gg2
Football news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Big 12 nonconference schedules show fewer Power Four matchups, with Texas Tech open until 2030.
Why care: Realignment and cancellations reshape college football's future nonconference landscape.
Background
The Big 12's future nonconference schedules reveal a trend of fewer premier matchups, as conference realignment and cancellations disrupt previously scheduled games. Texas Tech, for example, has had games canceled and negotiations fall through, leaving them without a Power Four opponent until 2030. This reflects broader concerns about the sport's evolution amid changes like the transfer portal and NIL.
How it unfolded
- Aug 2026Reports surface that USC withdrew from negotiations to schedule a series with Texas Tech, and Texas A&M backed out of talks for a 2027 game.
- Aug 2026Big 12's Scott Draper cites SEC and ACC changes causing disruption in maintaining previously scheduled games.
- Sat, 29 Aug 2026Deseret News publishes analysis highlighting the troubling trend in Big 12 nonconference schedules.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Big 12's Scott Draper says conference changes have disrupted scheduling, but they are open to playing anyone.
- Coach
- Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire says they are open to playing anyone, with dates open due to cancellations.