The 2025 preseason college football rankings are here! In this episode of the First and 12 Podcast, we break down the latest Top 25 rankings from six major outlets — including ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, Athlon, The Athletic, and Sporting News. We dive into where Big 12 teams land in each poll, who’s rising, who’s underrated, and what it all means heading into the new season. Whether it’s Kansas State cracking the top 20, or questions around Colorado and Texas Tech, we’ve got you covered. Don’t miss this essential Big 12 football preview!

Keywords:
2025 college football rankings, preseason top 25, Big 12 football preview, ESPN Top 25, Athlon Sports rankings, CBS Sports college football, Fox Sports preseason poll, Kansas State football, Utah Big 12, Texas Tech football, college football playoff, Big 12 vs SEC, preseason college football analysis

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BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is reportedly facing potential suspension from the team following sexual assault allegations. We dive into how the BYU Honor Code plays a central role in this developing story and examine the broader implications for BYU Football heading into the season. What does this mean for the quarterback depth chart, team morale, and the university's public image? Get the full analysis and context right here.

Keywords:

Jake Retzlaff BYU, BYU quarterback suspension, BYU honor code policy, BYU sexual assault news, BYU football controversy, BYU football 2025 season, college football scandals, BYU quarterback updates, Jake Retzlaff case, First and 12 podcast, BYU football news

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Adam Gibby dives deep into the Top 5 Big 12 football stadiums and the unforgettable game day atmospheres that make each one a must-visit for college football fans. From deafening crowd noise to legendary tailgates, we break down what makes these venues elite. Whether you're a hardcore fan or planning your next road trip, this is your ultimate guide to the best stadium experiences in the Big 12 Conference. 

Keywords:

Big 12 stadium rankings, Big 12 football stadiums, college football stadiums, game day atmosphere Big 12, Big 12 fan experience, top college football venues, Big 12 podcast, college football travel, First and 12 podcast 

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In this episode of First and 12, we dive deep into the potential collapse of college athletics as we know it, following the monumental House v. NCAA settlement. With schools potentially facing $20 million annual payouts to athletes, programs across the Big 12, Group of Five (G5), and beyond are bracing for financial strain. We break down how this case could cripple athletic departments, force tough Title IX decisions, and even lead to the elimination of Olympic and non-revenue sports. Will this lawsuit signal the death of traditional college football and college athletics as we know them?

Keywords:
House v. NCAA, college sports lawsuit, NCAA settlement, Big 12 athletics, paying college athletes, Title IX college sports, Group of Five football, college football future, NIL, college athletics reform, First and XII podcast

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In this episode, we dive deep into ESPN’s updated Football Power Index (FPI) rankings for the reloaded Big 12. From Utah’s entrance to UCF’s rise and Kansas State’s consistency, we analyze what the numbers really mean — then reveal our own power rankings that take a few surprising turns. Don’t miss the insider analysis, team-by-team breakdowns, and hot takes that make First and 12 your go-to Big 12 College Football podcast.

Keywords:

Big 12 football, ESPN FPI rankings, Big 12 power rankings, First and 12 podcast, college football 2025, Utah football, Kansas State football, UCF football, Big 12 preseason predictions, Texas and Oklahoma leave Big 12

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In this episode of First and 12, we tackle one of the biggest debates in college football: is the Big 12 or the ACC the stronger conference? With playoff bids, quarterback depth, and non-conference wins all on the table, we break down who’s rising and who’s riding reputation. From Florida State and Clemson to Kansas State and Utah, we compare talent, coaching, and performance to see which league is truly built for the new era of college football.

Keywords:
ACC vs Big 12 football, college football conference rankings, best football conference 2025, Big 12 strength, ACC power teams, conference realignment, playoff contenders, Florida State vs Texas Tech, Clemson football, Big 12 expansion impact

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In this episode of First and XII, we expose how media bias—especially from ESPN—shapes the college football landscape through flawed metrics like the FPI (Football Power Index). We dig into how the SEC benefits from inflated rankings, while conferences like the Big 12, ACC, and others are consistently undervalued. Is it analysis or just narrative control? We break down how this media favoritism impacts rankings, playoff seeding, and the national conversation.

Keywords:
ESPN FPI, college football rankings, SEC bias, media bias in college football, Big 12 football, overrated SEC, college football playoff rankings, ESPN narrative, college football analytics, First and XII podcast

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In this episode, we break down the Top 5 Group of Five (G5) programs the Big 12 Conference should consider for future expansion. With college football realignment shaking up the landscape, the Big 12 has an opportunity to strengthen its footprint and competitiveness. We analyze key factors like market size, athletic success, fan base, and institutional fit to determine which G5 schools are the best candidates to join the Power Five ranks.

Whether you're a die-hard Big 12 fan, a G5 supporter hoping for a promotion, or just a realignment junkie, this episode delivers the insights and predictions you need to stay ahead of the game.

Keywords:

College Football, Big 12, Conference Realignment, UCF, USF, UNLV, UConn

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On this episode of First and 12, we break down the three major proposed College Football Playoff (CFP) expansion models — automatic qualifiers, at-large rankings, and hybrid formats. We dive into the pros and cons of each system and ask the big question: Which playoff model gives the Big 12 Conference the best path to the postseason?

With the college football landscape shifting rapidly, this discussion is critical for fans of Big 12 football, CFP expansion, and the future of the Power Five. Whether you're repping a legacy Big 12 school or a new member, this episode is your guide to how each model could reshape the road to the national title.

Keywords: 

College Football Playoff, CFP Expansion, Big 12 Football, CFB Playoff Models, NCAA Football Podcast, College Football Realignment, Power Five Conferences, College Football News, CFP Debate, First and 12 Podcast

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In this Big 12 football deep dive, we rank the three easiest and three most difficult conference schedules based on home and away splits. Which Big 12 teams benefit from a friendly schedule—and who got the short end of the stick with brutal road games? We analyze the strength of schedule,  and key matchups that could make or break the 2025 season. 

A must-listen for Big 12 fans, college football bettors, and schedule breakdown junkies.

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