Ten must-watch Big 12 football games in 2023: Best Kansas, K-State games & more
Even without Texas and Oklahoma, the Big 12 should be one of the deepest football leagues in the country.
For one more year, though, four new members — BYU, UCF, Cincinnati and Houston — will get to take on the Big 12’s biggest brands. The Big 12 should be an incredibly competitive conference from top to bottom.
Our KU and K-State beat writers have compiled a list of 10 games worth putting on your calendar for this season — three apiece from the teams they cover.
Here are 10 must-watch Big 12 games in 2023 ...
Shreyas Laddha, Kansas Jayhawks beat writer
1. Kansas at Texas (Sept. 30, 2023)
KU will look to make it two straight victories in Austin after beating Texas 57-56 in 2021. That game was Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels’ breakthrough performance. But last season’s game wasn’t particularly close, with the Jayhawks losing 55-14.
This one will be KU’s last conference game against UT before the Longhorns head to the SEC next season. Texas is favored to win the Big 12, so this game figures to be a pivotal test for KU.
2. Kansas vs. UCF (Oct. 7, 2023)
UCF is clearly the best of the four Big 12 newcomers, so this will be another great test for Kansas. KU could be coming off a loss to the Longhorns, so the outcome of this game may set the tone for the back half of the season. Not to mention, the Knights are the only newcomer ranked above KU in the Big 12’s preseason media poll.
3. Kansas vs. Oklahoma (Oct. 28, 2023)
On homecoming, the Jayhawks will hope to end an 18-game losing streak against the Sooners — the last time KU beat OU was in 1997. Kansas lost 52-42 to OU last season, and that about as close as KU has come to scoring an upset. In many ways, last year’s Sooners squad (6-7) and KU were similar teams. The OU offense was ranked in the top 20, but the OU defense ranked No. 122. Both teams have improved defensively, so this year’s meeting should be plenty competitive.
4. Oklahoma at Texas (Oct. 7, 2023)
Not only is the Red River Showdown one of the best rivalries in college football, it’s these teams’ last year in the Big 12. The outcome of this game could be play a pivotal role in determining the conference champ.
5. Cincinnati at BYU (Sept. 9, 2023)
BYU plays its first Big 12 game against fellow newbie Cincinnati and there’s a lot to like about this matchup: two passionate fan bases, great atmosphere and scenic stadium in Provo. I’m thinking this one will be a lot of fun to watch.
Kellis Robinett, K-State Wildcats beat writer
1. Kansas State at Kansas (Nov. 18, 2023)
This could be the best Sunflower Showdown we’ve seen on the football field in quite some time. Maybe they could meet for the second time as ranked opponents. The Wildcats beat the Jayhawks 47-27 in Manhattan last season, but K-State benefited from several costly errors by KU in that game. Things could tighten up significantly as the series shifts to Lawrence and KU returns more starters than any other team in the Big 12. Then again, beating KU is what K-State does. The Wildcats haven’t lost in this series since 2008. Will that trend continue? Or will KU finally strike back?
2. Kansas State at Texas (Nov. 4, 2023)
It will be a long, long time before K-State and Texas play another game against each other in the regular season. This matchup will mean a great deal to the Wildcats and their fans, who love it when they beat the Longhorns. Oh, and it could be a game between Big 12 heavyweights.
3. TCU at Kansas State (Oct. 21, 2023)
These teams played two highly entertaining games last season, with TCU rallying from a big halftime deficit to win at home and K-State delivering a goal-line stand to win the Big 12 championship game in overtime. Here’s hoping Round 3 is just as good.
4. Oklahoma at Oklahoma State (Nov. 4, 2023)
While I expect Bedlam to return at some point, this may be the final look we get at the passionate football rivalry in its current form. Oklahoma is leaving for the SEC. Oklahoma State wants to send the Sooners on their way with a loss. Much like the final Border War in the Big 12 or the final Backyard Brawl in the Big East, this game is going to be incredibly meaningful for both sides.
5. Texas Tech at Texas (Nov. 24, 2023)
Is Texas finally back? This game could go a long way toward answering that question, as it could have Big 12 championship implications. For the first time in what feels like ages, Texas Tech is entering a football season with legitimately high expectations. And many also think the Longhorns are finally ready to win a trophy under Steve Sarkisian. This game could easily determine who ends up playing in Arlington in early December.
