Big 12 Reveals New Schedule Matrix Through 2027 Ahead of 16-Team Expansion
The Big 12 will look a lot different next season, as the conference will have 16 total teams as it absorbs four current Pac-12 schools. With football teams only getting nine conference games a year, the Big 12 had to determine how to approach its schedule moving forward.
“As we look towards the future of this Conference, we are thrilled to introduce the first football scheduling matrix for the new-look Big 12,” Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said in a statement. “I’m grateful to our membership for their support throughout the scheduling process. In this model, competitive balance and student-athlete wellness was prioritized. Rivalries will be protected and new matchups will be introduced—the excitement and parity this Conference is known for will continue for years to come.”
On Wednesday, the Big 12 officially announced its football schedule matrix from 2024 to ’27, with each team playing each other at least once at home and once on the road in that span. Teams will also alternate playing five home games vs. having four home games each year, as it has done since having nine conference games per team.
Big 12 announces its football scheduling matrix (opponents) for 2024 through 2027 seasons. pic.twitter.com/CG0MLgidVn
— FBSchedules.com (@FBSchedules) November 1, 2023
Chart of how many times Big 12 schools will play each other over the next four seasons: pic.twitter.com/naBzJuODpi
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) November 1, 2023
As part of the new schedule, the Big 12 is prioritizing four rivalries: Utah-BYU, Baylor-TCU, Arizona-Arizona State and Kansas-Kansas State will play every year. With both Oklahoma and Texas headed to the SEC, the conference is losing its most prominent rivalry and two schools that have multiple rivalries within the Big 12.
Otherwise, teams will play each other either two or three times in this four-year span. While the opponents are official, times and dates of the matchups are still to be determined.