The Big 12 just dropped its full conference schedule for the 2026-27 season, and while Arizona rolls in as the favorite after a historic Final Four run last season, the spotlight is already blazing on their single regular season clash with Texas Tech. Seriously, only *one* game between these two? That’s wild, especially with the drama swirling around Texas Tech already.
Arizona Is Loaded, But Texas Tech Faces Massive Questions
Arizona is the clear favorite for the Big 12 title, and honestly, who’s surprised? They’re coming off a historic Final Four appearance, their first since 2001. Coach Tommy Lloyd just inked an extension after turning down the North Carolina job. You know the talent is there. Star big man Motiejus Krivas and Swiss Army Knife wing Ivan Kharchenkov are on NBA Draft watch for 2027, and incoming five-star recruit Caleb Holt could be the No. 1 overall pick if everything breaks right. They’re ranked in Gary Parrish’s Top 25 and 1, and the hype is deserved.
But then there’s Texas Tech, another top contender, absolutely staring down some huge unknowns. Remember Darrion Williams, that key member of their Elite Eight team in 2025 before he transferred to NC State last offseason? Both Williams and Donovan Atwell are tangled up in “five-for-five lawsuits” with their eligibility still pending. That’s a huge question mark over their roster. And if that wasn’t enough, star forward JT Toppin is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last season. The guy looked like a first-team All-American before going down in mid-February against Arizona State. If those eligibility issues don’t clear up and Toppin isn’t 100%, how deep can they really go?
The One Game That Matters: Arizona vs. Texas Tech
This is where it gets absolutely insane: Arizona and Texas Tech are set to face off just once in the regular season. Just *one game* on January 22nd, at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. This has “game of the year” potential written all over it, especially with all eyes on Toppin’s return. Think about it: Arizona’s star power with Krivas, Kharchenkov, and Holt against a Texas Tech squad that’s a top contender, but with massive eligibility questions and a recovering star. From a pure talent perspective, these two teams could easily be battling for the top of the conference. It’s wild that we only get one shot to see them duke it out before tournament play.
The Big 12 as a whole is absolutely stacked. Houston, the back-to-back regular season champs from 2024 and 2025, is still a force with Joseph Tugler, one of the best defenders in the sport. Iowa State and BYU are also chilling in Gary Parrish’s Top 25 and 1. Eight teams made the NCAA Tournament in 2026, and with the Big Dance expanding to 76 teams this season, the conference is eyeing at least 10 bids in 2027. It’s going to be a brutal fight, and that single Arizona-Texas Tech game on January 22nd could define who’s truly ready to contend. Get ready, because this season is going to be a wild one.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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