How Long Has There Been a Big 12 Playoff?

Are you wondering how long there has been a Big 12 playoff? Let's dive in to clarify this for you!

Firstly, the Big 12 Conference, which is known for its competitive college sports teams, has been hosting a playoff system for football since 1996. The Big 12 Championship Game was established in that year to determine the conference's champion and became a key fixture in college football.

However, it's essential to note that the specific format of the playoff has evolved over the years. Initially, the Big 12 Championship Game served as the de facto playoff, with the winner earning the conference title and often advancing to prominent bowl games.

In recent years, with the introduction of the College Football Playoff (CFP) system in 2014, the Big 12 Conference's playoff landscape has seen further changes. The CFP involves four top teams competing in a playoff for the national championship, leading to adjustments in the Big 12's approach to determining its representative.

Through all these developments, the spirit of competition and excitement in the Big 12 playoff system has remained strong, captivating fans and players alike.


The Big 12 playoff system has a rich history originating in 1996, where it began with the decisive Big 12 Championship Game, a game that has shaped college football identity within the conference.

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