CINCINNATI – The University of Cincinnati women’s soccer team has released its 2026 Big 12 Conference schedule, setting the stage for a challenging fall season as the Bearcats continue their competition within the conference. The schedule, announced by the league on Monday, , outlines 11 conference matchups culminating in the Big 12 Tournament in early November.
Head coach Erica Demers will guide her team through a schedule that balances six home contests at Gettler Stadium with five road trips. The Bearcats will face formidable opponents including Texas Tech, Baylor, TCU, UCF, and Colorado, testing their mettle against some of the top programs in the Big 12.
Cincinnati will kick off its Big 12 campaign on , hosting the Kansas Jayhawks. This home opener provides an immediate opportunity for the Bearcats to establish a strong foothold in conference play. The team then embarks on a Texas swing, facing Texas Tech on , followed by Baylor on , and TCU on .
A three-game homestand awaits the Bearcats in mid-October, offering a chance to build momentum in front of their home fans. UC will welcome Utah on , followed by BYU on , and Houston on . Importantly, all home matches at Gettler Stadium will be free to fans, encouraging strong community support.
The schedule doesn’t let up, as Cincinnati then travels to Florida to take on UCF on . A quick return home sees the Bearcats hosting Kansas State on , before a final road trip to Colorado on .
The regular season will conclude with a home match against West Virginia on , setting the stage for the Big 12 Tournament. The tournament, an eight-team competition, is scheduled to run from through , promising a thrilling conclusion to the season.
This schedule presents a balanced challenge for the Bearcats, combining the rigors of conference play with opportunities to showcase their talent at home. The mix of established Big 12 programs and newer additions like Utah and BYU will undoubtedly test Cincinnati’s depth and resilience.
The 2026 Big 12 Women’s Soccer Schedule offers a clear roadmap for the Bearcats as they navigate their conference commitments. The early September start against Kansas provides a benchmark for the team’s progress, while the late-season clash with West Virginia could prove crucial in determining tournament seeding.
The home-heavy stretch in October offers a significant advantage, allowing Cincinnati to capitalize on familiar surroundings and enthusiastic fan support. The road contests, particularly those in Texas and Florida, will demand adaptability and a strong team mentality.
Looking ahead, the Big 12 Tournament represents the ultimate goal. The competition is expected to be fierce, with eight teams vying for the conference championship and an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. Cincinnati’s performance throughout the regular season will be critical in securing a favorable seed and positioning themselves for a deep tournament run.
Beyond the conference schedule, the University of Cincinnati women’s soccer program also recently announced its 2026 spring schedule on . This spring schedule, featuring four matches – one at home and three on the road – provides valuable opportunities for player development and team cohesion in preparation for the fall season. Matches are scheduled against Morehead State, Miami (OH), Kentucky, and Belmont.
The combination of a competitive Big 12 schedule and a focused spring season underscores the commitment of Coach Demers and the Cincinnati program to building a successful and sustainable soccer program. The free admission to all home matches at Gettler Stadium is a welcome initiative, aiming to foster a strong connection between the team and the Cincinnati community.
2026 Big 12 Women’s Soccer Schedule
- Friday, Sept. 18 – Kansas
- Thursday, Sept. 24 – @ Texas Tech
- Sunday, Sept. 27 – @ Baylor
- Friday, Oct. 2 – @ TCU
- Thursday, Oct. 8 – Utah
- Monday, Oct. 12 – BYU
- Friday, Oct. 16 – Houston
- Thursday, Oct. 22 – @ UCF
- Sunday, Oct. 25 – Kansas State
- Friday, Oct. 30 – @ Colorado
- Thursday, Nov. 5 – West Virginia
- Monday-Saturday, Nov. 9-14 – Big 12 Tournament
