Who will take home Big 12 Player of the Year? Will a breakout freshman like BYU’s A.J. Dybantsa or Houston’s Kingston Flemings steal the spotlight? Or will a proven veteran—Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson or J.T. Toppin—rise above the field?

Host Cleon Wall breaks down the top contenders for both Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year awards and is glad he doesn't have a vote.

We also dive into what’s really going on with BYU basketball and why the Cougars aren’t looking like themselves lately. Then, we wrap up a historic Red Raiders football season with insight from Locked On Texas Tech host Chris Level.

All that and more on this week’s edition of The Big Stories Podcast.

Troy DeJoode's life changed forever in May 2010 when a tragic car accident took his five-month-old daughter Claire and five-year-old son Carson. Hours later, he made the agonizing decision to donate both children's organs, not knowing just how much that decision would bless the lives of others.

Hundreds of miles away in Utah, five-month-old Landen Bowers was facing multiple health challenges. Born with a failing heart, he had just days to live. His father bought him a stuffed lion from the gift shop, symbolizing the courage Landen would need. Then came the call: a heart was available. Landen's parents accepted Claire's heart, and with it arrived a small stuffed lamb—a final gift from the DeJoode family.

Today, Landen is a determined teenager with dreams of becoming an airline pilot. He calls Troy his "heart dad," and the two families remain inseparably connected. Through foundation work, visits, and an enduring friendship, they've transformed unspeakable loss into a legacy of hope, proving that one selfless decision can echo across generations.

Guests:

Troy DeJoode

Tammy and Landen Bowers

Join host Cleon Wall for the latest edition of Big Stories, featuring the question of whether any team can catch the Arizona Wildcats at the top of the Big 12 basketball standings. Plus, Kansas's Darryn Peterson slightly outshines BYU's AJ Dybantsa in a matchup of NBA draft picks. And we take a look at the surprise teams - BYU and UCF - in the middle of the conference pack. We also have an in-depth conversation about Arizona State football's 2025 season, the impact of injuries, Kenny Dillingham's contract extension, and what's next for the Sun Devils in 2026.

Guests:

Anthony Totri - PHNX Sun Devils Podcaster

When volleyball legend Flo Hyman collapsed on the bench during a routine match in Japan in 1986, the world lost one of its greatest athletes at just 31 years old. But her story didn't end there. In this episode of Big Stories, host Cleon Wall explores the remarkable life of former Houston Cougar Flo Hyman—a six-foot-five powerhouse who helped transform USA volleyball into a world-class program, earned Olympic silver in 1984, and inspired countless athletes with her humility and drive. In this podcast episode, we discover the woman behind the legend: someone who shared her scholarship, trained in secret to perfect her weaknesses, and lifted everyone around her. Flo's sudden death from Marfan Syndrome shocked the sports world, but it sparked a medical awareness revolution that has saved countless lives. Join us as we honor Flo Hyman and her courage, impact, and legacy that still rises above the net.

Guests:

Ruth Nelson - Former University of Houston volleyball coach and Flo's lifelong friend

Debbie Green - Former U.S Olympic volleyball player and teammate of Flo

Eileen Novins - Chief Global and Business Development Officer for the Marfan Syndrome Foundation

Host Cleon Wall breaks down the Top 5 storylines in the Big 12, including the race for the conference scoring title. He also spotlights the Big 12’s phenomenal freshman class—from Koa Peat and Kingston Flemings to AJ Dybantsa and more—who are already reshaping the conference title chase. Then, in this week’s Storytime, Cleon looks back at the roller‑coaster football seasons of the Houston Cougars and BYU Cougars.

All that and more on this edition of The Big Stories Podcast.

Guests:

Joseph Duarte - Houston Chronicle

Jason Shepher - BYU SportsNation and BYUradio Sports Host

Host Cleon Wall wraps up the Big 12 football season for a couple of Big 12 teams. One that lost its coach and the other that lost its way.

First, the Baylor Bears - a team with a defensive-minded head coach who couldn't stop anyone. Locked on Baylor host Cameron Stewart breaks down why the Bears' defense collapsed. Plus, a tribute to quarterback Sawyer Robertson's stellar career and a look ahead to incoming QB DJ Lagway.

Then, the Utah Utes - Kyle Whittingham's final season before his departure to Michigan. KSL.com's Josh Furlong reflects on Utah's impressive 11-win bounce-back season, the energy shift under new head coach Morgan Scalley, and what the future holds with offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven bringing a more explosive, pass-first mentality to Salt Lake City.

Guests:

Cam Stewart - Locked on Baylor Podcast Host

Josh Furlong - KSL.com Sports Director and Host of the Utah Checkdown Podcast

Darryn and Arryn Chenault share a bond that goes far beyond football. Darryn introduced his nephew to the game, sparking a passion that led Arryn to play defensive back for the University of Cincinnati. Over the years, they’ve coached together—and even against each other—at high schools across Cincinnati. But their connection deepened in an extraordinary way when Arryn saved his uncle’s life by donating a kidney, a decision inspired by the heartbreaking loss of his own father to a heart attack. This is a story about family, resilience, and the ultimate act of giving—a second chance at life.

Guests:

Darryn Chenault - University of Cincinnati Police Officer, Sycamore High School Head Football Coach

Arryn Chenault - Winton Woods Asst. Principal, Sycamore Assistant Football Coach, Former Cincinnati Bearcats Football Player

Host Cleon Wall breaks down the Big 12 basketball landscape—from the teams struggling at the bottom to the crowded middle and the elite contenders at the top. PHNX podcast host Damon Fairall joins to explain why Arizona sits at No. 1 in the nation, dominating opponents with size, athleticism, and relentless rebounding. Plus, Chatterbox Bearcats host Charlie Walter sheds light on Cincinnati’s challenges and what’s gone wrong for the Bearcats this season. Damon and Charlie also share their biggest takeaways from the Wildcats’ and Bearcats’ football campaigns.

At 66, Judith Johnson did something extraordinary—she joined the Texas Tech marching band. But for Judith, maybe it wasn’t so unexpected. In this episode of Big Stories, Judith opens up about the heartbreak of being told she couldn’t major in music, the rebellious path that followed, and how—thanks to the Texas Senior Academy Program and her husband, Jerry—she is finally studying music and is the Goin' Band from Raiderland's marching grandma. Plus, discover how Texas Tech’s spotlight on her journey is inspiring others to dive into their own dreams, no matter their age. Judith proves it’s never too late to make a splash.

Guests:

Judith Johnson - Texas Tech Music Student, Member of the Goin' Band from Raiderland

Jerry Johnson - Judith's husband

This week, we break down the top five headlines in Big 12 basketball and football, including in-depth conversations with Jamie Plunkett of Horned Frog Blitz and Tyler Carter from the BELEAV in Iowa State Podcast.

Discover why TCU basketball is turning heads, how Iowa State is making waves in the rankings, and what’s next for both programs as they navigate the challenges of the season. We also cover the latest upsets in Big 12 women’s basketball, the impact of the football transfer portal, and a look back at TCU and Iowa State's football season with insights on coaching changes, player departures, and what the future holds for your favorite teams. Plus, will people look down on the Big 12 after the bowl season?