College Football Big 12 Spring Game 2026 Schedule for All Teams

The spring portion of the offseason is underway as teams begin preparations for the 2026 college football season. Across the Big 12, programs are using this period to evaluate rosters, install systems and build momentum ahead of the fall.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders enter the spring as one of the conference’s top programs, looking to defend their Big 12 title and return to the College Football Playoff. However, several teams are positioned to challenge for the conference crown.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

The BYU Cougars, last season’s runner-up, and the Arizona State Sun Devils, the 2024 conference champion, are among the top contenders. Both programs enter the offseason with expectations of competing near the top of the standings once again.

Coaching changes are also a major storyline throughout the conference. The Iowa State Cyclones, Kansas State Wildcats and Oklahoma State Cowboys have each been consistent contenders over the past decade, but all three programs will begin the 2026 season with new head coaches. The Utah Utes are also entering a transition period, replacing their longtime head coach.

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders walks along the sidelines. | Ben Queen-Imagn Images

Other programs across the league are aiming to take a step forward this season. The Kansas Jayhawks, Arizona Wildcats, Baylor Bears, Houston Cougars, UCF Knights, West Virginia Mountaineers, Colorado Buffaloes, TCU Horned Frogs and Cincinnati Bearcats will all look to improve their positioning within the conference. With depth and parity across the league, several teams could emerge as contenders.

Spring practices will culminate in a series of spring games or organized events, giving fans an early look at roster changes and player development. Some programs will not hold traditional spring games, instead opting for alternative formats or closed practices.

Below is a look at each Big 12 team’s spring game or end of spring season schedule:

Note: Schools listed with an asterisk next to the date of the spring game either aren't scheduling a traditional spring game this year, or it's not yet clear when the game will occur.

School	Spring Game
Arizona	April 25
Arizona State	N/A*
Baylor	April 25 (fan fest)*
BYU	April 3 (Alumni Game)*
Cincinnati	April 18
Colorado	April 11
Houston	April 18
Iowa State	TBA*
Kansas	N/A*
Kansas State	No Game
Oklahoma State	April 18
TCU	N/A*
Texas Tech	April 17
UCF	May 2
Utah	April 18 (fan day, no game)*
West Virginia	April 18

Spring games provide valuable opportunities for younger players to gain experience and for position battles to develop. They also allow the coaching staff to evaluate depth and identify areas for improvement before the fall.

The role of spring games has evolved in recent years. Concerns over player movement during transfer portal windows led some programs to scale back or eliminate these events. However, with adjustments to the transfer calendar, more teams appear willing to bring back traditional spring formats.

As a result, fans across the Big 12 can expect increased access and visibility during the spring, adding another layer of anticipation for the upcoming season.