Ranking Big 12 bowl games from least to most exciting

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As a college football fan who loves obscure matchups, bowl season is indeed one of my favorite times of year, and luckily, it's right around the corner.

There's nothing quite like visiting family, soaking in the holiday spirit while two teams from across the country battle it out for a gigantic Liberty Bell trophy or the honor of dumping a chosen product on their head coach. It's part of what makes college football special, and with all the parity in the Big 12 Conference this season, there will be plenty of bouts throughout the season for all to enjoy.

Ignoring Texas Tech's playoff game, seven bowl games feature a Big 12 team, so let's focus on those seven. Here are all Big 12 bowl games ranked by how excited you should be to tune in.

All times listed in Mountain Time.

7. Liberty Bowl – Cincinnati vs. No. 25 Navy

Friday, Jan. 2 – 2:30 p.m. – ESPN

There's nothing quite like watching a service academy run the triple option offense, and Navy has done so to significant effect this season, stacking up nine wins. The trouble here is Cincinnati, which will likely be without star quarterback Brendan Sorsby but still presents a considerable talent gap for Navy to overcome. The Midshipmen's two losses this year came at the hands of top 25 teams, which easily stopped their unique offense. Without Sorsby's star power, I'm not sure how much fun this potential blowout will be.

6. Sun Bowl – Arizona State vs. Duke

Wednesday, Dec. 31 – 12 p.m. – CBS

It feels odd to have a game featuring a conference champion outside the top half of games, but this matchup just isn't doing much for me. The Sun Devils are significantly injured and will be without star Jordyn Tyson, but it will give us a look at some future stars. Meanwhile, some college football fans have had their fill of Duke football after the ACC championship game, but Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah is electric and expected to play. A devil showdown in a classic college football environment is always something that I can get behind.

5. Las Vegas Bowl – No. 15 Utah vs. Nebraska

Wednesday, Dec. 31 – 1:30 p.m. – ESPN

Utah's up-and-down season ends with a trip to the Las Vegas Bowl to face a Nebraska team that has struggled down the stretch, which feels a little wrong. The No. 15 Utes probably deserve better than this and should stifle much of what the Cornhuskers can muster offensively, while their power running game dominates on the ground. This game will be the last for Utah's legendary head coach, Kyle Whittingham, so there is some spectacle to be had in what should be a relatively meaningless game.

4. Texas Bowl – No. 24 Houston vs. LSU

Saturday, Dec. 27 – 7:15 p.m. – ESPN

Nobody saw this season coming from the Houston Cougars. A 9-3 season after being one of the worst teams in the Big 12 a year ago is a remarkable turnaround that should be capped off with a bowl win. That would be enough for me to tune in and root for the underdogs, but there's undoubtedly an elephant in the room. While he won't be coaching, LSU's next head coach, Lane Kiffin, will be in attendance for his debut in purple and gold. Where Kiffin goes, there are storylines to be had, which means this game could be a classic.

3. Holiday Bowl – No. 20 Arizona vs. SMU

Friday, Jan. 2 – 6 p.m. – FOX

The Holiday Bowl is very underrated this season, featuring another breakout Big 12 team against a talented but inconsistent SMU squad. After they lost Tetaroia McMillian, Arizona's offense was unexpectedly fun to watch behind Noah Fifita returning to freshman year form. While SMU couldn't quite match its 2024 season, Kevin Jennings is as entertaining to watch as ever. This should be a shootout with high-powered offenses battling for momentum heading into 2026, and I can't wait.

2. Alamo Bowl – TCU vs. No. 16 USC

Tuesday, Dec. 30 – 7 p.m. – ESPN

Both teams have had rollercoaster seasons, but they bring fun offensive playmakers, which could make this an all-time matchup. USC's Makai Lemon has been lighting up scoreboards all season for the Trojans, while Eric McCallister has done the same behind quarterback Josh Hoover for the Horned Frogs. In contrast to other seasons, Lincoln Riley's Trojans have won close games, which presents the perfect challenge for TCU's Air Raid offense. With a primetime setting, Big 12 fans can only hope it's more competitive than last year's.

1. Pop-Tarts Bowl – BYU vs. Georgia Tech

Saturday, Dec. 27 – 1:30 p.m. – ABC

As if there was any other choice than the people's national championship. Aside from the theatrics and enjoyment of watching a living Pop-Tart get cooked alive and eaten, this game features two fringe college football playoff teams.

Georgia Tech's offense remains as potent as ever, and anytime you can watch Hayes King throw himself at defense is a win. BYU is looking to end 2025 on a high note behind its star true freshman quarterback, Bear Bachmeier, and prove something after being snubbed from the playoffs. Either way, one of those teams is going to claim an elusive honor, and you should be there no matter what.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Big 12 football bowl games ranked excitement

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