The Big 12 has a huge month ahead of them as November gets underway. Five teams are ranked (#3 Utah, #7 BYU, #13 Texas Tech, #17 Houston, and #24 Arizona). Two of those teams face off this Saturday, with a berth in the Big 12 Championship Game on the line, not to mention a potential CFP bid.
With the CFP committee releasing its initial rankings this week, we will find out how they view the conference, as opposed to the voters. All season long, the Big 12 has been fighting for respect, as the talking heads continue to hype the SEC and the Big Ten, while ignoring a lot of good football happening across the country.
Texas Tech (7-1) still has the opportunity to get a CFP bid. Each of their remaining opponents - West Virginia, Oklahoma State, Baylor, and TCU are .500 or better. Winning all four and being 11-1 would be compelling to the committee.
BYU (7-1) may have followed their upset of #2 Notre Dame with a dud, but they still have the best statement game on tap, with #3 Utah (8-0) looming as their biggest obstacle to Dallas and the CFP. The Holy War will be the highest-ranked matchup of these teams in history, and the Cougars are eager to keep their three-game winning streak in the rivalry and end Utah's hopes of an undefeated season.
Utah (8-0) is exceeding all preseason expectations in 2026. They face #7 BYU this week in what is much more than a rivalry game - it is the chance to end BYU's CFP dreams with a 2nd loss in a dream season for new coach Morgan Scalley. Win, and the dark-horse Heisman campaign of Devon Dampier will get a major shot in the arm.
Arizona (6-2) and Houston (6-2) both have paths to Dallas, but tougher ones to the CFP. Strangely, Oklahoma State could surpass both of them and reach Dallas with a 9-3 mark (presuming they win out and beat Texas Tech along the way).
What will the committee decide on Tuesday? Utah, Texas Tech, and BYU all have strong cases to be in the Top 10 and in prime position for berths. Houston should also be in the mix, with chances to improve between now and December.
Getting two teams into the CFP has never been more realistic for the Big 12 than in 2026. Texas Tech, Utah, and BYU are the most likely teams to be chosen, but it's far from a guarantee with four weeks to go, and the committee will have a lot to weigh between now and then, starting with the inital College Football Playoff rankings this week.
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