Potential Growing Big 12 Rivalries Arizona Should Embrace

Arizona enters its third year in the Big 12 Conference this summer, with plenty of success for its programs since joining the new conference.

Since joining the Big 12, some of the Wildcats’ biggest accomplishments include a nine-win football season, regular-season and Big 12 Tournament men’s basketball championships, a men’s Final Four appearance, and a College World Series berth from their baseball team. Yet, one aspect that was lost in the dismembering of the PAC-12 was the Wildcats’ rivalries.

Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Luke Wysong (15) stiff arms Arizona State Sun Devils cornerback Joseph Smith (22) in the first half during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Sure, they still have the season finale against Arizona State each year, but many of the others are now in different conferences. In the new look Big 12, it’s up to the teams to create and embrace new rivalries. Here are a few that would make sense for Arizona.

Jan 2, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Brent Brennan reacts against the SMU Mustangs in the first half during the Holiday Bowl at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Texas Tech Red Raiders

The Red Raiders have stormed to the top of the Big 12, so why not take on the challenge? Historically, Arizona and Texas Tech have delivered an ultra-competitive football series, with some great finishes, splitting their 28 overall meetings at 14 wins apiece. They’ve only played each other twice since 1989, but with both programs on a rapid rise, it makes plenty of sense to pit these two against each other.

Texas Tech’s Ben Roberts lifts the title belt after being named most outstanding player of the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. | Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Then, you factor…

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Publish date : 2026-05-10 11:00:00

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