The Big 12 Conference has never had two teams in the College Football Playoff during the same season, but that could change this year. According to a report published October 22, five teams are currently positioned as contenders for the postseason as the conference enters Week 8 of the 2026 regular season.
BYU, Texas Tech, and Utah are currently ranked in the Top 10 of the US LBM Coaches Poll. BYU holds a 6-0 record and is ranked No. 3 in the US LBM Poll. Texas Tech is also undefeated and ranked No. 5. Utah, also undefeated, faces a difficult remaining schedule that includes matchups against Houston, BYU, and Arizona.
Houston and Arizona also remain in the conference race. Houston, ranked No. 16 in the US LBM Poll, has one loss, a 28-26 defeat against Texas Tech. Arizona is 5-1 following a Week 2 loss to BYU in Provo, Utah, but remains unranked in the US LBM Poll.
A scenario for three Big 12 teams in the College Football Playoff would involve Utah and Texas Tech going undefeated in the regular season while BYU finishes 11-1 with a loss to Utah. While landing two teams is viewed as plausible, the report notes that three teams would be a significant achievement for the conference.
The current Big 12 conference championship race includes several paths to the postseason. For teams like BYU and Texas Tech, a loss in the conference title game might still allow for a playoff berth if they maintain high rankings, whereas Houston and Arizona likely need to win out to secure a spot.
