It's not the same Big 12 Colorado left for the Pac-12 over a decade ago, but after the latter withered away, the Buffaloes are happy to be back.
CU officially rejoined the Big 12 on July 1, and the first order of business as a new member will be the league's football media days Tuesday and Wednesday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The Gazette will be there with full coverage.
The conference as a whole is a step below the Big Ten and SEC in football, but it has a chance to become a clear No. 3 — not to mention a bigger draw with Deion Sanders' Buffs.
Let's get familiar with the new-look Big 12:
Arizona
Where: Tucson
Enrollment: 42,075 undergrad
Stadium: Arizona Stadium (50,782 capacity)
The Buffs play... the Wildcats on Oct. 19 in Tucson.
CU's all-time record: 16-10. Most recent game: the Buffs fell to the Cats on a walk-off field goal in a 34-31 defeat in Coach Prime’s final home game of 2023)
How many Division I sports: 22 (9 men’s, 13 women’s)
National championships: 19
Famous for: Men’s basketball. The Wildcats have won just one national title on the hardwood (1997) but are consistently one of the top 5-10 programs in the country thanks to countless notable players like Steve Kerr, Mike Bibby, Andre Iguodala, Richard Jefferson, the Nuggets’ Aaron Gordon and Lauri Markkanen.
Under-the-radar program: Golf. Both the men’s and women’s programs have combined for four national titles and a pair of alums who went on to great professional careers in Annika Sörenstam and Jim Furyk.
Must-see: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Saguaro National Park
Grab a bite: CRUDA Mariscos & Oyster Bar and Charro Steak & Del Rey
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Arizona State
Where: Tempe
Enrollment: 57,588
Stadium: Mountain America Stadium (53,599)
The Buffs play... the Sun Devils in 2025 in Boulder.
CU's all-time record: 4-10. Most recent game: a 27-24 triumph last season when kicker Alejandro Mata booted a game-winning field goal with 12 seconds left.
Division I sports: 20 (9 men’s, 11 women’s)
National championships: 25
Famous for: Baseball. The Sun Devils have the fourth-most titles in NCAA history (five) with many players who went on to have MLB success, including the likes of Barry Bonds, Reggie Jackson, Ian Kinlser and Dustin Pedroia.
Under-the-radar program: Wrestling. ASU has one of the top mat programs out west with one team national title (1988) and several individual champions, including recent two-time champ Zahid Valencia, who won back-to-back titles at 174 pounds in 2018-19.
Must-see: Desert Botanical Garden and Mill Ave. District
Grab a bite: The Peppermill, The Chuckbox, Ghost Ranch
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Baylor
Where: Waco, Texas
Enrollment: 20,824
Stadium: McLane Stadium (45,140)
The Buffs play... the Bears on Sept. 21 in Boulder.
CU's all-time record: 9-7 (most recent game: a 31-25 Bears win in 2010 at Folsom Field)
How many Division I sports: 18 (7 men’s, 10 women’s, one co-ed)
National championships: 5
Famous for: Basketball. In both the men’s and women’s game, Baylor has won three championships in the last 12 years. Kim Mulkey cut down the nets three times in over 20 years as Baylor's coach. She recruited the likes of Brittney Griner, a two-time Player of the Year who has gone on to a likely Hall of Fame career in the WNBA. On the men’s side, Scott Drew led the Bears to the promised land in 2021.
Under-the-radar program: Men’s tennis, the only sport where the Bears have won a non-hoops national championship. Baylor’s own Benjamin Becker beat former world No. 1 Andre Agassi in the 2006 U.S. Open, which wound up being Agassi’s final professional match.
Must-see: Waco Mammoth National Monument, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, Dr Pepper Museum
Grab a bite: Magnolia Table, Jasper's BBQ, Health Camp
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BYU
Where: Provo, Utah
Enrollment: 34,390
Stadium: LaVell Edwards Stadium (63,470)
The Buffs play... the Cougars in 2025 in Boulder.
CU's all-time record: 8-3-1. Most recent game: a 20-17 win for BYU at the 1988 Freedom Bowl. The Buffs haven’t won in the series since 1947.
How many Division I sports: 21 (10 men’s, 11 women’s)
National championships: 11
Famous for: Volleyball. The Cougars won three NCAA titles from 1999-2004 and have reached the championship game five times since 2003.
Under the radar program: Cross country. The women’s cross country team actually owns the most NCAA titles in Provo with five, all since 1997. The men’s cross country team has won one, as well as four individual championships.
Must-see: Bridal Veil Falls, Provo Canyon, Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum
Grab a bite: Black Sheep Cafe, Communal, Bombay House
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Central Florida
Where: Orlando
Enrollment: 59,548
Stadium: FBC Mortgage Stadium (48,000)
The Buffs play... the Knights on Sept. 28 in Orlando.
CU's all-time record: 0-0
How many Division I sports: 16 (Six men’s, 10 women’s)
National championships: 0
Famous for: Football. Before making the jump to a Power 5 conference last year, the Knights were one of the more successful Group of 5 programs in the country. They went undefeated in 2017 and famously claimed themselves as “national champions” after being denied a spot in the College Football Playoff. UCF has had many players go on to have long, successful NFL careers, including former No. 3 pick and Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles and former Bronco and All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
Under the radar program: Basketball. The Knights were once known as the school where Michael Jordan’s son played hoops, but they’ve found success under coach Johnny Dawkins, including an appearance in the 2019 NCAA Tournament, led by 7-foot-6 big man Tacko Fall.
Must-see: Make the short trip outside Orlando to Universal Studios or Walt Disney World — or stay downtown and ride a swan boat on Lake Eola.
Grab a bite: Kaya, The Ravenous Pig, Pizza Bruno
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Cincinnati
Where: Cincinnati
Enrollment: 38,748
Stadium: Nippert Stadium (38,088)
The Buffs play... the Bearcats on Oct. 26 in Boulder.
CU's all-time record: 1-0. Most recent game: a 56-14 trouncing by the Buffs in the only matchup between the schools, in 1972.
How many Division I sports: 18 (eight men’s, 10 women’s)
National championships: 2
Famous for: The legendary duo of Sandy Koufax and Oscar Robertson. Seriously, it’s a 1-2 punch of iconic athletes that rivals any school in the country.
Under-the-radar program: Football. Basketball is the top sport in Cincinnati as it’s the only sport that’s produced a national championship (as well as four other Final Four appearances), but the Bearcats were the gold standard Group of Five program before moving to the Big 12 last summer. They made the 2021 College Football Playoff in a historic first for a non-power conference program. Oh, and they’ve given us the Kelce brothers.
Must-see: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, American Sign Museum, Findlay Market
Grab a bite: Sotto, Mid City Restaurant, Camp Washington Chili
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Colorado
Where: Boulder
Enrollment: 37,153
Stadium: Folsom Field (50,183)
How many Division I sports: 16 (six men’s, 10 women’s)
National championships: 28
Famous for: Skiing. The Buffs own 20 titles on the slopes, which trails only rival University of Denver in the all-time rankings.
Under-the-radar program: Cross country. Benefiting from the inherent advantage of training at elevation, the CU cross country teams have won eight total titles, all of which have come this century.
Must-see: Any hike in the Flatirons, a personal favorite being Chautauqua Trail.
Grab a bite: The Sink, Pasta Jay’s, Peckish
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Houston
Where: Houston
Enrollment: 37,356
Stadium: John O'Quinn Field at TDECU Stadium (40,000)
The Buffs play... the Cougars in 2025 in Houston.
CU's all-time record: 1-0. Most recent game: a 29-17 win for the Buffs in the 1971 Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl in Houston.
How many Division I sports: 17 (seven men’s, 10 women’s)
National championships: 17
Famous for: Basketball. Even though the Cougars have never won a title on the hardwood, they’re still one of the most famous programs in the country. Houston has made six Final Fours, including the legendary “Phi Slama Jamma'' team that made three in a row from 1982-84 with future Hall of Famers Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon. Oh, and Kelvin Sampson’s team has made the Sweet 16 in the last five NCAA Tournaments and has the horses to make another in March 2025.
Under-the-radar program: Golf. The Cougars won 16 championships on the links from 1956-1985 and have produced plenty of PGA Tour standouts, including 1992 Masters champion Fred Couples.
Must-see: The 55-acre Houston Zoo, home to UH’s live cougar mascots, is a must stop on your visit — as is NASA’s Johnson Space Center
Grab a bite: Frenchy’s Chicken for world-class fried chicken and a taste of the south
They said it: “As a city, Houston is culturally diverse, friendly and loves its sports – all of which are equally represented at the University of Houston with its main campus located just south of downtown. As you make your way to campus for game day, stop at. A Football game day is not complete without the team’s 'Spirit Walk' into the stadium. Once the game kicks off, don’t be startled by The Blaze, an oil field warning siren, which echoes throughout Third Ward, when the Cougars score.” — Andrew Pate, associated AD/strategic communications at Houston
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Iowa State
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Where: Ames
Enrollment: 30,177
Stadium: Jack Trice Stadium (61,500)
The Buffs play... the Cyclones in 2025 in Boulder.
CU's all-time record: 49-15-1. Most recent game: a 34-14 victory for the Buffs in their final season in the Big 12, in 2010.
How many Division I sports: 16 (six men’s, 10 women’s)
National championships: 20
Famous for: Wrestling. The Cyclones have one of the best wrestling programs in NCAA history with eight national championships and arguably the best individual wrestler in Cael Sanderson, who went 159-0 in his ISU career and became (at the time) only the second person to win four individual national championships.
Under-the-radar program: Basketball. ISU has been on an upswing the last 20 years thanks to three excellent coaches in Greg McDermott, Fred Hoiberg and, currently, T.J. Oetzelberger. The Cyclones last season won the Big 12 tournament championship and reached the Sweet 16 and are loaded up to make another deep run in 2024-25.
Grab a bite: Aunt Maudes, The Cafe, & Great Plains Pizza
Denver alumni watch parties: Society Sports + Spirits (1434 Blake St.)
They said it: “I might be biased, but Iowa State's campus is one of the most beautiful in the country. A few of my favorite stops are the 'Innovate 1858 Store' at the Student Innovation Center, which sells merchandise made by student entrepreneurs, the ISU Creamery's ice cream shop, part of the Food Science & Human Nutrition program, and the ISU Alumni Center, which highlights traditions, student and alumni achievements, and university history throughout every floor. Tradition states that you're not an official Iowa Stater until you've been kissed under the Campanile's carillon bells at the stroke of midnight.” — Trey Hemmingsen (President, Iowa State Alumni of Denver)
***
Kansas
Where: Lawrence
Enrollment: 26,708
Stadium: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium (47,233)
The Buffs play... the Jayhawks on Nov. 23 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City while KU renovates its on-campus stadium this fall.
CU's all-time record: 42-25-3. Most recent game: a 52-45 win for the Jayhawks in Lawrence in 2010.
How many Division I sports: 18 (seven men’s, 11 women’s)
National championships: 11
Famous for: Basketball. Walking into Allen Fieldhouse feels like walking into the center of the basketball universe, and the Jayhawks may be the bluest of blue bloods in college basketball. Just ask longtime CU hoops coach Tad Boyle about his alma mater.
Under-the-radar program: Football. Long a laughingstock program, Kansas has turned things around under coach Lance Leipold, who’s led the program to back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 2007-08.
Must-see: Allen Fieldhouse, Grinter Farms
Grab a bite: Mass Street Fish House & Raw Bar, Leeway Franks, Sylas and Maddy's Homemade Ice Cream
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Kansas State
Where: Manhattan
Enrollment: 15,113
Stadium: Bill Snyder Family Stadium (50,000)
The Buffs play... the Wildcats on Oct. 8 in Boulder.
CU's all-time record: 45-20-1. Most recent game: a 44-36 win for the Buffs at Folsom Field in 2010.
How many Division I sports: 16 (seven men’s, 9 women’s)
National championships: 0
Famous for: Basketball. While not on par with its rival in Lawrence, the K-State hoops team also has a rich history filled with deep NCAA Tournament runs and legendary players like Bob Boozer, Michael Beasley and Mitch Richmond.
Under-the-radar program: Football. Coach Chris Klieman has the Wildcats in prime position to win another Big 12 title, which would guarantee a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff. It could be a fun fall for the program that Bill Snyder brought to the spotlight during his over 20 years as the coach.
Must-see:'Wabash Cannonball' performed by the Pride of Wildcat Band
Grab a bite: You can’t beat Purple Pride ice cream made at Campus at the Call Hall Dairy Bar. Aggieville has a little bit of everything Manhattan has to offer, tacos, donuts, burgers, beers and more. The popular shopping and eating area that serves K-State students has been part of the K-State tradition since 1889.
They said it: "My husband is a Buff, and I am a K-Stater, so we are thrilled that CU is back in the Big XII. And I'm looking forward to wearing purple in Boulder this fall. Manhattan is an easy road trip and K-Staters are known for their hospitality. We've been a football school since the 90s, so the atmosphere is fantastic. Whether you win or lose, it will be a good time.” — Chancy Love, chair of the K-State Alumni Association Board of Directors and Denver resident
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Oklahoma State
Where: Stillwater
Enrollment: 26,008
Stadium: Boone Pickens Stadium (60,218)
The Buffs play... the Cowboys on Nov. 29 in Boulder.
CU's all-time record: 26-20-1. Most recent game: a 38-8 blowout win for the Cowboys in the 2016 Alamo Bowl — the last time the Buffs made a bowl game in a full season.
How many Division I sports: 16 (eight men’s, 8 women’s)
National championships: 53
Famous for: Wrestling. Despite having not won since 2006, the Cowboys still have 10 more national championships (34) than any other program in wrestling. Oklahoma State has also had over 100 individual champs, including recent three-time winner Alex Dieringer.
Under-the-radar program: Golf. The Cowboys have won 11 national titles and have had several former players go on to successful pro careers on the PGA Tour, including current stars Rickie Fowler and Viktor Hovland.
Grab a bite: Crush the bacon cheese fries at Eskimo Joe's
College bar: Drink a Limey (a vodka/sprite co*cktail) from The Copper Penny
They said it: “Stillwater is where small-town charm meets big-time football. Sing along to Garth Brooks once inside Boone Pickens Stadium. OSU is an under-appreciated gem of the Big 12.” — Denver Gazette Avalanche beat writer and 2012 OSU grad Kyle Fredrickson
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Texas Christian
Where: Fort Worth
Enrollment: 10,915
Stadium: Amon G. Carter Stadium (53,294)
The Buffs play... the Horned Frogs in 2025 in Fort Worth.
CU's all-time record: 1-1. Most recent game: a thrilling 45-41 Buffs win in the 2023 opener that opened the Coach Prime era with a bang.
How many Division I sports: 21 (nine men’s, 12 women’s)
National championships: 6
Famous for: Football. Making the College Football Playoff two seasons ago was a huge achievement for the Horned Frogs. The program has plenty of history with one Heisman Trophy winner (Davey O’Brien, 1938) and several other Hall of Famers like Sammy Baugh and LaDainian Tomlinson.
Under-the-radar program: Rifle. TCU has won four co-ed national titles since 2010, including this year.
Must-see: Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, Fort Worth Water Gardens
Grab a bite: Panther City BBQ, Wicked Butcher, Los Molcajetes
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Texas Tech
Where: Lubbock
Enrollment:40,322
Stadium: Jones AT&T Stadium (60,454)
The Buffs play... the Red Raiders on Nov. 9 in Lubbock.
CU's all-time record:5-5 (most recent game: a 27-24 win for the Red Raiders in Boulder in 2010)
How many Division I sports: 17 (8 men’s, nine women’s)
National championships: 3
Famous for: Football. Denver is not thankful, but the Red Raiders produced the most talented quarterback the game has ever seen — Patrick Mahomes, who hasn’t turned 29 years old and already has three Super Bowl rings.
Under-the-radar program: Baseball. The Red Raiders made the College World Series four times from 2014-19 and have also produced one of the 24 people responsible for an MLB perfect game in Texas Tech alumni Dallas Braden.
Must-see: There are numerous places to explore while on the South Plains, including the Buddy Holly Museum and Buddy Holly Hall, American Windmill Museum, the Silent Wings Museum, National Ranching Heritage Center and several popular wineries.
Grab a bite: Try the Funky Door, Cagle's Steak House, Caprock Cafe, Triple J Chophouse, Orlando's Italian or the legendary Spanky's, always popular with students and alumni.
They said it: "Lubbock and Texas Tech is a culture all to its own on the giant side of Texas. It's flat here on the South Plains without a lot of trees, but we do have more sky! It's a special place Red Raiders proudly call home, and we look forward to welcoming our Big 12 Buffalo friends back to the Hub City this fall." — Curt Langford, president of the Texas Tech Alumni Association
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Utah
Where: Salt Lake City
Enrollment: 35,236
Stadium: Rice-Eccles Stadium (53,644)
The Buffs play... the Utes on Nov. 16 in Boulder.
CU's all-time record: 32-35-3. Most recent game: a 24-17 loss in Salt Lake City to close year one of the Coach Prime era.
How many Division I sports: 19 (seven men's, 11 women's, and one co-ed)
National championships: 25
Famous for: Skiing. Behind DU and CU, the Utes are third all-time in national titles on the slopes.
Under-the-radar program: Football. The preseason pick to win the Big 12 this fall, the Utes have been one of the country’s most consistent programs for two decades. After Urban Meyer went 22-2 in two seasons, winning two Mountain West titles, Kyle Whittingham has continued the success amidst a move to the Pac-12 with just two losing seasons in 19 seasons. The Utes are well-positioned to be a contender in the new-look Big 12 and are poised to get the program’s first College Football Playoff bid in the coming years.
Must-see: Great Salt Lake, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Temple Square
Grab a bite: Siegfried's Delicatessen, Banbury Cross Donuts, Caputo's Market & Deli
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West Virginia
Where: Morgantown
Enrollment: 29,933
Stadium: Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium (60,000)
The Buffs play... the Mountaineers in 2025 in Boulder.
CU's all-time record: 1-1. Most recent game: a 35-24 win for the Mountaineers in 2010 in Morgantown.
How many Division I sports: 18 (seven men’s, 10 women’s, one co-ed)
National championships: 20
Famous for: Rifle. The co-ed program is responsible for 19 of the school's 20 national titles, the most rifle championships in NCAA history.
Under-the-radar program: Men’s basketball. The Mountaineers have made two Final Fours in their history — 1959 and 2010 — but the first was led by one of the game’s icons, the late Jerry West. The Hall of Fame player and coach is way more than just “The Logo"; he’s one of the best point guards in NBA history and also helped multiple franchises to titles as an executive.
Must-see: Coopers Rock State Forest, WVU Core Arboretum
Grab a bite: Iron Horse Tavern, Mountain State Brewing Company, Table 9
