The Big 12 Championship is finally getting a new storyline - and Texas Tech is writing it in bold ink.
For the first time in program history, the Red Raiders are heading to the Big 12 title game. Not only are they making their debut on this stage, but they’re also walking in with serious momentum and a resume that demands respect. On Saturday, Dec. 6, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, they’ll face BYU in a rematch that already leans heavily in Tech’s favor - and for good reason.
Let’s be clear: Texas Tech didn’t just win games this season - they dominated. Eleven wins in the regular season, all by 20 points or more, puts them in rare air.
In fact, only five other major college teams in the last century have pulled that off. That kind of consistency, that kind of control, doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s a product of a team that’s firing on every cylinder - offense, defense, coaching, execution.
Their earlier meeting with BYU? A 29-7 statement win.
And now, heading into the title game, the Red Raiders are 12.5-point favorites. Honestly, that line might be a little too kind to the Cougars.
Texas Tech has owned the No. 1 spot in the Big 12 power rankings since Week 3 and hasn’t given anyone a reason to question it.
Here’s how the rest of the Big 12 stacks up heading into championship weekend:
1. Texas Tech (11-1, 8-1 Big 12)
Last week: 1
**This week: vs.
BYU (Big 12 Championship Game)**
What to know: Texas A&M has sidestepped a showdown with Tech since joining the SEC, but with the College Football Playoff looming, that Lone Star clash might be unavoidable.
Tech’s playing like a team ready for more than just a conference crown.
2. Brigham Young (11-1, 8-1 Big 12)
This week: vs. Texas Tech (Big 12 Championship Game)
What to know: On the field, BYU has earned its shot. But off the field, rumors are swirling - and not the kind you expect to hear in December.
Kalani Sitake to Penn State? Feels more like a social media fever dream than a real coaching carousel twist.
3. Utah (10-2, 7-2 Big 12)
Last week: 3
What to know: Kyle Whittingham wasn’t about to walk away after last year’s five-win stumble.
Now, after a bounce-back season, he might be sticking around for another reason - to fix a run defense that suddenly looks vulnerable.
4. Arizona State (8-4, 6-3 Big 12)
What to know: Every time an SEC job opens, Sun Devil fans hold their breath. Kenny Dillingham’s name keeps popping up, and it’s easy to see why - he’s building something in Tempe that people are starting to notice.
5. Iowa State (8-4, 5-4 Big 12)
Last week: 7
What to know: It’s been 10 years since Matt Campbell took over in Ames.
He’s not just built a program - he’s built a culture. If he sticks around another decade, he might just join the ranks of coaching lifers like Whittingham and Gundy.
6. Arizona (9-3, 6-3 Big 12)
Last week: 8
What to know: Talk about a turnaround.
Arizona’s defense jumped from 108th in scoring last year to 20th. Credit new DC Danny Gonzales.
On the other side of the ball, OC Seth Doege has helped quarterback Noah Fifita hit career highs across the board - more yards, more touchdowns, fewer picks. Brent Brennan’s staff is clicking.
7. TCU (8-4, 5-4 Big 12)
Last week: 9
What to know: The Frogs were two blown double-digit leads away from a 10-win season.
Arizona State and Iowa State both came back on them - and those games are going to sting all offseason.
8. Houston (9-3, 6-3 Big 12)
Last week: 6
What to know: The Cougars were road warriors this year, going 6-0 away from home.
But let’s be real - five of those wins came against teams with losing records. Still, wins are wins, and Houston took care of business.
9. Cincinnati (7-5, 5-4 Big 12)
Last week: 5
What to know: A four-game skid against Utah, Arizona, BYU, and TCU isn’t exactly a collapse - that’s a tough stretch.
Scott Satterfield’s squad didn’t fold, but they’ll need to find more consistency next season.
10. Baylor (5-7, 3-6 Big 12)
Last week: 10
What to know: Another losing season, another round of questions in Waco.
Whoever’s in charge of season ticket sales next year deserves a raise - they’ve got their work cut out for them.
11. Kansas State (6-6, 5-4 Big 12)
Last week: 11
What to know: The Wildcats stayed steady, but never really surged.
A .500 record feels about right for a team that had its moments, but not enough of them.
12. Kansas (5-7, 3-6 Big 12)
Last week: 12
What to know: After back-to-back bowl appearances in 2022 and 2023, Kansas doubled down on Lance Leipold and the program.
The return? Two straight 5-7 seasons.
The rebuild isn’t off the rails, but it’s definitely hit a speed bump.
13. Central Florida (5-7, 2-7 Big 12)
What to know: Outside of the Bounce House, UCF has struggled mightily. Nine straight road losses, even with a strong start at BYU, tells the story.
Home-field advantage is great - but you’ve got to win on the road to compete in this league.
14. West Virginia (4-8, 2-7 Big 12)
What to know: Ending the season with a 49-0 loss to Texas Tech wasn’t just a blowout - it was a gut punch. Any other game from the past month would’ve made for a better send-off.
15. Colorado (3-9, 1-8 Big 12)
What to know: Deion Sanders said it again last week: “We won’t be in this situation again. I promise you that.”
He said it in 2023, too. The Buffs are banking on more than just belief heading into Year 3 under Coach Prime.
16. Oklahoma State (1-11, 0-9 Big 12)
What to know: A one-win season. A winless conference run.
It’s hard to believe this is the same program that’s been a Big 12 fixture for so long. The rebuild in Stillwater is going to take time - and a lot of patience.
Looking Ahead:
All eyes are on Arlington this weekend.
Texas Tech has already made history by getting to the Big 12 title game. Now they’ve got a chance to finish the job and bring home the trophy.
If they play like they have all season, it won’t just be a win - it’ll be a statement. And maybe, just maybe, the start of something even bigger.