BYU Football Reshuffles Future Schedules as Big 12 Transition Unfolds

Provo, Utah – BYU football has officially announced a series of future schedule changes as the program settles into its new role as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The Cougars have had to reshuffle numerous nonconference matchups due to the additions of Utah and Arizona to the Big 12, leading to the creation of many new games and a reshuffling of the existing schedule.

Navigating the Shifting Landscape of College Football

Seven Home Games in 2026: A Promising Trend

The 2026 season marks an important development for BYU as they transition into the Big 12 Conference. The Cougars will have seven home games at LaVell Edwards Stadium that year, a significant milestone. History has shown that BYU thrives when they have seven home games, with three previous seasons (1996, 2011, and 2020) resulting in double-digit win seasons. The 2026 home slate includes matchups against Utah Tech, Cal, and several Big 12 opponents, setting the stage for a potentially successful campaign.

Maintaining West Coast Presence

BYU has a strong following of fans along the West Coast, and the addition of series with Cal and Oregon State ensures that the Cougars will continue to have a presence in that region. This is particularly important as the program's move to the Big 12 has reduced the number of West Coast appearances in recent years. These new nonconference games will provide BYU supporters in California and the surrounding areas with opportunities to see their team in action.

Navigating the Challenges of Scheduling Power Five Opponents

With BYU's series against Ole Miss for the 2028 and 2029 seasons being canceled, the Cougars' next matchup against a Big Ten or SEC program will not occur until 2032, when they host Michigan State. Similarly, their next game against an SEC team is scheduled for 2035, when they will host Missouri. This reflects the growing difficulty in lining up games against these Power Five conferences, as the SEC is likely to move to a nine-game conference schedule, and many of these programs have existing rivalries with ACC teams, making it challenging for BYU and other Big 12 programs to secure these high-profile matchups.

Honoring Commitments with Group of Six Teams

Despite the transition to the Big 12, BYU has maintained its commitments to several Group of Six teams that were scheduled as part of the program's independent era. The Cougars will fulfill series against the likes of East Carolina, Northern Illinois, South Florida, and Troy, even if it means traveling to those opponents' home fields. This demonstrates BYU's dedication to honoring its existing contractual obligations, even as the program's scheduling landscape has undergone significant changes.

Navigating the Challenges of Scheduling Military Academies

BYU's future series against Army West Point has been canceled, highlighting the difficulties in securing games against the military academies. These programs have their own unique scheduling constraints, such as the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy and, in the case of Navy, an annual matchup with Notre Dame. However, the Cougars have managed to secure a return game against Navy, which will visit Provo in 2031, marking the first time the Midshipmen have played in Provo.As BYU settles into its new role in the Big 12 Conference, the program's future schedules have undergone a significant reshuffling. While the changes have presented some challenges, the Cougars have demonstrated their commitment to maintaining a strong presence on the West Coast, honoring existing contractual obligations, and navigating the complexities of scheduling Power Five and military academy opponents. With seven home games in 2026 and a mix of new and familiar nonconference foes, BYU is poised to continue its tradition of competitive and engaging football in the years to come.