In a rain-soaked and hard-fought battle in Dublin, Ireland, No. 22 Iowa State defeated No. 17 Kansas State with a final score of 24-21 to kick off the 2025 college football season. The game was a slugfest, characterized by sloppy play, key turnovers, and a dramatic finish. Key Takeaways Rocco Becht's Clutch Performance: While his overall stats (14-for-28, 183 yards) weren't spectacular, Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht was at his best when it mattered most. He threw two touchdown passes and ran for another, including a crucial 7-yard rushing score that put the Cyclones up 24-14 in the fourth quarter. His most important play, however, came on a 4th-and-3 late in the game, where he found running back Carson Hansen for a 15-yard gain to seal the victory. Kansas State's Offensive Struggles: The Wildcats' offense had a tough day, particularly in the first half. Quarterback Avery Johnson, while showcasing his dual-threat ability, struggled with consistency and was frequently forced to move out of the pocket due to pressure from the Iowa State defensive front. The Wildcats were plagued by turnovers on downs, and a reliance on big, explosive plays rather than sustained drives. Defensive Battle: Both defenses played well for much of the game, especially early on. The wet conditions in Dublin led to several fumbles and dropped passes for both teams. Kansas State's defense, in particular, looked strong in the first half, forcing two turnovers, but they were unable to get the critical stops needed in the fourth quarter. Coaching Decisions: The game came down to key coaching decisions in the final minutes. Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell's gutsy call to go for it on 4th down instead of kicking a field goal was rewarded with the game-sealing first down. Conversely, Kansas State's decision to go for it on 4th-and-1 in the fourth quarter from their own 30-yard line, which resulted in a turnover on downs, proved to be a critical turning point. The victory marks the third consecutive win for the Cyclones in the "Farmageddon" rivalry and gives them a crucial early-season conference win with potential implications for the Big 12 Championship race. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOBig12?sid=YouTube Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/drakectoll Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LOBig12

The annual "Farmageddon" rivalry between the Kansas State Wildcats and the Iowa State Cyclones is set to kick off the 2025 college football season in a historic neutral-site matchup in Dublin, Ireland. This Week 0 game is a crucial early test for both teams, who are looking to establish themselves as Big 12 Championship contenders.

The game features a compelling quarterback duel between two returning starters. For Kansas State, the focus is on sophomore Avery Johnson, who takes the reins as the full-time starter after a promising 2024 season. Johnson is a dynamic threat with his arm and legs, and his continued development will be key to the Wildcats' offensive success. He will be joined by running back Dylan Edwards to form a potent backfield. The Wildcats' offense was ranked 31st in the FBS last season in total yards per game.

On the other side, Iowa State brings back veteran quarterback Rocco Becht, who threw for over 3,500 yards and 25 touchdowns last year. While the Cyclones lost two key thousand-yard receivers, they'll lean on Becht's experience and the running game led by Carson Hansen. Iowa State's offense ranked 39th in the FBS in total offense last season.

This game will be decided in the trenches and on the perimeter. Iowa State's defense, particularly its secondary, is a strong unit. They will look to challenge Johnson and the Kansas State passing game, which ranked 85th in the FBS last season. Conversely, Kansas State's defense, anchored by linebacker Austin Romaine, is strong against the run, which will be a crucial matchup against Iowa State's ground game.

Both head coaches, Chris Klieman for Kansas State and Matt Campbell for Iowa State, have a history of developing tough, disciplined teams. The matchup in Dublin adds an extra layer of unpredictability, as both teams will have to deal with travel and a new environment.

Predictions from computer models lean slightly in favor of Kansas State, but a close, low-scoring game is widely expected. With both teams' top quarterbacks returning, the game promises to be an exciting showcase of what promises to be a highly competitive Big 12 season.

Rugiet
150,000 men have made the switch →https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE
Use code LOCKEDONNFL to get 15% off your order!

DripDrop
Right now, DripDropis offering Locked On listeners 20% off your first order. Just head to https://dripdrop.com and use promocode LOCKEDONCOLLEGE. Stock up now before the heat hits hard.

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
PrizePicks — Run Your Game.
Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE

OpenPhone
Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonmlb

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has approved a move to a nine-game conference schedule starting in the 2026 football season. This decision, which was recommended by the league's athletic directors and approved by the presidents and chancellors, ends a long-standing debate and aligns the SEC with the Big Ten and Big 12.

No Divisions: The SEC will continue with a single-standings, non-divisional structure. The top two teams in the standings will play in the SEC Championship Game.

Three Permanent Opponents: Each school will play three annual opponents to preserve traditional rivalries. The remaining six games on each team's schedule will rotate among the other conference schools.

Increased Rotational Play: This new format ensures that every SEC team will face every other conference program at least once every two years, and every opponent home and away within a four-year period.

Non-Conference Requirement: In addition to the nine conference games, each SEC team will be required to schedule at least one high-quality non-conference opponent from the ACC, Big Ten, or Big 12 conferences, or Notre Dame.

The shift to a nine-game schedule is a response to several factors, including:

College Football Playoff (CFP) Emphasis on Strength of Schedule: The CFP selection committee has recently stated it will place a greater emphasis on strength of schedule when determining which teams make the 12-team field. The new format ensures that SEC teams have a more rigorous schedule, which could give them an edge in playoff selection.

Competitive Balance: A nine-game schedule ensures more competitive matchups throughout the season. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey stated that this format "delivers the most competitive football schedule in the nation."

Protecting Rivalries: By designating three permanent opponents, the league is aiming to protect historic rivalries that might have been lost in a fully rotating schedule.

Increased Revenue: The new format will lead to more high-profile games, which can generate additional revenue for the conference and its member schools.

Rugiet
150,000 men have made the switch →https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE
Use code LOCKEDONNFL to get 15% off your order!

DripDrop
Right now, DripDropis offering Locked On listeners 20% off your first order. Just head to https://dripdrop.com and use promocode LOCKEDONCOLLEGE. Stock up now before the heat hits hard.

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
PrizePicks — Run Your Game.
Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE

OpenPhone
Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonmlb

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Big 12 football frenzy: Can Texas Tech live up to the 11-1 hype? Hosts clash over conference predictions and playoff hopes.

Sparks fly as team experts debate Arizona State's title defense, West Virginia's Rich Rodriguez era, and Utah's surprise contender status. Hot seats heat up for coaches like Mike Gundy and Scott Satterfield, while Kyle Whittingham's future at Utah hangs in the balance. Guest Mountaineer Paul weighs in on WVU's potential resurgence. From Joey McGuire's expectations in Lubbock to Devin Dampier's impact in Salt Lake City, no stone is left unturned.

Tune in for bold claims, heated rivalries, and insider perspectives on the Big 12's most intriguing storylines this season.

The accuracy of any sports predictions, especially in a conference as unpredictable as the Big 12, is a subject of constant debate. "Locked On Big 12," hosted by Drake C. Toll, is not exempt from this.

Here’s a breakdown of how the podcast's predictions are generally viewed:

In-Depth Analysis: The podcast is praised for its comprehensive coverage. Drake Toll and his guests analyze a wide range of factors, including coaching changes, returning starters, and the impact of the transfer portal and NIL. This thorough approach means that even if a prediction is wrong, the reasoning behind it is often well-argued and based on a deep understanding of the league.

Willingness to Make Bold Predictions: The podcast is known for taking bold stances and making predictions that challenge the conventional wisdom of other media outlets. For example, he has made bold claims about teams like BYU and West Virginia, predicting they will exceed expectations. This style makes for compelling listening, but also means the predictions have a higher risk of being inaccurate.

The Unpredictability of the Big 12: The Big 12 is known for its parity and chaos. Teams picked in the middle of the pack have often made it to the conference championship game. The Big 12 itself has even decided to discontinue its official preseason media poll due to the difficulty of accurate predictions. This inherent unpredictability makes it challenging for any analyst, including those on "Locked On Big 12," to be consistently right.

In summary, "Locked On Big 12" is highly regarded for its deep analysis and passionate takes, but like all college football predictions, its accuracy is subject to the unpredictable nature of the sport and the Big 12 conference itself.

Rugiet
150,000 men have made the switch →https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE
Use code LOCKEDONNFL to get 15% off your order!

DripDrop
Right now, DripDropis offering Locked On listeners 20% off your first order. Just head to https://dripdrop.com and use promocode LOCKEDONCOLLEGE. Stock up now before the heat hits hard.

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
PrizePicks — Run Your Game.
Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE

OpenPhone
Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonmlb

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Get ready for a unique and high-stakes start to the college football season, as the Kansas State Wildcats and Iowa State Cyclones will face off in a highly anticipated Big 12 matchup to kick off their 2025 campaigns.

Dubbed the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, this "Week 0" contest will take place on foreign soil at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday, August 23, 2025. For fans in the Central time zone, the game will have an early start, with kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. CT. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

This isn't just a novelty trip; it's a critical conference game between two programs expected to be contenders for the Big 12 title. Both teams enter the season with high expectations and are featured in preseason Top 25 rankings, with Kansas State typically ranked slightly higher around No. 17 and Iowa State near No. 22.

What to Watch For

Kansas State Wildcats: The Wildcats' success will largely hinge on the development of junior quarterback Avery Johnson. After a strong 2024 season where he set a school record with 25 touchdown passes, all eyes will be on his continued growth as a dual-threat playmaker. The offense also returns key weapons, including running back Dylan Edwards and a talented group of tight ends. The defense is expected to be solid, returning its top two tacklers from a year ago, linebacker Austin Romaine and safety VJ Payne.

Iowa State Cyclones: The Cyclones will be led by their own standout junior quarterback, Rocco Becht, who threw for over 3,500 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. He'll be joined by junior running back Carson Hansen, who found the end zone 15 times in 2024. Coming off a season where they shared the regular-season Big 12 championship, Iowa State is looking to prove they are a consistent force in the conference.

The Stakes

Starting the season with a conference game, let alone one against a ranked rival, raises the stakes immensely. The winner will gain a significant early advantage in the Big 12 standings, while the loser will face an immediate uphill battle. Early betting lines have established Kansas State as a narrow 3-point favorite, signaling that a close, hard-fought game is expected on the international stage.

Rugiet
150,000 men have made the switch →https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE
Use code LOCKEDONNFL to get 15% off your order!

DripDrop
Right now, DripDropis offering Locked On listeners 20% off your first order. Just head to https://dripdrop.com and use promocode LOCKEDONCOLLEGE. Stock up now before the heat hits hard.

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
PrizePicks — Run Your Game.
Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE

OpenPhone
Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonmlb

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Based on the On3 article, here is a more detailed summary of ESPN's updated Big 12 Football rankings for the 2025 season.

The article, released just before the start of Week 0, outlines ESPN's latest projections for the Big 12 conference, which are based on the Football Power Index (FPI). The rankings have set the stage for the upcoming season, which kicks off with a key conference matchup between Kansas State and Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland.

At the top of the list is Kansas State, holding the number one spot. The article highlights their strong position, noting the return of key offensive players, including quarterback Avery Johnson and running back Dylan Edwards. This continuity on offense is a major reason for their high ranking and the expectation that they will be a dominant force in the conference.

BYU, coming off an impressive 11-2 season, is ranked second. Despite facing a new season with a new quarterback, the Cougars are expected to build on their previous success. This high ranking suggests that ESPN's FPI sees the program's overall strength as a significant factor, outweighing the uncertainty at the quarterback position.

The reigning Big 12 champions, Arizona State, are ranked third. The team's strong performance in the previous season and their continued momentum have earned them a top spot, indicating that the FPI model projects them to maintain a similar level of success and compete for another conference title.

Further down the list, other teams with promising outlooks are mentioned. Kansas, for instance, is hoping to have a much-improved season. Their chances are bolstered by the return of quarterback Jalon Daniels, who is expected to lead the team to a more successful campaign. Baylor is another team to watch, as they are expected to continue their positive trajectory under the leadership of head coach Dave Aranda. The article suggests that the coaching and program stability are key factors in their expected performance.

The rankings also shine a light on other contenders within the conference, including Iowa State, Texas Tech, and TCU. While not in the top tier, these teams are considered notable and are expected to be competitive. The article provides a glimpse into the depth of the Big 12, showcasing that while there are clear favorites, many teams have the potential to make a run in the conference. The full list of rankings, from one to sixteen, underscores the competitive landscape of the Big 12 and the challenges each team will face throughout the season.

Rugiet
150,000 men have made the switch →https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE
Use code LOCKEDONNFL to get 15% off your order!

DripDrop
Right now, DripDropis offering Locked On listeners 20% off your first order. Just head to https://dripdrop.com and use promocode LOCKEDONCOLLEGE. Stock up now before the heat hits hard.

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
PrizePicks — Run Your Game.
Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE

OpenPhone
Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonmlb

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The accuracy of preseason predictions, especially in a conference known for its parity like the Big 12, is a subject of constant debate among college football fans and media. While "Locked On Big 12," hosted by Drake Toll, provides thorough analysis, the nature of the Big 12 itself makes consistently accurate predictions a significant challenge.

The Big 12 has long been characterized by its unpredictability. Unlike some other power conferences where a few perennial contenders typically rise to the top, the Big 12 often sees a different set of teams competing for the conference championship each year. For instance, in the past, a team ranked seventh in the preseason poll made it to the conference title game, while a team ranked fifth beat a team ranked seventh to win the championship a year earlier. This inherent chaos makes any preseason prediction, including those from Locked On Big 12, subject to a high degree of variance.

The podcast, however, is praised for its in-depth coverage and willingness to take bold stances. Drake Toll and his guests analyze the conference from top to bottom, covering everything from the established powers to the new members. They consider factors like coaching changes, returning starters, and the impact of the transfer portal and NIL. While the final standings may not always align perfectly with their preseason rankings, the show's predictions are well-reasoned and based on a deep understanding of the league's dynamics.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase.

Monarch Money
This Episode is brought to you by Monarch Money. Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

Ultimately, "Locked On Big 12" is known for providing one of the most comprehensive looks at the conference, and while the accuracy of any preseason prediction is hard to guarantee in the Big 12, the podcast's analysis is widely respected.

Big 12 football shakeup: AP poll surprises and gambling scandal rock Oklahoma. Is a true freshman about to make BYU history?

Experts break down the unexpected AP poll rankings, questioning Utah's inclusion and Oklahoma State's absence. The John Matier controversy at Oklahoma takes center stage, sparking debate on gambling in college sports. Quarterback battles heat up across the conference, with BYU's Bear Bachmeyer potentially set to become the first true freshman to start a season opener. Jake Hatch provides insider analysis on BYU's QB situation, while other hosts weigh in on key matchups and roster moves.

Tune in for expert insights on the Big 12's most pressing issues and how they'll shape the upcoming season.