Big 12
Championship

Breaking Down the Championship Matchup

Why This Game Matters for Texas Tech

The Red Raiders haven't won a conference championship since capturing the Southwest Conference title in 1994. A solo conference championship hasn't graced Lubbock since 1955—seventy years ago. For a program that has produced NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes and Michael Crabtree, a Big 12 title would validate Texas Tech as a premier destination and cement McGuire's turnaround as one of the most impressive in recent college football history.

Why This Game Matters for BYU

The Cougars spent 2011 through 2022 as an independent program, wandering the college football wilderness without a conference home. Their last conference title came in 2007 in the Mountain West. Joining the Big 12 in 2023 represented a return to power conference football, and winning the title in just their third season would announce BYU as a legitimate force in the new era of college athletics.

Star Players Under the Spotlight

Behren Morton: The Hometown Warrior

Morton grew up in Lubbock and chose to stay home to play for Texas Tech. Now in his fifth season, he's the embodiment of Red Raider toughness. Coach McGuire has called him "the toughest player I've ever coached." Morton has battled through multiple injuries throughout his career, including a hairline fracture in his fibula this season. Despite playing through pain, he's thrown for over 3,300 yards while leading the conference's most potent offense.

Bear Bachmeier: The Freshman Phenom

When Jake Retzlaff's departure left BYU without its expected starting quarterback, Bachmeier stepped in as the first true freshman starting QB in program history. The former Stanford commit has exceeded every expectation, totaling 24 touchdowns (18 passing, 6 rushing) while leading BYU to an 11-1 record. His older brother Tiger plays receiver for the Cougars, making their connection a unique story within this championship run.

Jacob Rodriguez: The Defensive Anchor

Texas Tech's linebacker has emerged as one of college football's most decorated defenders. Rodriguez is a finalist for both the Butkus Award (nation's best linebacker) and Bednarik Award (nation's best defensive player), while also being named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses—as he did with a pick and forced fumble against BYU—makes him the most impactful defender on the field.

Coaching Matchup: McGuire vs. Sitake

Joey McGuire arrived at Texas Tech in 2022 and immediately changed the culture. The former Baylor assistant brought energy, recruiting prowess, and a commitment to developing talent. His Red Raiders went from Big 12 also-ran to conference title contender in just four seasons, a transformation that has captured national attention.

Kalani Sitake is BYU royalty—a former Cougar player who returned to lead his alma mater. After a challenging 5-7 season in 2023 (BYU's first year in the Big 12), Sitake has guided the program to a 21-3 record over the past two seasons. His ability to navigate the transition to power conference football while developing young talent like Bachmeier demonstrates elite coaching.

AT&T Stadium: The Stage

AT&T Stadium has hosted the Big 12 Championship Game nine times previously, making it the de facto home of the conference's biggest game. The venue offers:

• Capacity exceeding 80,000 for football configurations
• Retractable roof for weather protection
• The world's largest column-free interior
• Iconic center-hung video display
• Premium dining and hospitality options throughout

Located at 1 AT&T Way in Arlington, the stadium sits between Dallas and Fort Worth with easy access from both DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field.

College Football Playoff Picture

The 12-team CFP format means the Big 12 Champion receives an automatic berth as one of the five highest-ranked conference champions. Here's where each team stands:

• Texas Tech (No. 5 CFP): Already a lock for the playoff field. A victory could push the Red Raiders toward a first-round bye (top 4 seeds get byes).
• BYU (No. 11 CFP): Currently outside the at-large picture. The Cougars likely need to win the championship—and the automatic bid that comes with it—to reach the playoff.

This disparity adds an extra layer of desperation for BYU, while Texas Tech is playing for seeding and the chance to potentially host a playoff game.

Travel and Logistics

Getting There

• By Air: DFW International Airport (15 miles) or Dallas Love Field (20 miles)
• By Car: AT&T Stadium is accessible via I-30 from both Dallas and Fort Worth
• Parking: Reserve in advance for championship events; lots fill quickly
• Rideshare: Designated pickup/dropoff areas surround the venue

Accommodations

The Arlington Entertainment District offers hotels within walking distance, including Live! by Loews adjacent to the stadium. The broader DFW metroplex provides thousands of additional options at various price points.

Big 12 Championship 2025: Frequently Asked Questions

What date is the 2025 Big 12 Championship Game?

The Edward Jones Big 12 Championship Game is Saturday, December 6, 2025. Kickoff is at 12:00 PM ET (11:00 AM CT), and the game will be broadcast on ABC from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Which teams are playing in the 2025 Big 12 Championship?

The No. 5 Texas Tech Red Raiders (11-1, 8-1 Big 12) face the No. 11 BYU Cougars (11-1, 8-1 Big 12). Remarkably, this is the first Big 12 Championship Game appearance for both programs in their histories.

Where can I buy Big 12 Championship 2025 tickets?

Tickets are available through our verified resale marketplace, which connects fans with authenticated sellers. All prices include fees upfront—no hidden charges at checkout. Every transaction is secure and backed by buyer protection.

Did Texas Tech and BYU already play this season?

Yes, Texas Tech defeated BYU 29-7 on November 8, 2025, in Lubbock. The Red Raiders dominated defensively, holding BYU scoreless until the fourth quarter. This championship game serves as a rematch with much higher stakes.

Who is Texas Tech's quarterback?

Behren Morton, a fifth-year senior from Lubbock, Texas, is the starting quarterback. He's played through a hairline fibula fracture this season and has thrown for over 3,300 yards. Coach Joey McGuire calls him the toughest player he's ever coached.

Who is BYU's quarterback?

Bear Bachmeier, a true freshman from Murrieta, California, starts for the Cougars. He's the first freshman starting quarterback in BYU history and has been named Big 12 Freshman of the Week six times. His older brother Tiger plays receiver for BYU.

What channel is the Big 12 Championship on?

The 2025 Big 12 Championship Game airs on ABC with a noon ET kickoff. The game is also available for streaming on ESPN platforms with a valid cable or streaming subscription.

What are the CFP implications for this game?

The winner receives the Big 12's automatic bid to the 12-team College Football Playoff. Texas Tech is already a playoff lock at No. 5 and could push for a bye. BYU, at No. 11, likely needs the automatic bid to reach the postseason.

When did Texas Tech last win a conference championship?

Texas Tech last won a conference title in 1994 (Southwest Conference) and hasn't won a solo conference championship since 1955. This game represents the Red Raiders' first-ever Big 12 Championship Game appearance.

When did BYU last win a conference championship?

BYU's most recent conference title came in 2007 when the Cougars won the Mountain West. They spent 2011-2022 as an independent before joining the Big 12 in 2023. This is their first Big 12 Championship Game appearance.

How big is AT&T Stadium?

AT&T Stadium holds over 80,000 fans for football games. The venue features a retractable roof, the world's largest column-free interior, and an iconic massive center-hung video board. It has hosted nine previous Big 12 Championship Games.

Is there parking at AT&T Stadium?

Yes, multiple parking lots surround the stadium. For championship events, advance purchase is strongly recommended as lots fill quickly. Rideshare services also have designated pickup and dropoff zones around the venue.

Who is Jacob Rodriguez?

Jacob Rodriguez is Texas Tech's star linebacker and the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He's a finalist for both the Butkus Award (best linebacker) and Bednarik Award (best defensive player). He had an interception and forced fumble against BYU in the regular season.

Are resale tickets for the Big 12 Championship legitimate?

Yes, tickets from reputable resale marketplaces are legitimate. We verify all sellers, guarantee authenticity, and provide buyer protection on every transaction. With over 20 years in business and top Trustpilot ratings, fans can purchase with complete confidence.

What time does the Big 12 Championship Game start?

Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM Eastern Time (11:00 AM Central Time) on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Gates typically open 2-3 hours before kickoff for fans wanting to arrive early and soak in the championship atmosphere.