Spencer McLaughlin hosts a deep dive into Big 12 recruiting trends, with a special focus on Houston's strategy and potential, as explained by insider Parker Ainsworth. The episode explores how the Cougars are positioning themselves in the competitive Big 12 landscape. Ainsworth provides exclusive insights into Houston's quarterback development pipeline, detailing how it's become a major selling point for high school recruits. He breaks down the Cougars' approach to NIL deals and how they're leveraging Houston's vibrant market to attract top talent. The conversation expands to Houston's recruiting hotbeds, with Ainsworth sharing data on the program's success in Texas high schools and their growing reach into neighboring states. He discusses Coach Willie Fritz's recruiting philosophy and how it's evolving to meet Big 12 standards. Jake Hatch (BYU) and Richie Bradshaw (Arizona State) offer contrasting perspectives, comparing Houston's strategies to their own programs'. This sparks a lively debate on the different approaches to recruiting within the conference. Ainsworth analyzes Houston's recent recruiting wins, like Five Star Quarterback Keisean Henderson, and his recruitment has impacted the program. He provides behind-the-scenes anecdotes about key recruits and the pitch that brought them to Houston. The panel examines Houston's facilities upgrades and how they stack up against other Big 12 schools, with Ainsworth explaining their impact on recruiting visits and player development. Throughout the episode, Ainsworth offers projections for Houston's future recruiting classes, discussing specific targets and position groups of focus. He shares his vision for how the Cougars can climb the Big 12 recruiting rankings in the coming years. The discussion concludes with each analyst predicting Houston's recruiting trajectory, but Ainsworth's in-depth knowledge and passionate defense of the Cougars' potential stands out, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Houston's place in the Big 12 recruiting landscape. 0:00 Intro: Can anyone catch Texas Tech? 3:22 Houston's recruiting success with quarterbacks 6:04 Arizona State's recruiting strategy and talent 11:32 BYU's pitch: Boosters and recruiting rankings 15:02 Houston's case: Development and quarterback talent 18:16 Arizona State's pitch: Kenny Dillingham's success 24:17 Debating 2026 Big 12 recruiting rankings 27:28 New Big 12 programs' aspirations and potential Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts!

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