Big 12 football schedule 2026 highlighted by pivotal conference games
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
The Big 12 has some pivotal games on the conference schedule in 2026.
But which games between conference rivals are the biggest?
Take a look at 10 of the biggest matchups for conference teams in Big 12 play in the upcoming 2026 college football season, with Arizona State at Texas Tech, BYU at Utah and Utah at Arizona among them.
The results of these matchups could have a big impact on determining the Big 12 champion and impact the rankings for the Big 12 teams involved.
Which Big 12 game is the biggest for the conference this season?
1. Week 7: Arizona State at Texas Tech
We won’t get a BYU vs Texas Tech matchup in the regular season in 2026, so this matchup between the two most recent Big 12 champions leads our ranking. Arizona State was the only Big 12 team to beat Texas Tech last season. Expect some fireworks in Lubbock, Texas.
2. Week 10: BYU at Utah
Why doesn’t the Big 12 schedule this game for the last week of the regular season? The Holy War is the best rivalry game in the Big 12, along with the Territorial Cup, and deserves to be showcased as such. The fans in Salt Lake City will be fired up for this one.
3. Week 13: TCU at Texas Tech
The Red Raiders have a favorable schedule in 2026. They get to play host to most of the potentially more-difficult opponents on their schedule, including TCU in the final week of the regular season. This game could have Big 12 title ramifications.
4. Week 9: Arizona State at BYU
Do you remember Arizona State’s wild 28-23 win over BYU on its way to the College Football Playoff in 2024? We’re pretty sure BYU remembers. The atmosphere in Provo, Utah, for this game could be electric.
5. Week 3: Houston at Texas Tech
Houston is looking to take the next step after a 10-3 season in 2025. A win over the Red Raiders in Lubbock, Texas, would certainly qualify. This game could be a must-see early Big 12 viewing.
6. Week 13: Arizona State at Arizona
This ranking could be low for the Territorial Cup, especially if the Sun Devils and Wildcats are both in the Big 12 title picture late in the season. The road team has won three straight in this series. This is one of the best rivalries in the country.
7. Week 2: Arizona at BYU
The Wildcats play at the Cougars in Week 2, meaning we don’t have to wait long for a marquee Big 12 conference game this season. Don’t forget that BYU had to go to overtime to beat Arizona in Tucson last season, 33-27.
8. Week 5: BYU at TCU
This Week 5 game could show whether TCU is a Big 12 contender this season, as some expect. A bonus for TCU’s chances? They get the Cougars at home.
9. Week 3: Arizona State vs Kansas (London, England)
This game in London could be pivotal for the Big 12 chances of both the Jayhawks and Sun Devils, with the winner picking up a huge early-season conference win and flying home happy on the long flight.
10. Week 11: Utah at Arizona
Could this game be an elimination game in the Big 12 title race? Both of these teams have high hopes for the 2026 season, but one of those teams’ aspirations could be dashed in this game.
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today. Sign up for azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don’t miss a thing.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Big 12 football schedule includes pivotal conference games in 2026
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos