Big Stories

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?

Get ready for the most wonderful time of the year—Big 12 basketball season! Host Cleon Wall previews his favorite matchups heading into the first weekend of the conference basketball season. Then, we chat with podcasters covering Kansas, Kansas State, Baylor, and Colorado to discuss how their hoops squads have performed during the non-conference slate and what we can expect when those teams begin Big 12 action. Finally, some of those podcasters return to wrap up their team's football season, and when we can expect gridiron greatness.

Guests:

Ashley Hodge - Sic'Em 365

Pat Rooney - Boulder Daily Camera

Tim Fitzgerald - GoPowercat.com

Mark Van Sickle - Jayhawker Talker Podcast

In this week's show, we focus on the big storylines surrounding UCF and West Virginia's football and basketball teams. Host Cleon Wall talks to Andrew Cherico of the Sons of UCF podcast and Knights 24/7 to find out why the Knights basketball team is succeeding even though coach Johnny Dawkins replaced his entire roster. The duo then dives into Scott Frost's first season back in Orlando as head football coach. Producer Chase Davidson sits down with Mike Casazza of Eer Sports and the Country Roads Confidential Podcast to dissect the West Virginia Mountaineers’ basketball team and where they could be headed this season. The two also discuss the football team's mini turnaround near the end of the season and if it was fool's gold. Plus, we celebrate Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez’s impressive awards haul and highlight other standout athletes across the Big 12.

Step inside the world of “Big Stories,” where hosts Cleon Wall and Brandon Crow take you behind the scenes of BYUtv and BYU Radio’s most inspiring and uplifting stories. In this episode, Cleon and Brandon reflect on the origins and evolution of the Big Stories brand, sharing their favorite moments and the powerful journeys they’ve witnessed across three seasons. From heartwarming tales of resilience and community to unforgettable sports stories and personal triumphs, discover how these stories have changed lives—including their own.

This week, we dive into the five biggest storylines in Big 12 sports, from basketball upsets and powerhouse teams to the drama of bowl season and the future of college football. Hear exclusive insights from Oklahoma State podcast host Cody Stovall as he discusses the Cowboys’ rebuilding journey, recruiting wins, and the impact of NIL on team culture. We also break down why Kansas State and Iowa State are skipping bowl games, rank the most intriguing holiday matchups, and celebrate Texas Tech’s historic run to the College Football Playoff.

Guests:

Cody Stoval - Locked On Podcast Host