The Big 12 is entering a pivotal year of bowl projections as the 2026 season approaches, with analysts already mapping out potential matchups and playoff scenarios for each program.
Bowl Tie‑Ins and Playoff Outlook
The conference has secured ties with six different bowl games, and former Pac‑12 members continue to appear in Pac‑12‑affiliated bowls, preserving a thread of tradition despite the realignment. Both On3 and CBS Sports agree that Texas Tech stands out as the only Big 12 team projected to earn a College Football Playoff berth, underscoring the competitive edge the Red Raiders have built.
Team‑Specific Projections
UCF is slated to travel to the Cure Bowl where it will meet USF, creating an in‑state showdown that promises local excitement. Meanwhile, Baylor has earned a spot in the Frisco Bowl against UTSA, another intra‑state clash that could shape the Bears' postseason narrative.
Arizona State finds itself with two solid options: the Hawaii Bowl against Hawaii or the Holiday Bowl versus Virginia Tech, giving the Sun Devils flexibility in their travel plans. Kansas will introduce a new starting quarterback in 2026 as Jalon Daniels heads to the NFL, a transition that could affect the Wildcats' momentum.
Houston is projected to play in the Pop‑Tarts Bowl against Louisville, a matchup that pits two of the conference’s stronger programs against each other and highlights the Pop‑Tarts brand's resurgence in college football bowl games.
BYU’s bowl outlook includes a potential Texas Bowl meeting with Auburn or an Alamo Bowl clash with Washington, giving the Cougars a chance to climb into the CFP conversation with a strong finish.
Oklahoma State could head to the Birmingham Bowl to face Missouri or the Liberty Bowl to take on Florida, both opportunities for the Cowboys to rebound and finish the season on a high note.
TCU is expected to secure a bowl berth, with possible opponents ranging from UCLA to Utah State, providing the Horned Frogs with a clear path to postseason play.
Kansas State will look to bounce back under a new head coach after a challenging season, hoping the fresh leadership can restore confidence in the program.
Utah, despite the loss of head coach Kyle Whittingham, is still projected to be a top‑5 team in the Big 12, indicating that the program’s depth and talent may carry it through the transition.
Arizona could find itself in either the Sun Bowl against Virginia Tech or the Independence Bowl versus Army, giving the Wildcats two distinct pathways to showcase their strengths.
Cincinnati rounds out the projections with a potential Liberty Bowl matchup against South Carolina or a First Responder Bowl pairing with North Carolina, both games that could solidify the Bearcats’ bowl presence.
These projections were highlighted by analysts such as Brad Crawford and Brett McMurphy, whose insights have helped shape the current outlook for the conference.