7 (⬆️3)
Week 5 result: Win vs. Texas State, 31-29
What to know: Just when it looked like things would get worse in San Diego, Jaylon Hawkins ran the kickoff back for a touchdown out of halftime to kickstart a 14-point comeback and snap the losing streak. The defense and special teams certainly were why the Aztecs won, but it was encouraging to see the offense convert opportunities. Now San Diego State has to hope the mumps outbreak can be contained.
Up next: at Oregon State

5. Texas State (2-3, 0-1)

Last week ranking: 5 (↔️)
Week 5 result: Loss vs. San Diego State, 31-29
What to know: The first Pac-12 win in history was in the bag for Texas State until it unraveled thanks to a comedy of errors. Brad Jackson threw some costly interceptions deep in Bobcats territory, including a pick-six, that made it easy for San Diego State to comeback. Texas State just has to hope this doesn’t bite them back later in the season.
Up next: BYE

6. Colorado State (2-3, 0-1)

Last week ranking: 4 (⬇️2)
Week 5 result: Loss vs. Oregon State, 56-26
What to know: The first year of Jim Mora era has taken a dramatic turn, with the defense getting cooked by Oregon State so bad the coach relieved his defensive coordinator of play-calling duties mid-game and he left the field. Now with three straight losses, Colorado State gets an extra week to figure out how to stop somebody after three consecutive games giving up at least 41 points.
Up next: BYE

7. Washington State (1-4, 0-1)

Last week ranking: 6 (⬇️1)
Week 5 result: Loss vs. Fresno State, 26-6
What to know: Offense has really set Wazzu back, managing just two field goals in the 20-point loss to Fresno State. Averaging just 19 points per game and unable to stay on the field on third down, you have to wonder if some change is needed to provide a spark in moving the ball downfield. The 1-4 record is the worst start since 2010.
Up next: at Utah State (Friday)

8. Utah State (1-4, 0-1)

Last week ranking: 8 (↔️)
Week 5 result: Loss vs. Boise State, 37-18
What to know: It would have taken a miracle for the Aggies to pull off the upset on the blue turf, as they were completely overmatched by Boise State. There were some positive signs to take away from, but it’s still a long season for Utah State.
Up next: vs. Washington State (Friday)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pac-12 football power rankings: What we learned from first week of conference games

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