Texas Tech Wins First Big 12 Title Over BYU 34-7

Texas Tech claims its first Big 12 Championship with a dominant defensive performance and secures a College Football Playoff berth

Texas Tech claimed its first-ever Big 12 football championship with a 34-7 win over BYU on December 6, 2025 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The Red Raiders, who entered the game ranked No. 5, improved to 12-1 and earned the No. 4 seed in the expanded College Football Playoff. The victory ended a decades-long wait for a conference title and marked one of the most complete defensive performances of the season. (Big 12 Conference)

How Texas Tech took control of the Big 12 title game

Texas Tech fell behind early when BYU scored on its opening drive, but the Red Raiders responded with 34 unanswered points. Quarterback Behren Morton delivered steady production throughout the game, completing key throws that extended drives and kept BYU’s defense on the field. The offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, limiting pressure and opening lanes for the run game.

On defense, Texas Tech delivered one of its sharpest performances of the season. Led by standout defender Cameron Dickey, the unit held BYU to 110 total yards after the early touchdown. BYU struggled to move the ball against Texas Tech’s coverage adjustments, and turnovers in the second half eliminated any chance of a comeback. (Texas Tech Athletics)

What the win means for the College Football Playoff

The victory secured Texas Tech the No. 4 seed and a first-round bye in the 12-team playoff format. The selection committee cited the team’s late-season momentum, strong conference performance and decisive championship showing as factors in the final seeding. BYU entered the game ranked No. 11 and finished the regular season 11-2.

The playoff berth marks a major step for the program, which has not appeared in the national championship conversation at this level in decades. With a top-four seed, Texas Tech advances directly to the quarterfinal round, avoiding the first-round matchup required for lower-seeded teams.

Economic impact around the championship weekend

The Big 12 Championship generated significant economic activity in the Dallas–Fort Worth region. Hotels near AT&T Stadium reported near-capacity bookings throughout the weekend, driven by traveling fans from both Texas and Utah. Restaurants, transportation providers, and entertainment venues saw increased demand tied to the influx of visitors attending the game.

Sports betting operators in states with legalized wagering reported elevated handle on the championship, with many bettors backing ranked matchups and playoff-implication games. The 34-7 result caused dramatic shifts in in-play markets as Texas Tech pulled away in the second half.

Media and fan engagement surrounding the matchup

The Big 12 title game drew strong viewership on national broadcast, boosted by Texas Tech’s pursuit of its first conference crown and BYU’s push for a New Year’s Six bowl opportunity. Highlights circulated rapidly across social platforms, amplified by public reactions from alumni and former players, including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who played at Texas Tech.

The win also strengthened Texas Tech’s national profile entering the playoff, increasing interest in ticket sales, merchandise, and upcoming broadcast slots. Programs with major championship breakthroughs often see multi-year increases in visibility and fan growth.

How the Red Raiders’ season led to this moment

Texas Tech entered the season with high expectations but did not appear in preseason playoff projections. The team generated momentum through mid-season wins over ranked Big 12 opponents and carried that consistency into November. The defense matured quickly under new adjustments, while Morton stabilized an offense that had struggled with inconsistency in earlier seasons.

The program’s first modern Big 12 title represents a milestone for both Texas Tech and the conference, which continues to reshape itself following the departure of long-time powerhouse schools. The result also positions Texas Tech as a contender in future seasons, with increased recruiting leverage and institutional support.