Episode Details

The Big 12's decision not to make the Kansas State-Iowa State and Baylor-BYU games yearly rivalries has been a point of contention and discussion among fans and media. This choice is a direct result of the league's new scheduling model, which was implemented following the conference's expansion.

"Farmageddon": A Storied Rivalry Lost

The Kansas State-Iowa State football series, known as "Farmageddon," is one of college football's longest uninterrupted rivalries, with a history spanning over 100 consecutive games. However, under the new 16-team, non-divisional format, the Big 12 has opted for a rotating schedule with only a few protected rivalries. This means the continuous "Farmageddon" series, which was just played in Dublin, is set to end after the 2026 season.

The decision has been met with frustration, particularly from fans of both schools, who argue that the conference is sacrificing a historic and commercially viable rivalry for a scheduling matrix that does not equally benefit all members. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has deferred to a committee's decision, stating that "certain things have to change moving forward." This move is seen as a way to prioritize a more balanced schedule for all 16 teams, ensuring that every program plays every other team in the conference on a regular basis.

Baylor-BYU: A Budding Rivalry Stunted

The Baylor-BYU series is a different case, as it's a newer, "budding" rivalry. The two teams have a number of similarities, including their private Christian university status and their strong fan bases. The matchup had begun to develop into a compelling annual game with a lot of on-field and cultural intrigue.

However, the Big 12's scheduling model for 2024 through 2027 does not protect this matchup as a yearly rivalry. While there's a strong desire from some fans and analysts to see the series become an annual tradition, the conference's focus is on creating a balanced schedule where every team plays a wider variety of opponents. This model is designed to promote a new sense of identity and inclusion for the league's eight new members, even at the expense of developing newer rivalries.

In essence, the Big 12's scheduling philosophy prioritizes competitive equity and broad exposure for all 16 teams over the preservation of certain traditional or developing rivalries. This has led to the unfortunate situation where matchups like "Farmageddon" will no longer be an annual fixture.

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