Big 12 football schedule announcement reveals big non-conference games
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The Big 12 has some big games on the non-conference schedule in 2026.
But which non-conference games are the biggest?
Take a look at 10 of the biggest matchups for conference teams outside of Big 12 play in the upcoming 2026 college football season, with games against Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Missouri, Oregon and Virginia on the schedule.
While the results of the matchups won’t help determine the Big 12 champion, they could have a big impact on the respect the conference gets from the rest of college football and provide a possible boost in rankings for the Big 12 teams involved.
Which non-conference game is the biggest for the conference this season?
1. Week 7: Notre Dame at BYU
How big would a win for BYU over Notre Dame be for the Big 12? It would be enormous, even if it comes at home for the Cougars. Notre Dame reportedly turned down an invitation to play BYU in the Pop-Tarts Bowl after last season. BYU, and its fans, won’t forget.
2. Week 2: Arizona State at Texas A&M
Texas A&M could be an SEC and national title contender again this season. An Arizona State victory at College Station, Texas, would do wonders for the Sun Devil program and the Big 12 conference.
3. Week 2: Missouri at Kansas
Missouri won this rivalry game at home last season, 42-31. Can the Jayhawks win at home in 2026? It would provide an early statement for the Big 12 with a win over the SEC.
4. Week 2: Oregon at Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State will be a huge underdog against Oregon in this game (the Cowboys lost to the Ducks in Oregon last year, 69-3). A win over the Ducks would send shockwaves throughout the college football world.
5. Week 2: Iowa State at Iowa
Last season, Iowa State prevailed at home over Iowa, 16-13. A lot has changed since then, including a huge portion of the Cyclones’ roster. A win over the Hawkeyes on the road would be big for the Big 12.
6. Week 1: Baylor vs Auburn (Atlanta, GA)
Auburn defeated Baylor last season, 38-24. The Big 12 would gain a big boost from a Bears win over the Tigers to open the year in 2026.
7. Week 1: Colorado at Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech defeated Colorado in the first game of the 2025 season, 27-20. It would be a big sign for the Big 12 to see the Buffaloes upset the Yellow Jackets to start this season.
8. Week 3: Virginia vs West Virginia (Charlotte, NC)
Virginia went 11-3 overall and 7-1 in the ACC last season. West Virginia knocking off the Cavaliers would look really good for the Big 12 early in the season.
9. Week 0: North Carolina vs TCU (Dublin, Ireland)
TCU beat North Carolina to open last season, 48-14. Can it repeat that in Dublin in Week 0 this season? The Big 12 could use an early boost in non-conference play.
10. Week 2: Arkansas at Utah
Arkansas had a very tough season last year and is eager to quickly move forward. Utah, and the Big 12, can’t afford a loss to the Razorbacks, especially in Salt Lake City.
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Big 12 football schedule reveal 2026 unveils huge non-conference games
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