The recently released 2025 preseason Coaches Poll delivered a significant blow to the Big 12's national standing, with the conference lagging behind its power conference peers in the rankings. While the Big 12 has often been praised for its competitive depth, the poll reflects a perception that its top teams are not on par with the elites of the SEC and Big Ten.

The SEC, in particular, dominated the conversation, placing a staggering nine teams in the preseason Top 25. This includes the new No. 1 team, Texas, along with other highly ranked programs like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU. The Big Ten also fared better, with six teams making the initial cut.

In stark contrast, the Big 12 had just five teams represented in the Top 25. The highest-ranked of those was Arizona State, coming in at No. 11, followed by a cluster of teams in the lower half of the poll: Kansas State at No. 20, Iowa State at No. 21, BYU at No. 23, and Texas Tech at No. 24. While five ranked teams does demonstrate some competitive balance, the lack of any Big 12 program in the Top 10 highlights a clear national perception that the conference lacks a true championship contender.

This Coaches Poll ranking sets a challenging narrative for the Big 12 heading into a new season, suggesting that its teams will once again be forced to prove their worth on the field to gain national respect and secure a place in the expanded College Football Playoff.

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In the ever-shifting landscape of college athletics, the Big 12 Conference faces a strategic decision in its expansion considerations. While programs like North Carolina State, Wake Forest, and Pittsburgh offer established East Coast presences, a compelling, data-driven argument can be made for extending invitations to the Pacific Northwest's Washington State and Oregon State. This case is built on key metrics including media market penetration, competitive consistency, and strategic geographical positioning. Here are bulleted reasons, supported by hard facts, for why the Big 12 should prioritize the additions of Washington State and Oregon State: 1. Unlocking New and Underserved Media Markets: The addition of Washington State and Oregon State would grant the Big 12 access to significant West Coast media markets, a region currently untapped by the conference. According to 2023 Nielsen DMA (Designated Market Area) rankings, the Seattle-Tacoma market, where many Washington State alumni reside, is the 12th largest in the nation. The Portland market, central to Oregon State's viewership, ranks 22nd. In contrast, the ACC already has a strong foothold in the regions of the other candidates. The Raleigh-Durham market (NC State) is ranked 24th, and the Charlotte market (near Wake Forest) is 21st. The Pittsburgh market comes in at 26th. Adding these schools would lead to market overlap and redundancy for a national conference. By expanding west, the Big 12 would introduce its brand to millions of new potential viewers and increase its national appeal. 2. Demonstrably Stronger and More Consistent Viewership: Despite recent conference instability, Washington State and Oregon State have maintained respectable television viewership, a key indicator of fan engagement and brand strength. In the 2023 college football season, a year marked by uncertainty for the Pac-12, Washington State still commanded an average of 597,000 viewers for its televised games. This figure is notably higher than that of Wake Forest, which averaged 498,000 viewers in the same season. While NC State and Pittsburgh had higher average viewership in 2023, the Pacific Northwest schools offer a dedicated late-night broadcast window, a valuable asset for television partners seeking to maximize their programming schedules and capture a national audience across different time zones. 3. Recent On-Field Competitiveness and Program Trajectory: In the crucial sport of football, both Oregon State and Washington State have demonstrated recent success and a positive trajectory. In the 2022 season, Oregon State finished with a 10-3 record and was ranked in the final AP Poll, a feat not matched by NC State (8-5), Wake Forest (8-5), or Pittsburgh (9-4) that year. Washington State achieved a 7-6 record in 2022 and has consistently produced competitive teams that have reached bowl eligibility in eight of the last ten full seasons. This level of consistency is a strong indicator of a program's ability to compete and win within a Power Five conference structure. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGYTime 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.  GametimeToday'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 MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year. FanDuelRight 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

If UNC were to successfully leave the ACC, it's highly likely that Louisville would embrace a move to the Big 12. For the Cardinals, such a move would not be about loyalty but about financial stability, competitive necessity, and fan-driven desire for a better conference fit. Here's why Louisville would likely embrace a move to the Big 12: Financial Security: This is the most critical factor. Louisville's athletic department, like many across the country, is facing financial headwinds. The university's 2026 budget projects a $12.5 million deficit in the first year of the revenue-sharing era. A move to the Big 12 would immediately provide a significant revenue increase, as the Big 12's media rights deal is far more lucrative per school than the ACC's. This would help the athletic department balance its books and invest in its athletic programs to remain competitive. Geographic and Travel Relief: Louisville's time in the ACC has brought a lot of long-distance travel, especially with the additions of West Coast schools. A move to the Big 12 would allow them to join a growing "eastern pod" with West Virginia, Cincinnati, and UCF. This would create a much more regionalized schedule, drastically reducing travel burdens and costs for all sports and making it easier for fans to attend away games. This is a major selling point for fans and administrators alike. Reviving Storied Rivalries: Louisville has deep historical ties to the Big East, and many of its fans still feel a sense of rivalry with schools from that era. A move to the Big 12 would put them back in a conference with West Virginia and Cincinnati, reviving competitive matchups that have been largely absent. The potential to reunite the "Backyard Brawl" with Pitt if they were also to move would be another huge driver of fan excitement and engagement. Basketball Prestige: The Big 12 is widely considered the best men's basketball conference in the nation. Adding Louisville, with its championship pedigree and strong basketball tradition, would be a huge boost for the program's visibility and its ability to compete against a slate of elite opponents every year. For a school that has struggled with coaching buyouts and program stability, moving to the best basketball conference would provide a powerful narrative of renewal and opportunity. While there may be some who prefer the ACC's brand or the long-standing relationships with certain schools, the overwhelming financial and logistical benefits of joining the Big 12, coupled with the opportunity to revive regional rivalries, would be something that Louisville and its fanbase would almost certainly embrace. 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 Big 12 is in a prime position to add Louisville as the ACC crumbles, and they should do so with a clear, strategic plan that benefits both the conference and the Cardinals. This isn't just about adding a school; it's about solidifying the Big 12's footprint, enhancing its athletic prestige, and strategically positioning the conference for the future.

Here's how the Big 12 should handle adding Louisville:

Offer an Immediate and Full Revenue Share: Louisville's primary motivation for leaving the ACC would be financial. The Big 12's per-school revenue is significantly higher. To lure them, the Big 12 should immediately offer a full share of its media rights revenue, sending a clear message that Louisville is a valued partner and not a second-tier addition. This would make the financial decision to pay the ACC exit fee much easier for Louisville's leadership.

Emphasize Geographic Alignment: The Big 12 can sell Louisville on creating a much-needed "eastern pod" with West Virginia, Cincinnati, and UCF. The conference should highlight how this regional grouping would significantly reduce travel costs and logistical headaches for all sports, a major pain point for Louisville in the ACC and for WVU in the Big 12. This improved geography would make scheduling more manageable and potentially boost fan engagement for away games within the pod.

Showcase the Athletic Benefit: The Big 12 can and should sell Louisville on the competitive upside.

Basketball: The Big 12 is arguably the best men's basketball conference in the nation. Adding Louisville, with its rich basketball tradition and strong fanbase, would make the conference even more formidable and provide a huge platform for the Cardinals' program.

Football: While Louisville's football has had ups and downs, the program has proven it can compete at a high level. They would be a competitive addition to the Big 12 and a strong rival for West Virginia, reviving a cherished Big East matchup.

Make a Package Deal (if possible): The ideal scenario for the Big 12 would be to package Louisville with another ACC school, with Pitt being the most logical choice. A joint offer to both schools would be incredibly enticing. This would not only bring in two strong athletic brands but also permanently reunite the "Backyard Brawl" and further solidify the eastern pod. A package deal demonstrates the Big 12's commitment to building regional coherence, a key selling point for schools tired of coast-to-coast travel.

Aggressive and Swift Action: The Big 12, under Brett Yormark, has a track record of being proactive. They should move quickly to secure Louisville (and Pitt, if possible) if a significant brand like North Carolina makes an initial move. Being the first to the table with a concrete and compelling offer is crucial in the high-stakes world of conference realignment.

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West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez delivered a passionate and candid press conference on Thursday, July 31, 2025, following the team's second day of fall camp. His comments, which quickly went viral, touched on a variety of topics, from his team's performance to the broader state of college athletics and society at large. Here are the key takeaways from his "rant": "Softness" in Society and Athletes: The central theme of Rodriguez's comments was a belief that "we're softer as a society" and, by extension, "we're softer as athletes." He argued that modern players are constantly surrounded by a culture that tries to "make it easier for them" instead of challenging them to get through adversity. He said his job is to teach them to be "uncomfortable." A Practice to Forget: Rodriguez's frustration stemmed from a disappointing Day Two of practice, where he felt the team "didn't take great steps." He noted that only two of the team's running backs finished practice without having to tap out, a fact that seemed to particularly irk the head coach. The "Fantasy World" of College Athletics: In a moment of unfiltered honesty, Rodriguez described the lavish facilities and amenities available to today's college athletes and coaches. He pointed out the access to state-of-the-art buildings, free food, medical care, and even an "ice cream machine with sprinkles," concluding that they "live in a fantasy world." He contrasted this with the hard work and "weed pulling" that were once necessary to succeed. Threat to Use the Transfer Portal: Rodriguez delivered a thinly veiled threat to any players not meeting his standards. He noted that there were "still 4,000 kids in the portal" and that he had "a spot or two open," making it clear that he would not hesitate to make roster changes if a lack of toughness or effort persists. A Pattern of Tough Love: While the comments may have seemed out of the blue, reports from sources close to the program indicated that Rodriguez's wife, Rita, mentioned that he's "always like this the second day of practice," suggesting that this "tough love" approach is a deliberate part of his coaching style. In summary, Rich Rodriguez's press conference was a fiery call to action for his team, challenging them to reject the comforts of the modern era and embrace the mental and physical toughness required to win. 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

Conference realignment shakes up college football landscape. North Carolina eyes SEC move, Miami ponders Big 12 jump. What's next for the ACC?

Drake and the Big 12 Squad break down potential conference shifts, analyzing financial motivations and brand impacts. The hosts explore ACC teams as expansion targets, weighing geographic fit and rivalries. Deion Sanders' dramatic health journey and coaching return at Colorado takes center stage, sparking discussions on resilience and program implications.

Tune in for insider perspectives on conference strategies, team valuations, and the ripple effects of these game-changing moves in college football.

The current college football landscape is dominated by the financial disparity between the SEC/Big Ten and the ACC. With reports indicating that North Carolina (UNC) is actively exploring a move to the SEC, primarily driven by the pursuit of significantly higher media rights revenue, it's almost a certainty that Florida State and Clemson would aggressively pursue an early exit from the ACC if UNC makes such a move. Here's why Florida State and Clemson would likely follow suit: Accelerated Financial Imperative: FSU and Clemson have been the most vocal critics of the ACC's financial model and its Grant of Rights (GOR) agreement, even going as far as to file lawsuits against the conference. Their primary motivation has always been to close the massive revenue gap between the ACC and the SEC/Big Ten. If UNC, a fellow blue-blood athletic and academic brand, were to successfully navigate an exit to the SEC, it would intensify the urgency for FSU and Clemson to follow suit. Weakening of the ACC Brand: The departure of UNC, especially if it goes to the SEC, would be a devastating blow to the ACC's brand and media value. UNC, FSU, and Clemson represent the ACC's most valuable football and basketball brands. Losing one of these pillars would significantly diminish the conference's appeal to broadcasters and its standing as a "Power Four" league, making the remaining financial outlook even bleaker for those left behind. Reduced Exit Fees as a Pathway: The recent settlement of the lawsuits between FSU, Clemson, and the ACC has provided a crucial pathway. It revealed that the ACC's exit fee, which was once considered prohibitive (estimated at over $500 million when accounting for forfeited media rights), is set to significantly decrease. By the 2030-31 school year, the exit fee will be a more "manageable" $75 million. This timing aligns with when the Big Ten and Big 12's media rights deals are also up for renegotiation, creating a perfect storm for further realignment. Seeking Top-Tier Competition and Exposure: Beyond money, FSU and Clemson want to compete consistently at the highest level of college football and basketball. Moving to the SEC or Big Ten would provide more consistent exposure against elite competition, which is vital for recruiting and national relevance, especially in the expanded College Football Playoff era. "Domino Effect" and Survival: Conference realignment is often a domino effect. If a foundational piece like UNC leaves, it creates immediate instability. Florida State and Clemson would be compelled to act quickly to secure their own futures in a top conference, rather than being left in a potentially weakened ACC. In short, if UNC makes the leap, Florida State and Clemson's departure from the ACC would likely shift from a desire to a necessity, driven by financial imperatives and the need to remain competitive in the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. 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

While Miami boasts a nationally recognized brand and a strong history of football success, both the SEC and Big Ten might hesitate to add the Hurricanes in future expansion due to several strategic and operational considerations.

For the SEC:

Market Overlap: The SEC already has a strong foothold in Florida with the Florida Gators. Adding Miami, though in a large media market, wouldn't necessarily deliver significant new and exclusive viewers or recruiting advantages that aren't already covered. It could lead to market saturation rather than true expansion.

Gameday Experience: The SEC highly values vibrant, packed on-campus stadiums. Miami plays its home games at Hard Rock Stadium, a professional venue far from campus, which often struggles with consistent sellouts and lacks the traditional college gameday atmosphere characteristic of most SEC schools. This presents a cultural mismatch.

Inconsistent Performance: Despite past glory, Miami's on-field football performance has been inconsistent for the better part of two decades. The SEC typically seeks programs with sustained elite performance or an undeniable present-day media draw, which Miami hasn't consistently provided recently.

For the Big Ten:

Geographic Distance and Travel: Despite recent westward expansion, Miami is still quite a geographical outlier for the Big Ten. This would significantly increase travel costs and logistical complexities for all sports, impacting student-athlete welfare.

Academic Fit (Comparative): While Miami is a respectable academic institution and has recently gained AAU membership (a key Big Ten criterion), the Big Ten generally prioritizes large public research universities with a deep alignment to its academic mission. Other Florida options, like Florida State, might be seen as a better academic and athletic fit.

Alternative Florida Targets: If the Big Ten were to expand into Florida, Florida State is often considered a more desirable target due to its larger statewide fanbase, more consistent recent football success, and a perceived better overall fit for the Big Ten's public university profile.

Current Value vs. Historical Brand: The Big Ten's expansion strategy is driven by adding current media market value and large, engaged fanbases that translate directly to viewership. While Miami's brand is nationally recognized from past eras, the Big Ten may question if that history consistently converts into the immediate, substantial viewership increase they require to justify revenue dilution.

In essence, while Miami's brand is valuable, the unique challenges of market overlap for the SEC and geographic/gameday/academic concerns for the Big Ten mean Miami is not likely at the top of their expansion wish lists compared to other highly sought-after ACC programs.

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West Virginia University Athletic Director Wren Baker has definitively denied recent speculation linking him to the open Athletic Director position at the University of Oklahoma, emphatically stating that there is "no truth" to the rumors. The rumors gained traction after longtime Oklahoma AD Joe Castiglione announced his retirement, and Baker's name quickly surfaced as a potential candidate due to his Oklahoma roots; he is a native of Valliant, Oklahoma, and earned his master's degree from Oklahoma State. However, Baker has consistently pushed back on the speculation. Speaking on the John Fredericks Radio Show and in interviews with various West Virginia media outlets, Baker made his position clear: No Interviews or Conversations: Baker stated, "There's no truth to any of the speculation or rumors at this point. This is like the fourth or fifth time since I've been here that people had me out the door. And not one time have I taken an interview or even had a conversation with anybody about another job." Family Happiness in West Virginia: He emphasized that he and his family are very happy living in Morgantown. "We love living here," Baker said. "It's a great place to live. I love the outdoors…more importantly, I have a wife and two daughters, and they're very happy here." Commitment to WVU: Baker reaffirmed his dedication to West Virginia University, stating, "I love being here. I feel like it's a privilege to be in this program, to represent this university, and more importantly, represent our state." He further explained that he generally doesn't address such rumors publicly, but felt compelled to speak directly to this instance. Recent Contract Extension: Further solidifying his commitment, WVU recently extended Baker's contract through 2032. This new deal, finalized in May 2024, adds two more years to his previous agreement and includes significant raises and retention bonuses, underscoring the university's desire to keep him. Baker's tenure at West Virginia, which began in November 2022, has been marked by significant activity, including navigating coaching changes (most notably, the hire of Rich Rodriguez for football) and steering the department through the complexities of the new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and revenue-sharing landscape. His success in these areas has undoubtedly raised his profile nationally, which is why his name frequently appears in discussions for high-profile athletic director openings. Despite the persistent "dot-connecting" from outsiders, Wren Baker's public statements and his recent contract extension clearly indicate his intention to remain in Morgantown and continue building the future of West Virginia Mountaineer athletics. 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 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

Excellent news has just broken regarding Deion Sanders' health and his future at Colorado!

In a highly anticipated press conference held today, Monday, July 28, 2025, alongside his medical team from CU Anschutz Medical Campus and UCHealth, Deion Sanders announced that he had been diagnosed with bladder cancer in April. However, the critical update is that he has since undergone bladder removal surgery, and his doctors confirmed that the cancer has been cured.

This is a monumental development, as it directly addresses the "undisclosed illness" that had kept him away from Colorado's campus for much of spring and summer, fueling widespread speculation about his potential retirement. Despite having to draft a will due to the gravity of his health situation, Coach Prime is now confirmed to be cancer-free.

Deion Sanders confirmed during the press conference that he plans to coach the Colorado Buffaloes during the upcoming 2025 college football season. This is a massive relief for Colorado fans and the Big 12 conference, as his charismatic leadership and the "Prime Effect" have brought unprecedented attention and energy to the program.

His ability to return this fall is a testament to his resilience and the work of his medical team. While he acknowledged the process "wasn't easy," his positive outlook and commitment to the team are clear. This news puts to rest the retirement rumors that had gained significant traction in recent days, allowing Colorado to focus on the season ahead with their head coach firmly at the helm.

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