Big 12 Football: Big Moves and Big Games in 2026

The Big 12 Conference is shaking things up for the 2026 football season. Teams will face off in nine conference games and 13 non-conference matchups against top-tier opponents. This isn't just any season; it's a global one. For the first time, Big 12 teams will play games in Europe. TCU and North Carolina will kick off the season in Dublin, Ireland, while Arizona State and Kansas will battle it out at London's Wembley Stadium. The non-conference schedule is packed with exciting matchups. Cincinnati will host Boston College in Week One, and Oklahoma State will welcome Oregon in Week Two. BYU will face Notre Dame in Week Seven, adding to the season's high-stakes games.Conference play starts early, with Arizona traveling to BYU in Week Two and Houston facing Texas Tech the following week. Rivalry games begin in Week Seven, including the Sunflower Showdown between Kansas and K-State, and the Territorial Cup between Arizona and Arizona State during Thanksgiving week. The Big 12 Football Championship will take place on Friday, December 4, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This marks the start of a new Friday-Saturday rotation for the championship game, aiming to boost national visibility. TV partners ESPN, FOX Sports, and TNT Sports will announce kickoff times for the first three weeks later. The 2026 season promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with a mix of local and international games, high-stakes matchups, and a new championship game format. Fans can expect plenty of action and drama on and off the field.