Big 12 Championship Race: Chaos Unfolds Ahead of Week 14
A Saturday full of upsets has brought new uncertainty to the Big 12 championship race, revealing a surprising and chaotic reality as the regular season nears its conclusion.
Initially, the Big 12 Championship Game seemed set to feature No. 14 BYU, No. 16 Colorado, and No. 21 Arizona State. However, BYU’s 28-23 loss to Arizona State and Colorado’s 37-21 defeat to Kansas have left the race wide open entering Week 14.
The stakes are high, as the Big 12 champion secures an automatic berth in the College Football Playoff. With current rankings, the runner-up is unlikely to make the expanded 12-team field.
The conference’s updated tiebreaker scenarios show that nine teams remain in contention for the title. By comparison, championship races in the Big Ten, SEC, and ACC have narrowed to a few teams, with some title spots already decided.
Currently, four teams—Colorado, Iowa State, Arizona State, and BYU—are tied at 6-2. Depending on Week 14 outcomes, two teams could finish at 7-2, earning spots in the championship game in Arlington, Texas.
Key matchups include Colorado vs. Oklahoma State, Iowa State vs. Kansas State, BYU vs. Houston, and Arizona State vs. Arizona. The outcomes will shape the title game contenders.
If tied, the tiebreaker scenarios are as follows:
If Colorado loses: Arizona State vs. Iowa State
If Arizona State loses: Iowa State vs. BYU
If Iowa State loses: Arizona State vs. BYU
If BYU loses and multiple results align: Colorado vs. Iowa State or Colorado vs. Arizona State
If BYU loses and West Virginia wins: Arizona State vs. Iowa State
In the event of a four-way tie, Arizona State would face Iowa State.
Five additional teams—Baylor, Kansas State, Texas Tech, TCU, and West Virginia—sit at 5-3. For these teams to qualify, three of the four 6-2 teams would need to lose their season finales.
The Big 12 Championship Game will be held on Dec. 7 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.