Texas Tech's recent recruiting success, fueled by significant NIL opportunities, has created a stir in the college football world, drawing particular frustration from fanbases in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), including Georgia.

For years, the SEC has been the undisputed king of college football recruiting, often landing top prospects with relative ease. However, Texas Tech has successfully challenged this dominance, particularly by securing commitments from highly-rated recruits who were also heavily pursued by traditional powerhouses.

Felix Ojo: Texas Tech's recruitment of five-star offensive lineman Felix Ojo, the top-ranked offensive tackle in the 2026 class, was a major statement. Ojo chose Texas Tech over programs like Texas and Ohio State. Reports indicated he received a lucrative multi-million dollar NIL deal, which many SEC fans cited as a sign that players were "chasing the money" rather than competing at the highest level.

LaDamion Guyton: The Red Raiders' biggest recruiting coup came with the commitment of LaDamion Guyton, a five-star edge rusher and the top player in the state of Georgia for the 2027 class. Guyton's decision to spurn the in-state Bulldogs for Texas Tech sent shockwaves through the Georgia fanbase. This move, in particular, ignited a backlash from Georgia fans, who are unaccustomed to losing top local talent to a school outside the traditional "blue blood" sphere. The frustration was palpable on social media, with many Georgia fans expressing disbelief and some accusing Texas Tech of "buying" the commitment with a reported large NIL package.

This shift is largely attributed to the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which have created a more level playing field. Programs with strong alumni and booster support are now able to compete directly with traditional powerhouses. Texas Tech has been aggressive in this new era, leveraging its resources to become a top spender in the college football landscape.

The success of Texas Tech's recruiting is seen by many as a signal that the SEC's long-standing recruiting dominance is being challenged. While SEC fans are accustomed to their conference being the premier destination for top talent, Texas Tech's ability to pull top-tier recruits from their backyard is a testament to the changing dynamics of college football and a source of considerable frustration for those who feel their programs are no longer entitled to every top prospect.

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.

The AP Poll's perceived neglect of the Big 12 is a common criticism, often stemming from the conference's smaller number of ranked teams compared to others like the SEC and Big Ten. This is particularly noticeable in preseason polls where voters often rely on historical reputation and "brand recognition" rather than recent on-field success or returning talent. 🏈

The preseason AP Poll frequently favors teams from historically dominant conferences, even if a Big 12 team had a better record or returning talent from the previous season. Voters may overlook the tangible success of certain Big 12 programs in favor of "helmet schools" with a bigger national profile. This can lead to situations where a Big 12 team that has a strong season and is a contender for the conference title is still left out of the initial rankings. The Big 12 itself has even taken a step to combat this by not conducting its own preseason media poll, citing that these polls can create a negative narrative that hurts the league.

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.

Morgantown is buzzing with a renewed sense of optimism as the West Virginia University football program heads into the 2025 season. The return of head coach Rich Rodriguez, coupled with a roster re-tooled with a blend of key returning talent and promising newcomers, has ignited hopes that the Mountaineers are on the cusp of a successful campaign.

A primary driver of this optimism is the reappointment of Rich Rodriguez as head coach. Rodriguez, who led the Mountaineers to a period of unprecedented success from 2001 to 2007, brings a proven track record and an exciting, up-tempo offensive philosophy back to Milan Puskar Stadium. His familiarity with the program and the state is expected to galvanize the fanbase and instill a new level of energy and discipline within the team. Assisting him is a new coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Zac Alley, tasked with revitalizing a defense that showed flashes of potential in 2024.

On the field, the Mountaineers will be led by a core of impactful returning players. The offense, while undergoing a significant transformation to fit Rodriguez's scheme, will benefit from the experience of several key contributors. The quarterback position will be a focal point, with a healthy competition expected to push the eventual starter to new heights.

The real strength of the returning offensive players lies in the backfield and at the receiver positions. The running back room is deep and talented, providing a strong foundation for Rodriguez's ground-oriented attack. The receiving corps also boasts a number of players who have shown the ability to make big plays, offering the new quarterback reliable targets downfield.

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.

A scandal has recently emerged involving Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, stemming from screenshots of his past Venmo transactions that circulated on social media. The screenshots, which were reportedly from November 2022 when Mateer was a freshman at Washington State, showed payments with descriptions such as "sports gambling" and "sports gambling (UCLA vs USC)." This came to light on social media on Monday, August 11, 2025. Mateer has since deleted or made his Venmo transaction history private. In response, Mateer released a statement denying the allegations. He claimed the Venmo descriptions were "inside jokes between me and my friends" and that he has never gambled on sports. He stated he understood how the descriptions could be taken out of context but assured his teammates, coaches, and the NCAA that he has not engaged in sports gambling. Oklahoma has also issued a statement, saying they take any gambling allegations seriously and work with the NCAA. The university said it was "unaware of any NCAA investigation and has no reason to believe there is one pending." NCAA rules prohibit student-athletes from gambling on any sports the NCAA sponsors. If a player is found to have wagered on their own sport at another school, a loss of 50% of one season of eligibility is a possible consequence. However, wagering on their own team can result in a permanent loss of eligibility. The outcome of this situation for Mateer is currently unclear. Sources 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 omission of Utah, Baylor, and BYU from the 2025 preseason polls represents a significant and questionable oversight by the voters, as a compelling case can be made for all three. The exclusion of the University of Utah is arguably the most glaring error. Fresh off a dominant 10-2 debut season in the Big 12, the Utes proved they are a legitimate conference power. Under the steady hand of esteemed coach Kyle Whittingham, Utah has a well-established identity of toughness and discipline, particularly on defense. Returning a significant portion of that formidable unit, along with their proven track record, should have made them a lock for the Top 25. Similarly, Baylor's 9-3 record last season showed a program on a sharp upward trajectory, consistently outperforming expectations. With the return of most of their powerful offensive line, the Bears are primed for another explosive season and their absence from the poll seems to ignore their clear momentum and potential. While perhaps a step behind the other two, BYU's respectable 8-4 record in the competitive Big 12, coupled with the return of their starting quarterback and other key players, demonstrates their capability and experience. Their performance was strong enough to merit consideration over several teams with similar records from other conferences that likely received votes based on brand recognition rather than recent results. When viewed collectively, the snubbing of these three proven Big 12 teams suggests that voters overlooked their tangible on-field success and returning talent in favor of more traditional, yet potentially less deserving, "helmet schools." Their combined credentials paint a clear picture of programs that earned a spot among the nation's best, making their collective absence a serious flaw in the preseason rankings.

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.

Both West Virginia and BYU enter the 2025 season with significant question marks at the quarterback position, a situation that could prove costly in the highly competitive Big 12. While both coaching staffs express confidence, the lack of a clear, proven starter is a major concern.

West Virginia's quarterback situation is a true position battle. Head coach Rich Rodriguez has been open about the competition between three players with college experience.

Nicco Marchiol: The returning starter who led the Mountaineers to some key wins in 2024.

Jaylen Henderson: A transfer from Texas A&M who saw some success there but didn't play in 2024.

Max Brown: A transfer from Charlotte who is also vying for the job.

While Rodriguez has said he "has three guys who could win in the Big 12," the lack of a named starter heading into fall camp creates uncertainty. Fans worry that rotating quarterbacks or having an inexperienced player take the reins could lead to inconsistent offensive production, which would be disastrous in a league full of veteran signal-callers. The constant shuffling in the quarterback room and the lack of a defined leader could hinder offensive continuity and chemistry.

BYU's situation is even more precarious after the unexpected departure of quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who led them to an 11-2 record and an Alamo Bowl win in 2024. His transfer has left a major void, and the Cougars are now scrambling to find a replacement.

The quarterback battle in Provo is between a trio of players, none of whom have started a significant number of games at the Power Four level:

McCae Hillstead: A transfer from Utah State who showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman but had durability concerns.

Treyson Bourguet: A transfer from Western Michigan who has a strong arm but is still getting comfortable with the system.

Bear Bachmeier: A talented true freshman transfer from Stanford who has the highest upside but the steepest learning curve.

While all three players are talented, none have the on-field experience or the command of the offense that Retzlaff brought. Their Week Zero opener against Portland State is not a difficult matchup, but it won't prepare them for the challenge of a Big 12 schedule. This lack of a clear leader at quarterback could be a significant weakness for a BYU team that has been predicted to contend for the conference title.

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.

ESPN's Strength of Schedule (SOS) metric, a key component of its Football Power Index (FPI), is often criticized for a methodology that, by its very design, appears to skew in favor of the SEC. While the exact, proprietary formula is not public, its known inputs and a self-reinforcing cycle create a scenario where the SEC's schedule is almost always deemed the most difficult.

The core of the issue lies in the recursive nature of the FPI system. Here's a breakdown of how it works:

Preseason Team Ratings: FPI starts with preseason ratings that are heavily influenced by a team's performance over the past four years and, crucially, its recruiting rankings. The SEC has a long history of on-field success and consistently brings in the top recruiting classes in the nation. This gives SEC teams a high baseline rating before a single game is played.

Opponent Ratings Dictate SOS: A team's Strength of Schedule is calculated based on the combined rating of its opponents. Because a significant number of SEC teams begin the season with high FPI ratings, simply playing an all-SEC schedule automatically gives a team a top-tier SOS. For example, a team might get a high SOS for playing a team ranked No. 15 in the preseason, even if that team finishes the season unranked.

The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: This creates a feedback loop. High preseason ratings for SEC teams lead to high SOS ratings for all teams that play them. That high SOS, in turn, boosts a team's final ranking, even if they have multiple losses. This allows more SEC teams to remain ranked, which further solidifies the conference's "strength" in the eyes of the metric.

Critics argue that this creates an unfair advantage, where a team from the SEC with a few losses might be ranked higher than a team from another conference with a better record simply because the metric values the "difficulty" of their SEC schedule more highly. This perception is often a point of contention in discussions about the College Football Playoff selection process, where SOS is a key factor.

Sources

Big 12 football faces an uphill battle for respect. Can the conference overcome media bias and scheduling challenges to earn a spot among college football's elite?

Drake and the squad dissect the USA Today coaches poll, questioning Big 12 team rankings and omissions. The panel debates SEC quarterback talent, analyzes Big 12 perception problems, and proposes strategies for boosting the conference's national profile. Key topics include aggressive non-conference scheduling, playoff success, and the power of media narratives in shaping public opinion.

Tune in for insider perspectives on the Big 12's path to prominence and how teams like BYU, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech can change the narrative this season.

The rumors and discussions surrounding West Virginia's potential move to the SEC are primarily speculative, often originating from fan discussions, message boards, and independent content creators who are "connecting the dots" based on past realignment talks and geographic considerations. Here's a breakdown of the current situation: No Official Sources: There have been no official reports from respected journalists like Pete Thamel or Ross Dellenger, nor have any SEC or WVU officials confirmed any such talks. The SEC's current expansion focus, as reported by sources, is primarily on poaching elite brands from the ACC, with schools like North Carolina, Florida State, and Clemson being the top targets. Historical Context, not Current Reality: The idea of West Virginia joining the SEC is a long-standing rumor that dates back to the early 2010s. At that time, West Virginia was a highly successful program and the SEC did reportedly flirt with the idea of adding them. However, West Virginia ultimately moved to the Big 12, and the SEC expanded with Texas A&M and Missouri instead. This historical interest is often what fuels the current speculation. WVU's Strong Commitment to the Big 12: West Virginia Athletic Director Wren Baker has been a vocal and public supporter of the Big 12. He has openly criticized the Big Ten and SEC's proposals for the College Football Playoff, calling them "unfair" and "a non-starter" for the Big 12. Furthermore, Baker recently signed a contract extension through 2032, signaling a strong commitment to West Virginia and the Big 12. The Big 12's Strategic Advantage: For West Virginia, the Big 12 has become a more stable and geographically sensible home, especially with the recent additions of Cincinnati and UCF creating an "eastern pod." This gives West Virginia a competitive advantage and reduces travel, which would be a major issue if they were to join the geographically sprawling SEC. While the dream of joining the SEC may persist for some fans, the reality of the current realignment landscape and the public comments from WVU's own leadership indicate that the Mountaineers are firmly committed to the Big 12. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY Time to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order. This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders. 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 Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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) 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 phenomenon of a recruit's ranking dropping after they commit to a Big 12 school, particularly to programs like BYU, has become a hot topic and a source of frustration for fans. While recruiting services would deny any intentional bias, the perception is widespread and supported by recent examples.

The core of the issue stems from the differing ways recruiting services, like Rivals, On3, and 247Sports, evaluate and update their rankings. Initial evaluations are based on pure talent, film, and camp performances. However, once a player commits, their ranking can be influenced by a number of factors, including:

The "Blue-Blood" Effect: There's a widely acknowledged belief that a player who commits to a traditional powerhouse like Alabama, Ohio State, or USC often sees their ranking solidify or even get a small bump. The logic, from the services' perspective, is that if an elite program with a history of developing NFL talent is chasing a player, it validates their skill.

The Big 12/Non-Blue Blood Effect: The opposite is often perceived to be true for Big 12 schools, and it's a sentiment that has gained traction with recent events. Five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons, a top-tier prospect in the 2026 class, saw his ranking on Rivals reportedly plummet from a five-star to a four-star immediately following his commitment to BYU.

The "Exposure" Factor: Recruiting services place a heavy emphasis on their own camp series and national events for evaluation. If a player commits to a school that doesn't actively push them to attend these events, or if the player isn't seeking that kind of exposure after their commitment, their ranking may stagnate or drop.

Lack of Transparency: Fans and analysts have criticized these services for a lack of transparency when rankings change. In the case of Ryder Lyons, his downgrade occurred without any new on-field performance or a clear scouting report to justify the change, leading to accusations of bias against BYU and the Big 12 as a whole.

While recruiting services would argue these are simply fluid re-evaluations based on a continuous process, the timing of these ranking changes—so often following a commitment to a school outside of the traditional elite tier—has created a narrative of bias and has led fans to question the integrity of the entire system.

5-Hour ENERGY
Time to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order. This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders.  

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
Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)