The Big 12 Conference is a collegiate athletic conference headquartered in Irving, Texas. Established in 1994 and commencing competition in 1996, the Big 12 is part of the NCAA's Division I and is renowned for its competitive balance and high-level performance, particularly in football and basketball.
The conference consists of 16 full-member schools located primarily in the Midwest and Southern United States. Big 12 Conference Football Rivalries have significant implications for conference standings and national rankings.
READ MORE: Colorado State vs Wyoming Football Rivalry
What are the major Big 12 Conference Football Rivalries?
The Big 12 Conference has a rich history of football rivalries, both current and past. Notable rivalries include the Red River Showdown between Texas and Oklahoma, known for its intense competition and high stakes. The Bedlam Series between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State is another prominent rivalry, celebrated for its local pride and fierce battles.
The Big 12 also had several historic rivalries, such as the Kansas-Missouri rivalry, the longest-running rivalry west of the Mississippi, and the second-longest in college football. It was played 119 times before Missouri left the Big 12. The BYU–Utah rivalry, known as the "Holy War," is the oldest active rivalry in the Big 12.
Arizona–Arizona State
The Duel in the Desert is a fierce rivalry between Arizona and Arizona State, with the winner awarded the Territorial Cup. This rivalry has been played 97 times since its inception in 1899.
Baylor–TCU
The rivalry between Baylor and TCU, known as The Bluebonnet Battle/The Revivalry, has a long history, with 118 meetings since 1899.
Baylor–Texas Tech
The Baylor–Texas Tech rivalry, also known as the Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Shootout, has been played 81 times since it began in 1929.
BYU–Utah
The Holy War between BYU and Utah is a historic rivalry, with the winner claiming the Beehive Boot. This matchup has occurred 101 times since 1896.
Cincinnati–UCF
The Cincinnati–UCF rivalry is a more recent addition to college football, with 8 meetings since 2015.
Cincinnati–West Virginia
The Cincinnati–West Virginia rivalry has a longer history, with 20 meetings since it began in 1921.
Colorado–Kansas State
The rivalry between Colorado and Kansas State has seen 66 meetings since it started in 1912.
Colorado–Utah
The Rumble in the Rockies between Colorado and Utah has been contested 70 times since 1903.
Houston–Texas Tech
The rivalry between Houston and Texas Tech has been played 34 times since its inception in 1951.
Iowa State–Kansas State
The Farmageddon rivalry between Iowa State and Kansas State has seen 106 meetings since it began in 1917.
Kansas–Kansas State
The Sunflower Showdown between Kansas and Kansas State, with the winner receiving the Governor's Cup, is one of the oldest rivalries, having been played 120 times since 1902.
TCU–Texas Tech
The rivalry between TCU and Texas Tech, known as the West Texas Championship, awards the winner the Saddle Trophy. This rivalry has been contested 65 times since 1926.
Table of Big 12 Rivalries
| Rivalry | Name (Trophy) | Games played | Began In |
| Arizona–Arizona State | Duel in the Desert (Territorial Cup) | 97 | 1899 |
| Baylor–TCU | The Bluebonnet Battle/The Revivalry | 118 | 1899 |
| Baylor–Texas Tech | Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Shootout | 81 | 1929 |
| BYU–Utah | Holy War (Beehive Boot) | 101 | 1896 |
| Cincinnati–UCF | N/A | 8 | 2015 |
| Cincinnati–West Virginia | N/A | 20 | 1921 |
| Colorado–Kansas State | N/A | 66 | 1912 |
| Colorado–Utah | Rumble in the Rockies | 70 | 1903 |
| Houston–Texas Tech | N/A | 34 | 1951 |
| Iowa State–Kansas State | Farmageddon | 106 | 1917 |
| Kansas–Kansas State | Sunflower Showdown (Governor's Cup) | 120 | 1902 |
| TCU–Texas Tech | West Texas Championship (Saddle Trophy) | 65 | 1926 |
READ MORE: Arizona vs Arizona State Football Rivalry
FAQs on Big 12 Conference Football Rivalries
A. The "Red River Rivalry" between Texas and Oklahoma is considered the biggest rivalry in Big 12 football.
A. "Farmageddon" refers to the rivalry between Kansas State and Iowa State, known for its agricultural school backgrounds.
A. The "Bedlam Series" is the rivalry between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, known for its intense competition across multiple sports.
A. The Duel in the Desert is the rivalry between Arizona and Arizona State, with the winner awarded the Territorial Cup.
