And the passion of the fanbases easily exceeds the average Big Ten team.
These games matter.
The teams from the West enter the opening week facing opponents of varying strength. Colorado and Utah face Power Conference teams, while BYU and Arizona State play FCS programs.
I preview all five games featuring Big 12 teams from the West and provide a “look in” at some of the key contests in the rest of the league.
Georgia Tech at Colorado
Friday, August 29
5:00 pm PT, ESPN
Georgia Tech is entering its third season under head coach Brent Key, who has led the Yellow Jackets to bowl games in his first two years.
Georgia Tech Quarterback Haynes King is a willing runner coming off a great season.
He threw just two interceptions all of last year while scampering for 587 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns on the ground.
King is the definition of a dual-threat quarterback. The Colorado defense must contain him in the pocket and not allow the senior to carve them up when he runs.
On offense, CU has named Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter as its starting quarterback.
His experience probably won him the job over true freshman Julian Lewis, and he has some talented wide receivers to target.
Look for the Buffs to get the ball into the hands of Omarion Miller and Dre’lon Miller.
If Colorado’s receivers get the ball in open space, they should score enough times to beat the Yellow Jackets in Boulder.
Portland State at BYU
Saturday, August 30
5:00 pm PT, ESPN+
The primary storyline is the debut of true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier. The easy opponent is the perfect opportunity for him to gain experience.
But, if anything, the playbook could be intentionally limited to avoid giving film to future opponents. It’s a delicate balance.
On one hand, the coaching staff needs to see what Bachmeier can do. On the other hand, it’s unwise to give future opponents a look at the plays and formations the Cougars want to run.
In that sense, the run game could be emphasized and the final result won’t move the needle on BYU’s outlook.
Northern Arizona at No. 11 Arizona State
Saturday, August 30
7:00 pm PT, ESPN+
The Lumberjacks are ranked No. 18 in the FCS Preseason Coaches Poll after coming off an 8-5 season last year.
One of the few questions surrounding the program is how ASU will replace Cameron Skattebo. The depth chart released by Dillingham’s staff indicates Kyson Brown and Raleek Brown are the starting running backs.
Kyson Brown was Skattebo’s backup last year and could shine as the starter, while Raleek Brown is a former transfer from USC with great speed.
But Army transfer Kanye Udoh might be the key. Udoh is second-string behind Kyson Brown, yet he is the player who most closely resembles Skattebo’s frame.
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, Udoh rushed for 1,117 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. If Udoh has a breakout year, Arizona State will be dangerous.
Regardless, all eyes will be on the running back room in the opener against NAU. How they perform could indicate ASU’s ceiling this year.
Hawai’i at Arizona
Saturday, August 30
7:30 pm PT, TNT/HBO Max
Last year’s offensive scheme was incompetent, and the effectiveness of the 2025 version will define the season.
Seth Doege is the new offensive coordinator, and he comes to Arizona after helping lead Marshall to a 10-win season last year.
On defense, Danny Gonzales was promoted internally and is tasked with improving a unit that was No. 108 nationally in points allowed per game.
Hawaii runs a shotgun-based offense with quick reads and easy throws. Getting pressure on quarterback Micah Alejado will be key.
The Warriors carved up Stanford when their corners played soft coverage, giving Gonzales clear game film on what doesn’t work defensively.
It’s a test for the Arizona coaching staff. Any semblance a close game could indicate a long season ahead.
Utah at UCLA
Saturday, August 30
8:00 pm PT, FOX
UCLA is trending up, and Utah is in a reset. Both programs have new starting quarterbacks with heightened expectations for the season.
The drama is palpable. There’s a reason why this game is on FOX and in the prime late window.
The key battle is arguably the Utes’ offensive line against the Bruins’ defensive front.
Devon Dampier will make the right throw if given time, or otherwise has the athleticism to rush for yards on the ground.
But if he is consistently pressured and sped up, the potential for turnovers is there.
Last season, Dampier threw 12 interceptions to just 12 touchdowns. The UCLA staff knows this and will likely devise complex looks to confuse the junior.
But if Utah’s offensive line provides the time, the Big 12 could secure a critical nonconference victory over the Big Ten.
Best of The Rest in the Big 12
The Big 12’s nonconference season kicks off with a marquee matchup between Nebraska and Cincinnati.Brendan Sorsby is one of the top quarterbacks in the Conference, and the Bearcats are being overlooked this year. Head Coach Scott Satterfield has UC trending upward.
The Cornhuskers were picked eighth in the Big Ten Preseason Media Poll and are coming off their first winning season since 2016.
But sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola is not a threat to run and is susceptible to making mistakes under pressure.
If the Cincinnati defensive line can get into the backfield, the Bearcat defensive backs could create turnovers. A win for the Big 12 would be a resume-builder early in the season.
Baylor hosts Auburn on Friday night in a critical game for the league.The Tigers have struggled against Power Conference opponents the past few years and the SEC/ESPN propaganda machine has been set to the max this summer.
A convincing win from the Bears is needed for the Big 12’s reputation.
The mood around the program is toxic, and the home crowd should be a welcome environment for the players.
Look for a strong showing out of KSU.
Similar to Arizona State, the Red Raiders have questions at running back that need to be answered. And just like BYU, the TTU coaching staff will be wary about putting too much of their offense on tape.
Look for a vanilla game plan and backups to get time in the second half.
Bill Belichick debuts for the Tar Heels with the Horned Frogs looking to play spoiler. Every game pitting two Power Conferences opponents against each other will be tracked and analyzed.
The Big 12 needs as many wins as it can get, especially against a league like the ACC, which stole an extra bid in last year’s Playoff.
