Big 12 football Week 2 predictions, picks for every game

The 2026 college football season is now a week in, and the Big 12 has gone mostly to expectations, aside from Oklahoma State's shocking loss to Tulsa and Baylor's last-second loss to Auburn.

This week's headliner is a marquee nonconference matchup: No. 1 Ohio State travels to Austin to take on No. 3 Texas. In the Big 12, the top game is, without a doubt, Arizona's matchup in Provo against BYU in a battle between two teams with conference title aspirations. Other games include the famous Cy-Hawk game between Iowa State and Iowa. Colorado aims to continue its positive start to the season as it hosts Weber State for its home opener.

Here is a look at this week's staff picks for each Big 12 game on the Week 2 slate, which features all 16 teams. Games not scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, are listed as such, and all times are Mountain unless noted.

Kansas vs. No. 23 Missouri

Friday, Sept. 11, 6 p.m., Fox

Ariana: Kansas

Both teams started the year against non-Power Four teams, so this game will be a true measure of what both of them are capable of this season. Missouri enters this game ranked No. 23. However, the Jayhawks have the edge in this series at home. Kansas has also won seven of the last eight home games against the Tigers. This promises to be a close game, but Kansas will ultimately get the win.

Charlie: Missouri

Sign me up for some early-season rivalries. I love the history of the Border War, with the matchup dating back to 1901. Missouri is a slightly worse team than they were last year, and Kansas is a little better, but the Jayhawks' defense is still not up to snuff. I can see the Tigers getting close to 200 yards rushing.

Oklahoma State vs. No. 6 Oregon

10 a.m., ESPN

Ariana: Oregon

After losing to Tulsa in their opener, I don't have much faith in the Cowboys, especially against a top-10 team like Oregon. The Ducks will win this game and win big. I don't expect this to be close, but hopefully Oklahoma State will at least look a little better than they did in the opener.

Charlie: Oregon

Hopefully Drew Mestemaker looks better for Oklahoma State's sake, but Oregon is likely coming if wanting to prove something after narrowly escaping an upset bid from Boise State last week.

Arizona State at No. 9 Texas A&M

10 a.m., ABC

Ariana: Texas A&M

While I believe Texas A&M will ultimately win, I also think the Sun Devils will put up a good fight. ASU is 6-1 against ranked teams since the start of the 2024 season, including their defeat over Texas Tech; it was the only time the Red Raiders lost besides the playoffs. Texas A&M should be on upset alert given the Sun Devils' history, but I still think the Aggies will pull out the win.

Charlie: Texas A&M

Texas A&M will get pushed, and I see a back-and-forth game, but the Aggies will pull off the win at home.

Kansas State vs. Washington State

10 a.m., TNT

Ariana: Kansas State

Washington State actually put up a good fight against Washington in their season opener, and I expect no less in this game. However, Kansas State's offense will prove to be too much for Washington State. Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson threw three touchdowns in the opener, and they had a 100-yard rusher in Rodney Fields Jr who averaged 7.2 yards per carry in the first game of the season. While it probably will not be another blowout for Kansas State, it will still be a win.

Charlie: Kansas State

I agree that Washington State will put up a fight and keep touchdowns off the board to start the game, but the Wildcats will handle business and the Cougars will struggle to score.

West Virginia vs. UT Martin

11 a.m., ESPN+

Ariana: West Virginia

This will be a blowout. No disrespect to UT Martin, but they do not have the roster to compete with a Power Four team like West Virginia. Also, the Mountaineers had a close call with Coastal Carolina and will have some extra motivation to avoid that in this matchup. West Virginia wins.

Charlie: West Virginia

No. 15 BYU vs. Arizona

1:30 p.m., Fox

Ariana: BYU

Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita and the Wildcats will put up a fight, so I expect this to be a close game. BYU should be careful because if they are sloppy, this could certainly be an upset. However, they seemed to have no problem with proper execution and being on the same page in their opener against Utah Tech. The Cougars have a talented quarterback of their own in Bear Bachmeier, and running back LJ Martin should have a stronger performance in Week 2.

Charlie: BYU

It is not officially a Big 12 elimination game, but it might feel like it. The Wildcats will need an elite defensive performance to leave Provo with a win. I think the Cougars are too good. It will be a close game, but BYU takes care of business at home.

Colorado vs. Weber State

1:30 p.m., ESPN+

We have shared Colorado-Weber State predictions in a separate post, with each staff member providing a final score prediction and some thoughts on the game.

UCF at Pittsburgh

1:30 p.m., ESPN2

Ariana: Pitt

Expect another close, nonconference game when UCF faces Pitt. The Panthers are currently favored over the Knights. Pittsburgh's quarterback is the real difference-maker in this game after throwing for 453 yards and seven touchdowns in the Panthers' season opener against Miami Ohio. However, I still expect UCF to keep it competitive.

Charlie: Pitt

The line is only -7 in favor of Pitt, and I think the Panthers can cover against an UCF team still trying to find its way.

Houston vs. Southern

5 p.m., ESPN+

Ariana: Houston

An easy prediction here, but I think this will be the biggest blowout among any of the Big 12 games this week. Houston is fighting to be in contention for the Big 12 championship, while Southern was not able to handle Alabama State in their opener.

Charlie: Houston

Cincinnati vs. Western Carolina

5 p.m., ESPN+

Ariana: Cincinnati

Cincinnati relied on quarterback JC French in their opener against Boston College. However, French did more in the running game than the pass game, with only 77 passing yards but three rushing touchdowns. That is not sustainable against Power Four teams and probably not the Bearcats’ plan this season, but it shouldn't be a problem against Western Carolina.

Charlie: Cincinnati

No. 13 Texas Tech at Oregon State

5:30 p.m., CBS

Ariana: Texas Tech

Oregon State is another Pac-12 team that put up a good fight against a ranked team in the season opener but came up short. I expect the Beavers to bring that same competitiveness to their game against the Red Raiders. But in the end, Texas Tech has too much talent to be overwhelmed by Oregon State.

Charlie: Texas Tech

Oregon State surprised me last week against Houston, so I am expecting them not to get embarrassed by the Red Raiders in Corvallis.

Iowa State at No. 21 Iowa

5:30 p.m., NBC

Ariana: Iowa

Simply put, Iowa State does not do well against Iowa. They have won this game in the last two seasons, but have lost seven of the last 10 and have 47 losses in 71 games in their series history. Iowa is also ranked, whereas Iowa State is not. Hawkeyes top the Cyclones in this one.

Charlie: Iowa

I actually think Iowa State keeps it relatively close against the Hawkeyes. You rarely see blowouts in the Cy-Hawk battles, and I am not expecting one this weekend.

TCU vs. Grambling

6 p.m., ESPN+

Ariana: TCU

TCU had a rough outing in the first week, but this provides them with a chance to bounce back. Grambling has done well in its first two games, but it won't be able to compete with the Horned Frogs throughout the game. TCU gets its first win of the season.

Charlie: TCU

Baylor vs. Prairie View A&M

6:08 p.m., ESPN+

Ariana: Baylor

They were so close to their first win last week against Auburn, but they can get it against Prairie View. Prairie is 0-13 all-time against FBS teams, while Baylor is 28-1 against FCS teams. There's no reason to believe either of these trends will change in this game.

Charlie: Baylor

The Bears will be without star quarterback DJ Lagway, but they should still have no trouble taking care of Prairie View.

No. 20 Utah vs. Arkansas

8:15 p.m., ESPN

Ariana: Utah

The Utes creamed Idaho in the season opener, and while I don't think they will blow away the Razorbacks, Utah will still come out on top. Quarterback Devon Dampier, who threw three touchdowns last week, will be a key factor in this win and throughout the rest of the season.

Charlie: This is one of my favorite games of the weekend. A Big 12 vs. SEC clash in Salt Lake City at night should make for a tremendous atmosphere. I like the Utes, especially considering the home-field altitude advantage, but I think the Razorbacks test them throughout.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Big 12 football Week 2 predictions, picks for every game