2. BYU

The Cougars took a big step back in their first year in the Big 12, going 2-7 in conference play and missing a bowl for just the second time since 2005 last season. In Year 2, Kalani Sitake’s team seems to have figured a few things out in a 5-0 start.

The defense has been the biggest reason for the resurgence. Through five games, it ranks 16th nationally in yards per play allowed. Last year, it ranked 92nd.

Picked 13th in the preseason poll, BYU looks like a team capable of being a serious competitor in a wide-open Big 12 title race. The Cougars ranked 17th in the AP poll this week after starting 2-0 in conference play and demolishing preseason favorite Kansas State in Provo in Week 4.

Jake Retzlaff, the nation’s No. 1 juco quarterback in the Class of 2023 who spent last year behind Kedon Slovis, is in the midst of a breakthrough season and is the Mormon school’s first Jewish quarterback.