You're right! The Big 12 slate this weekend (October 4-5, 2025) is absolutely loaded with crucial conference matchups, featuring undefeated teams, high-stakes contests for standings, and the drama that comes with a massive 16-team league.

Here are the games that make this weekend so much fun:

Top-Tier Showdowns & Conference Race Defining Games

This week features multiple games where a win vaults a team into the top echelon of the Big 12 standings, and a loss creates an early hole.

No. 14 Iowa State at Cincinnati (Sat., 12:00 p.m. ET, ESPN2): This is arguably the biggest game of the early slate. The No. 14 Cyclones are 5-0 (2-0 in Big 12) and looking to continue their run as a conference title favorite. They face the Cincinnati Bearcats (3-1, 1-0), who are proving to be a tough out in their new conference and have an explosive offense. An Iowa State win cements their status; a Cincinnati win puts the Bearcats on the map immediately.

No. 11 Texas Tech at Houston (Sat., 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN): The No. 11 Red Raiders (4-0, 1-0) are the highest-ranked team playing this week and are traveling to face an undefeated Houston Cougars squad (4-0, 1-0). Both teams are 1-0 in conference play, making this a pivotal early battle for control of the standings. Expect a high-scoring Texas-sized shootout.

West Virginia at No. 23 BYU (Fri., 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): The weekend kicks off with a Friday night thriller in Provo. The No. 23 Cougars (4-0, 1-0) are hoping to keep their perfect season going, but the Mountaineers (2-3, 0-2) are desperate for their first conference win to keep their bowl hopes alive. The atmosphere under the lights should be incredible.

Intriguing Mid-Tier Battles

These matchups will start to separate the contenders from the rest of the pack in the crowded middle of the league.

Colorado at TCU (Sat., 7:30 p.m. ET, FOX): The rematch of the highly publicized 2024 season opener sees Coach Prime's Buffaloes (2-3, 0-2) heading to Fort Worth to take on the Horned Frogs (3-1, 0-1). Both teams are looking for a key conference victory after tough losses last week, making this a high-stakes game for momentum and national attention.

Kansas at UCF (Sat., 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2): Two teams that have shown flashes of brilliance clash in Orlando. The Jayhawks (3-2, 1-1) need a road win to stay above .500 in league play, while the Knights (3-1, 0-1) are defending their home turf against a team with an explosive offense. Expect a late-night battle with plenty of scoring.

Kansas State at Baylor (Sat., 12:00 p.m. ET, ESPN+): Both the Wildcats (2-3, 1-1) and the Bears (3-2, 1-1) are coming off a mix of wins and losses and are looking for consistency. The winner of this matchup gains a crucial advantage in the race for a good bowl position and establishes their identity in the Big 12.

The sheer volume of meaningful games, including several where both teams have winning records, underscores the exciting depth of the expanded Big 12 this weekend!

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