The Big 12’s bowl season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing slates in recent memory - and not just because of the headliner in the College Football Playoff. While a couple of teams opted out of postseason play (and drew the ire of the conference in the process), eight Big 12 programs are suiting up for bowl games across the country, offering fans a full spread of matchups ranging from playoff-caliber showdowns to quirky, can't-miss pairings.
Let’s break down the Big 12’s bowl-bound squads and what to watch for in each matchup.
Texas Tech Eyes Playoff Glory in the Orange Bowl
Let’s start with the main event: **No. 4 Texas Tech vs.
No. 5 Oregon** in the Orange Bowl, which doubles as a College Football Playoff quarterfinal.
This is the Red Raiders’ biggest stage in decades, and they’re bringing a high-powered offense into a clash with one of the most complete teams in the nation. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the contrast in styles - Tech’s aggressive, spread attack versus Oregon’s balanced, physical approach - sets the table for a classic.
This isn’t just a bowl game. It’s a shot at the national title. And if Texas Tech can handle the Ducks, they’ll be just one win away from a shot at the championship.
The Rest of the Big 12 Bowl Lineup
Beyond the playoff, the Big 12’s bowl schedule is loaded with compelling matchups and storylines. Here’s a look at who’s playing where:
- **No. 12 BYU vs.
No. 22 Georgia Tech** - Pop-Tarts Bowl, 12/27/25
Two ranked teams with very different identities. BYU’s physicality and disciplined play meet Georgia Tech’s speed and creativity.
This one could be a chess match - and a tone-setter for the conference’s bowl slate.
- **No. 21 Houston vs.
LSU** - Kinder’s Texas Bowl, 12/27/25
Houston gets a big-time SEC opponent in LSU, and this one has fireworks written all over it.
The Cougars have shown flashes of brilliance this season, and if they can match LSU’s physicality in the trenches, they’ve got a shot to make a statement.
- **TCU vs. No.
16 USC** - Valero Alamo Bowl, 12/30/25
This might be the most intriguing non-playoff matchup of the bunch.
Sonny Dykes vs. Lincoln Riley - two offensive minds who know how to light up a scoreboard.
Expect tempo, deep shots, and a whole lot of points in this one. If you love Air Raid football, circle this game.
- Arizona State vs. Duke - Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, 12/31/25 Sun Devils vs. Blue Devils in the Sun Bowl?
You can’t script that better. The mascot jokes will be flying, but there’s more than just wordplay here.
Both teams have had up-and-down seasons, but this is a chance to end the year on a high note.
- **No. 15 Utah vs.
Nebraska** - SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl, 12/31/25
Utah’s physicality and defensive toughness will be tested against a resurgent Nebraska team.
This one feels like a throwback - a battle in the trenches with postseason pride on the line.
- Cincinnati vs. Navy - AutoZone Liberty Bowl, 1/2/26 Cincinnati draws Navy’s triple-option attack, which is always a challenge with limited prep time. The Bearcats will need to stay disciplined defensively and capitalize on their offensive possessions.
These types of matchups often come down to execution and patience.
- **No. 17 Arizona vs.
SMU** - Trust & Will Holiday Bowl, 1/2/26
Don’t sleep on this one.
Arizona’s had a strong season, and SMU’s offense is always fun to watch. Expect a fast-paced, high-scoring affair between two teams that love to push the tempo and take shots downfield.
Big 12’s Moment to Shine
With eight teams in action, including a legitimate playoff contender, this postseason is a chance for the Big 12 to flex its depth and versatility. From ranked matchups to stylistic clashes, there’s something for every kind of college football fan.
And make no mistake - how these teams perform will shape the narrative heading into next season. For Texas Tech, it’s about chasing a championship. For others, it’s about momentum, recruiting, and proving they belong on the national stage.
One thing’s for sure: The Big 12 will be front and center this bowl season.