Look, I get it. You're trying to watch a BYU game or plan a trip to see them play, and suddenly you can't find their schedule. That's why you're searching "what conference is BYU in" – and buddy, you're not alone. After their big move last year, even die-hard fans get confused. Let's break this down real simple.
Right now, as I'm writing this? BYU competes in the Big 12 Conference. They switched over in July 2023 after decades of being independent in football. I remember driving past LaVell Edwards Stadium last fall seeing the new Big 12 banners – it still feels surreal after watching them play as independents for so long.
Quick Reference: Brigham Young University (BYU) is officially a full member of the Big 12 Conference across all sports starting from the 2023-2024 season. This includes football, basketball, volleyball, soccer – you name it.
Why the Move Matters to Fans Like You
Conference realignment feels like boring business talk until it ruins your Saturday plans. When BYU was independent, finding their games was a scavenger hunt. One week on ESPN2, next week on BYUtv, then some obscure streaming service. Honestly? It drove me nuts trying to explain to my buddies where to tune in.
Now in the Big 12? Consistency. You'll find nearly all football games on Fox, ESPN, or ABC. Basketball regularly on ESPN networks. That predictability alone makes understanding what conference BYU is in worth your time.
Schedule Impact You'll Actually Notice
| Season | Key Opponents | Typical Broadcast | Travel Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Football (Fall) | Texas, Oklahoma State, Utah, Baylor | Fox/ABC prime time | More Midwest trips |
| Basketball (Winter) | Kansas, Houston, Iowa State | ESPN/2 or Big 12 Now | Weeknight games increase |
| Volleyball (Fall) | Texas, Kansas State, TCU | ESPN+/Big 12 Network | Fewer West Coast trips |
Speaking of travel – yeah, it's changed. Flying to Iowa in November instead of San Diego? Not my ideal vacation. But rivalry games against Utah feel bigger now that it's a conference matchup.
Historical Context: How We Got Here
BYU's conference journey reads like a soap opera. Growing up near Provo, I remember these shifts firsthand:
- Pre-1999: Western Athletic Conference (WAC)
- 1999-2010: Mountain West Conference (MWC)
- 2011-2023: Football independence + West Coast Conference (WCC) for other sports
- 2023-Present: Full Big 12 membership
The Independence Experiment: Why It Ended
Going independent in 2011 was bold. The promised perks?
- National TV exposure every week
- Flexible scheduling
- Control over broadcast rights
Reality check? By 2020, it felt stale. Scheduling marquee games got harder. Access to the College Football Playoff? Basically impossible. Last time I chatted with a booster at Lavell Edwards Stadium, he admitted: "We maxed out independence."
Big 12 Membership: What Changes For You
Wondering how this conference switch impacts your experience as a fan? Let's get practical:
| Aspect | Past (Independence/WCC) | Present (Big 12) | Fan Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV Access | Scattered across 5+ networks | 85% on Fox/ESPN/ABC | No more hunting for broadcasts |
| Postseason Path | NY6 bowl only via at-large | Automatic NY6 spot for champs | Clear playoff route |
| Ticket Availability | Easy outside Utah games | High demand for KU/Texas | Buy early or pay resale prices |
| Travel | West Coast bus trips | Flights to Texas/Iowa | Higher costs but bigger rivalries |
That last point hits hard. My buddy's season ticket costs jumped 30% since the move. But watching BYU host Kansas last basketball season? Electric atmosphere worth the premium.
Recruiting You Should Know About
Coaches won't say it publicly, but competing in the Big 12 makes recruiting easier. Four-star recruits want Power Five exposure. Since joining, BYU's football recruiting rankings climbed from 60s to top 40 nationally. That matters when you're trying to build a contender.
FAQs: What Conference Is BYU In? (Answered Straight)
Does BYU have different conferences per sport now?
Not anymore. Before 2023, football was independent while basketball/baseball were in the WCC. Now? All sports compete under the Big 12 banner. Finally simplifies things!
Why did BYU leave independence?
Three big reasons: 1) Playoff access was nearly impossible, 2) Scheduling got brutal as conferences expanded, 3) TV money couldn't compete with Power Five payouts. Their Big 12 share? Roughly $42 million/year vs. $20 million as independents.
Will they still play Utah every year?
Yes! The "Holy War" rivalry is protected in the Big 12 schedule rotation. In fact, now it's a conference game with trophy implications. Last year's matchup had Big 12 title implications – intense!
What about basketball tournaments?
Big change here. Instead of the WCC Tournament in Las Vegas, you'll see BYU at the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City. Having attended both? KC's Power & Light District blows Vegas away for fan experience.
Does this affect the Honor Code?
Zero impact. BYU keeps its standards. I've heard this concern a lot – but Sunday play restrictions remain. The Big 12 accommodates this in scheduling. No, they won't compromise principles for conference alignment.
Future Outlook: What Comes Next
Realignment isn't done. With Texas/Oklahoma leaving for the SEC, the Big 12 added BYU, Houston, Cincinnati and UCF. But rumors persist about Arizona schools joining. My prediction? Stability for 5-7 years. Enjoy this era – it's BYU's best shot at national relevance.
Challenges Ahead (My Honest Take)
Not everything's rosy:
- Travel fatigue: Sending volleyball to Florida on a Wednesday? Questionable.
- Competition level: Going from playing Pacific to Baylor is a massive jump.
- Cultural fit: Some fan bases still don't "get" BYU's uniqueness.
Bottom line? Knowing what conference BYU is in means understanding a seismic shift. It unlocks better games, clearer postseason paths, and national relevance. Worth the growing pains? Absolutely.
Final thought: Next time someone asks "what conference is byu in", tell them it's where they belong. The journey took decades, but the Cougars finally have a home.
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