The Big 12 Conference has released its 2026 football slate, a schedule that promises several marquee confrontations that could shape the College Football Playoff picture and the conference championship race.
Early‑season fireworks
Among the early season showdowns, Houston opens at Texas Tech on September 18, a clash that pits the Cougars against a Red Raiders squad led by quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who has been reinstated after a standout season.
Later in the year, TCU travels to Lubbock to face Texas Tech on November 26, a game that many analysts view as a potential turning point for the conference title and a possible playoff qualifier.
Late‑season showdowns
Arizona’s visit to Lubbock on October 31 brings together two of the league’s most explosive offenses, with both teams boasting dynamic playmakers and high‑powered attacks.
Utah’s trip to Boulder on October 17 represents Colorado’s toughest regular‑season test, a matchup that could determine the Buffaloes’ conference standing and playoff hopes.
The November 7 meeting between BYU and Utah in Salt Lake City is billed as the league’s toughest rivalry, a contest that could heavily influence the Big 12 title picture and the national postseason picture.
Coaching storylines
Coaches such as Willie Fritz, Sonny Dykes, Joey McGuire, Brent Brennan and Deion Sanders will be under the spotlight as they navigate these high‑stakes games, each looking to cement their programs’ identities.
Players like Bear Bachmeier, Devon Dampier and Julian "JuJu" Lewis are expected to add further fireworks, making the 2026 schedule one of the most anticipated in recent memory.