Big 12 Championship Game Moves to Friday Night
In a significant shift for college football fans, the Big 12 Conference has announced that its championship game will move from the traditional Saturday morning slot to a prime-time Friday evening showcase. This decision, aimed at enhancing national visibility, marks a notable change for the league, as it will be the first time since 2010 that the championship game is played outside of Saturday. The event will continue to be hosted at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, setting the stage for an exciting culmination of the season.
The league’s announcement comes alongside the unveiling of its 2026 football schedule, which promises to feature a variety of date adjustments and new strategies for maximizing exposure. As the conference continues to evolve, fans can expect an array of Thursday and Friday night games in the coming years, with additional details on network partnerships and early-season kickoff times to be revealed in the spring.
Rivalries Take Center Stage
Rivalries are the heartbeat of college football, and the Big 12 is no exception. The conference has established four protected rivalries, with three of them scheduled for different weekends throughout the season. Notably, TCU will face Baylor on October 17, while Kansas will square off against Kansas State on the same day. Another intriguing matchup features BYU visiting Utah on November 7, culminating with the traditional Thanksgiving weekend showdown between Arizona State and Arizona.
Scott Draper, the Big 12’s chief football and operations officer, emphasized the importance of these historic rivalries, explaining that they are strategically placed to maximize viewership and showcase their significance to the participating schools and their passionate fan bases. This thoughtful scheduling aims to elevate the competitive spirit of these historic encounters and ensure they are highlighted in the best viewing windows.
Resuming and Retiring Rivalries
The 2026 season will see the return of the Baylor and Texas Tech rivalry on November 21 in Waco, Texas. After a hiatus in 2025, the teams will rekindle their long-standing competition, which dates back to 1955. Meanwhile, Texas Tech will conclude its season on November 28 with a home game against TCU, marking a significant occasion as the teams did not face each other the previous year for the first time since TCU joined the Big 12.
In contrast, the absence of a matchup between Kansas and Iowa State for the first time since 1931 adds a layer of intrigue to the season. As the schedule rotates, the enduring “Farmageddon” rivalry between Iowa State and Kansas State will close the season on November 28 in Ames, Iowa, continuing a tradition that has lasted over a century.
Challenging Nonconference Schedule Ahead
As the Big 12 prepares for the 2026 season, teams are set to face formidable non-conference opponents early on. TCU will kick off the season with an exciting matchup against North Carolina on August 29 in Dublin, while Baylor travels to Atlanta to battle Auburn on September 5. West Virginia will engage in a clash with Virginia on September 19 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Rivalries will also take center stage early in September, with Iowa State visiting Iowa and Kansas hosting Missouri for their first encounter in Lawrence since 2005. Notably, Colorado will take on two major Power 4 schools, facing Georgia Tech and Northwestern on September 5 and September 19, respectively. The non-conference schedule highlights the Big 12’s commitment to engaging matchups that can influence rankings and fan engagement.
Texas Tech’s Quest for Back-to-Back Titles
As the reigning champions, Texas Tech will host Arizona State on October 17, a game that could heavily influence the Big 12 championship race. The Red Raiders suffered their only regular-season defeat last year against the Sun Devils, and the rematch in Lubbock promises to be a thrilling encounter.
In addition to facing Arizona State, Texas Tech will host other conference challengers, including Houston on September 19 and Arizona on Halloween. The Red Raiders’ season includes a notable road trip to Cincinnati on October 24, where quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who excelled last season with 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns, will be a key player to watch.
Exciting Early Matchups
The Big 12’s schedule kicks off on September 12 with a rematch between Arizona and BYU, a game that could have significant implications for the championship race. Last season, BYU edged Arizona in a thrilling double-overtime victory, and both teams will return talented quarterbacks, setting the stage for another captivating showdown.
Additionally, Arizona State and Kansas will make history by taking their regular-season game to London on September 19, contributing to the league’s strategy of expanding its international presence and engaging a broader audience. As the Big 12 continues to innovate and adapt, the 2026 season promises to deliver unforgettable football moments for fans across the nation.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research