College football’s bowl season has arrived, and the Big 12 is right in the thick of it. With eight teams earning postseason invites-including a College Football Playoff berth-the conference is set for a busy and potentially defining winter stretch.
Let’s start at the top: No. 4 Texas Tech is carrying the Big 12 banner into the CFP, set to face an opponent to be determined in the Orange Bowl on January 1.
It’s the Red Raiders’ first-ever trip to the playoff, and they’ve earned it with a 12-1 season that’s seen them evolve into one of the most balanced teams in the country. A year removed from an 8-5 campaign, Texas Tech has flipped the script thanks in part to a retooled roster bolstered by NIL investments and a defense that’s been nothing short of elite.
The opportunity is massive-win on New Year’s Day, and they’re one step closer to a national title.
But the Red Raiders aren’t the only Big 12 team in action. Seven others are bowling this winter, with matchups spread across the calendar and the country. Four of those teams-BYU, Utah, Arizona, and Houston-enter bowl season ranked, adding extra juice to what’s already a strong postseason showing for the conference.
Here’s a look at the Big 12’s full bowl lineup:
Saturday, Dec. 27 at 3:30 p.m. ET
**No. 22 Georgia Tech vs.
No. 12 BYU**
Pop-Tarts Bowl
This one could be a sleeper hit.
BYU’s physicality on defense and efficiency on offense have made them a tough out all season, and they’ll get a real test against a Georgia Tech team that’s surged late in the year. The Cougars’ No. 12 ranking is well-earned, and with the right pieces suiting up, this could be one of the most entertaining matchups of the postseason.
Saturday, Dec. 27 at 9:15 p.m. ET
**LSU vs. No.
21 Houston**
Houston’s defense will need to be sharp against an LSU offense that can light up the scoreboard.
The Cougars have quietly put together a strong season, and this is a chance to cap it off with a statement win against a perennial SEC power.
Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 9 p.m. ET
**No. 16 USC vs.
TCU**
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl
TCU’s bowl invite comes after a rollercoaster season, but they’ll get a marquee opponent in USC. The Horned Frogs will need to find their rhythm on both sides of the ball to keep pace with USC’s firepower, but this is a program that knows how to rise to the occasion in big games.
Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. ET
Arizona State vs. Duke
SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl
While not featuring a Big 12 team, this matchup helps set the stage for the conference’s later action that day.
Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET
**Nebraska vs. No.
15 Utah**
Utah has been a force in the trenches all season, and they’ll look to impose their will against a Nebraska squad still finding its footing.
The Utes enter the bowl ranked No. 15, and a win here would be a strong finish to a season that’s flown a bit under the radar.
Thursday, Jan. 1 at Noon ET
**TBD vs.
No. 4 Texas Tech**
CFP Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl
This is the one that could define the Big 12’s postseason.
Texas Tech’s defense has been a difference-maker all year, and with a dynamic offense to match, they’ve got the tools to make a real playoff run. The Red Raiders are no longer the underdog-they’re a legitimate title contender.
Friday, Jan. 2 at 4:30 p.m. ET
Trust & Will Holiday Bowl
Details are still to come on this matchup, but it adds another opportunity for the conference to make noise on the national stage.
Friday, Jan. 2 at 8 p.m. ET
**No. 17 Arizona vs.
SMU**
This one has all the makings of an under-the-radar gem.
Arizona’s rise this season has been impressive, and they’ll face an SMU team that can push the tempo and score in bunches. The Wildcats are ranked No. 17 heading in and have a chance to show just how far they’ve come.
From top-tier playoff implications to intriguing non-New Year’s Six matchups, the Big 12’s bowl slate offers a little bit of everything. Whether it’s BYU’s physical style, Houston’s grit, or Texas Tech’s shot at history, the conference is well-positioned to make waves this postseason. Keep your eyes on these games-because the Big 12 isn't just showing up this bowl season, it's looking to make a statement.