Key Matchups in the 2026 Big 12 Schedule Impacting CFP Race

The 2026 Big 12 college football schedule is finally out. It’s stuffed with high-stakes matchups that could shake up the College Football Playoff race in a big way.

With the conference champ basically locked in for a playoff spot, every game matters. Texas Tech, last year’s Big 12 winner, is still the favorite, but the field is loaded with contenders and some wild nonconference games—Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas A&M, Georgia Tech. Let’s dig into the games and dates that could end up defining this season.

Key Matchups to Watch

This year’s Big 12 lineup has a bunch of games that could decide more than just the conference. Some could shake up the whole playoff picture. Here are six that really jump out:

Arizona State at Texas A&M – September 12

Arizona State heads to College Station for a brutal early test against Texas A&M. The Sun Devils haven’t had much luck against SEC squads lately—remember that Mississippi State loss?

This one feels huge for Arizona State, especially after losing some big names to the NFL and the portal. But hey, they’ve got new faces like transfer QB Cutter Boley from Kentucky and wideout Omarion Miller from Colorado. Maybe that’s enough to keep it interesting.

Houston at Kansas State – October 10

If there’s a sleeper team ready to crash the playoff party, it might come out of this clash. Kansas State’s got a new head coach, Collin Klein, and managed to keep quarterback Avery Johnson.

Still, their defense is a question mark. Houston, fresh off a 10-win season with Willie Fritz, brings back a bunch of key guys. If quarterback Conner Weigman steps up, Houston could make some noise and maybe even steal the spotlight.

Notre Dame at BYU – October 17

BYU missed a big bowl matchup last season, but now gets a shot at Notre Dame. They return key players like quarterback Bear Bachmeier, running back LJ Martin, and linebacker Isaiah Glasker.

This game is a huge test for BYU as they chase their first Big 12 title. A win here? That could really move the needle for them.

Arizona State at Texas Tech – October 17

Texas Tech’s schedule isn’t too brutal, but this home date with Arizona State is circled in red. It’s the last two Big 12 champs facing off.

Tech is favored, but Arizona State was the only team to knock them off last season. There’s some real revenge energy here, and it could have big implications for the conference title.

BYU at Utah – November 7

Utah’s season feels up in the air after Kyle Whittingham left for Michigan. They kept quarterback Devon Dampier but lost a lot of talent elsewhere.

This rivalry game with BYU is always spicy. If Utah can scrape together enough offense to pull the upset, who knows—maybe they get back in the hunt.

TCU at Texas Tech – November 28

Texas Tech wraps up the regular season at home against TCU. The Frogs look pretty different now, with Gordon Sammis calling plays and Harvard transfer Jaden Craig at quarterback.

They’ve racked up 18 wins in two years but haven’t looked great against top teams. If TCU pulls an upset here, the Big 12 title race could get messy in a hurry.

Implications for the College Football Playoff

The Big 12 champ is almost a lock for the playoff, so every week feels like it’s got playoff stakes. Those nonconference games—Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas A&M, Georgia Tech—aren’t just for show. They could boost the league’s rep and maybe get more than one team into the playoff.

Texas Tech’s Path to Repeat

Texas Tech is still the team to beat, mostly because their schedule is pretty forgiving. They don’t even have to play BYU, last year’s runner-up, in the regular season.

But Arizona State and TCU are lurking on the schedule, and those games could decide everything. If Tech can get through those, they’re probably headed back to the conference title game—and maybe the playoff.

Dark Horse Contenders

Texas Tech’s the front-runner, but Houston and BYU both look like real threats. Houston’s got a lot of returning talent, and BYU’s star players could make a difference.

Kansas State and Utah? Don’t count them out just yet. If they can solve their issues, we might see some surprises before it’s all said and done.

Conclusion

The 2026 Big 12 football schedule is shaping up to be a wild ride. There are some huge matchups on the horizon, and honestly, it’s tough to say who’ll come out on top.

Texas Tech looks like a front-runner, sure, but let’s not count out Houston or BYU. Anyone who’s followed this conference knows surprises are pretty much guaranteed.

If you’re looking for the nitty-gritty details or want to peek at the full schedule, check out CBS Sports.