Big 12

The Big 12 Conference, a prominent collegiate athletic organization in the United States, comprises 16 universities competing in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. Established in 1994, the conference began official play in 1996, marking a significant shift in the landscape of college athletics.

While rooted in the merger of the former Big Eight and Southwest Conferences, the Big 12 has evolved to include institutions beyond its original geographic footprint. Notable additions include universities from the West, such as Arizona and Arizona State, and East, like West Virginia and Central Florida. The conference’s membership also extends to Utah, Cincinnati, and Brigham Young University, diversifying its competitive pool. With a rich athletic heritage, Big 12 schools have collectively amassed 21 national championships, including three since the conference’s formation.