Game Preview

Big 12 Championship Set: Texas Tech to Face BYU in Historic Title Clash

Preview: Texas Tech (11-1) battles BYU (11-1) in the Big 12 Championship. A first-round CFP bye is on the line at AT&T Stadium.

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Written By Big 12 Insider
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ARLINGTON, Texas — The matchup is officially set. For the first time in the history of both programs, the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the BYU Cougars will meet in the Big 12 Championship Game.

Following Texas Tech's commanding 49-0 victory over West Virginia and BYU's strong finish to the regular season, the two 11-1 powerhouses will collide on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium. The game will kick off at 11:00 a.m. CT and will be broadcast nationally on ABC.

A Historic Meeting

This championship bout represents a changing of the guard in the new-look Big 12. Neither Texas Tech nor BYU has appeared in the conference title game before, making this a landmark event for both fanbases.

"It's a testament to the work these young men have put in," Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire said in his post-game press conference after the West Virginia win. "To be 11-1 and playing for a championship in Arlington... that's what we talked about in January. Now it's right in front of us."

The Stakes: Playoff Bye on the Line

While both teams are virtually guaranteed a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff regardless of the outcome, the stakes couldn't be higher.

  • The Winner: Claims the Big 12 Championship trophy and, crucially, secures a likely top-4 seed in the CFP. This comes with a coveted first-round bye, allowing the team to rest and host a quarterfinal matchup.
  • The Loser: Will likely fall into the at-large pool (seeds 5-12) and face a difficult first-round game, potentially on the road.

Matchup Snapshot

Texas Tech Red Raiders (11-1, 8-1 Big 12)

  • Momentum: Riding a 3-game winning streak, including a shutout in the regular season finale.
  • Key Weapon: QB Behren Morton (310 yards, 3 TDs vs WVU) and a surging defense led by LB Jacob Rodriguez.
  • Storyline: The Red Raiders have been the surprise of the season, exceeding all preseason expectations to reach the pinnacle of the conference.

BYU Cougars (11-1, 8-1 Big 12)

  • Momentum: Finished the season strong to match Tech's record.
  • Key Stat: BYU's only loss of the season came at the hands of Texas Tech earlier this year, adding a layer of revenge to the title game narrative.
  • Storyline: In just their third year in the conference, BYU has ascended to the top tier, validating their move to the Power 4.

What to Watch For

The previous meeting between these two teams was a defensive battle, but both offenses have found their rhythm late in the season. Texas Tech's balanced attack, featuring the ground game of Tahj Brooks and the arm of Morton, will test BYU's disciplined defense.

On the other side, BYU will look to exploit the neutral site atmosphere at "Jerry World," though Red Raider Nation is expected to turn Arlington into a sea of red.

Kickoff is set for next Saturday. The winner takes the crown and a free pass to the CFP Quarterfinals.

Source and verification notes

Depth Chart Takeaway

We review each story for roster effect: position competition, injury availability, transfer movement, playing time signals, and likely changes to the projected two-deep.

Verification Notes

Maintained from official team materials, public box scores, conference reports, and reputable media coverage. Word count: 505. Corrections can be sent through the contact page.

Article Tags

#TexasTechRedRaiders #BYUCougars #Big12Championship #BehrenMorton #JoeyMcGuire