Big 12 Today

KSL Sports Zone Daily Host and BYU Color Analyst Hans Olsen joined Big 12 Today to share the latest updates on BYU athletics.

He discussed how well BYU basketball has been playing, led by NBA prospect AJ Dybantsa.

Hans also talked about the preparations for the Pop Tarts Bowl, highlighting the current mood around BYU football — one of disappointment. However, he emphasized that this disappointment is not directed at the team or head coach Kalani Sitake, but rather at the College Football Playoff Committee.

Hans pointed out that BYU feels like their only loss was to Texas Tech, which he believes is the best team in the country, and argues that BYU deserved a chance to be in the playoff.

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Pete Sousa, play-by-play announcer for ESPN and NBC College Basketball, joined Big 12 Today to talk about Baylor Basketball.

He emphasized the importance of Cameron Carter for Baylor’s success this season and highlighted how underrated Baylor is within the Big 12 conference.

Pete also mentioned that Baylor is actively searching for a big man to strengthen their roster as Big 12 play approaches.

Additionally, he shared his thoughts on Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and the mystery surrounding his injury.

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Shehan Jeyarajah discusses the upcoming series between BYU and Notre Dame in 2026 and 2027, highlighting its significance for both programs.

He analyzes the Oregon vs. Texas Tech Orange Bowl matchup, emphasizing that Texas Tech needs a strong performance from David Bailey to secure the victory.

Shehan also shares his perspective on the challenges facing Group of 5 teams in making the College Football Playoff and explores the long-term implications if they are to be excluded, including potential calls for playoff reform.

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Former Texas Tech WR Eric Ward joined Big 12 Today to discuss the current Texas Tech Red Raiders as they prepare for the Orange Bowl. Eric reflects on his time at Texas Tech, including his relationship with offensive coordinator Eric Morris, who was part of his coaching staff. He shares his insights on the type of head coach Eric Morris will be at Oklahoma State and explains why Oklahoma State fans have reason to be optimistic.

Eric also talks about his relationship with Joey McGuire, revealing that he even played against McGuire at the high school level. He expresses excitement about how Coach McGuire has successfully translated his legendary high school career into college coaching.

Lastly, Eric boldly states that he believes Texas Tech is on track to win the national championship this season!

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Austyn Iven, Women's Basketball Reporter for FanDuel and ESPN+, joined Big 12 Today to discuss her latest work, including coverage of the Texas UIL Football State Championships.

She also shares insights into the "being drenched in RANCH" event at Buffalo Wild Wings in Frisco, Texas, a partner of the Military Appreciation Bowl.

Additionally, Austyn breaks down the current Houston men's basketball team as they transition out of non-conference play and shares what head coach Kelvin Sampson expects from his squad.

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Cam Mellor, Chief Analytics Officer for PFSN365, joined Big 12 Today to discuss the recent college football playoff matchup between James Madison and Tulane.

He also breaks down the analytics for the upcoming College Football Playoff games, including the Orange Bowl.

Additionally, Cam highlights the analytics insights for the Pop Tarts Bowl and shares what to expect from BYU.

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Pete Nakos, College Football Insider for On3 Sports, joined Big 12 Today to discuss the upcoming head coaching search at Michigan.

He also shares insights on the optimism surrounding Skylar Gill-Howard potentially returning to Texas Tech if they advance in the College Football Playoff.

Additionally, Pete explores the correlation between the transfer portal and the College Football Playoff games, highlighting the challenges it presents for programs and players alike.

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Brian Thornton, VP of Men's Basketball for the Big 12, joined Big 12 Today to reflect on the exciting weekend on the hardcourt.

He highlighted Texas Tech's impressive win over Duke and Houston's big victory against Arkansas.

Brian also discussed the various options the Big 12 is exploring regarding replay and officiating enhancements.

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ESPN College Basketball Analyst Fran Fraschilla joined Big 12 Today to discuss a thrilling matchup between Texas Tech and Duke.

Fran believes this Texas Tech victory was the best non-conference win of the season.

He also shares insights on how Oklahoma State head coach Steve Lutz is transforming the Oklahoma State basketball program.

Additionally, Fran breaks down the top Big 12 prospects for the NBA draft, including AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Koa Peat.

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The 2025 Big 12 Christmas Draft on Big 12 Today took place and featured:

• Which coaching staff is organizing Christmas dinner?
• Which player is shoveling snow with you?
• Which program most trusted to assemble IKEA furniture?
• Which fanbase you'd want at your ugly Christmas sweater party?
• Which team you're most excited to see — potential Employee of the Year 2026?

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Chris Level joined Big 12 Today to discuss the latest in Texas Tech sports from Lubbock. He shared his insights on the quarterback battle for next season, predicting Brendan Sorsby will be the starter. He noted Sorsby’s potential NFL Draft departure as the only reason he wouldn’t be the starter.

Chris praised QB Behren Morton for his resilience, leading the offense despite injuries as the Red Raiders approach the Orange Bowl.

Additionally, Chris provided an update on Texas Tech men's basketball. He noted head coach Grant McCasland's frustration over defensive struggles in the recent win to Northern Colorado. He also discussed how injury issues are impacting the team's defensive performance.

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Rachel Galligan joined Big 12 Today to discuss the latest in women's hoops across the conference. She highlighted TCU’s impressive undefeated run in non-conference play, noting that while they haven't faced the same level of challenge as some outside teams, their head coach believes this squad could be the best he's ever coached. The optimism in Fort Worth is sky-high.

Rachel also broke down Texas Tech’s strong start, with the team riding a 13-0 streak fueled by their defense and experience. They’re gearing up for a big showdown on Sunday in Waco against Baylor.

Additionally, she praised Arizona State head coach Molly Miller, emphasizing her consistent success and ability to WIN, as she continues to make her mark in women’s basketball.

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BYU men's basketball head coach Kevin Young joined Big 12 Today to discuss the team's 10-1 start.

Young gives high praise to AJ Dybansta’s overall game and highlights his exceptional passing ability.

He also highlights contributions from Rob Wright and Richie Saunders, and explaining how he uses analytics in coaching.

He emphasized the importance of non-conference games for team development and NCAA tournament preparation.

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Jason Scheer, Senior Editor & Publisher of WILDCATAUTHORITY.COM, joined Big 12 Today to discuss the top team in men's college basketball—Arizona.

Jason highlighted how physical Arizona is, excelling in rebounding and defense.

He emphasized that this team has few weaknesses and is a strong contender for the national championship.

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Chris Karpman, Owner & Publisher of SunDevilSource.com for 24/7 Sports, joined Big 12 Today to discuss the latest rumors about Kenny Dillingham potentially moving to Michigan.

He confirms that Michigan is indeed interested in Dillingham.

Karpman also breaks down the details of Dillingham's contract negotiations with Arizona State.

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Chris Vannini, Senior Writer for The Athletic, joined Big 12 Today to discuss the offseason outlook for college football in the Big 12.

He explained the factors behind extensions for Texas Tech coaches James Blanchard, Mack Leftwich, Sheil Wood, and Kenny Perry.

Vannini also provided insights into the transfer portal, discussing Brendan Sorsby's potential to play at Texas Tech. He delved into what Arizona State is seeking to replace Sam Leavitt and explored whether Drew Mestemaker will follow Eric Morris to Oklahoma State.

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Ari and James discuss the importance of emphasizing defense in youth basketball to foster well-rounded players.

They then debate Joel Klatt’s controversial claim that the NCAA Tournament is a joke, questioning its fairness and quality.

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Iowa State Women's Basketball Head Coach Bill Fennelly joined Big 12 Today to discuss the Cyclones’ impressive 12-0 start.

Coach Fennelly shared insights into why Audi Crooks has been performing so well this season, highlighting her contributions on both ends of the court. He also mentioned the areas Crooks is working to improve, such as free throw shooting and her defensive play. Coach praised Crooks for becoming a leader for the team.

Coach also commended Addy Brown for her consistent dedication, noting how she is a student of the game and continues to improve every day.

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College Basketball Analyst Mike O'Donnell of CBS Sports joined Big 12 Today to discuss the strength of the Big 12 in men's college hoops.

He highlighted Arizona’s impressive resume, emphasizing that they have been the top team in basketball so far this season.

Mike also analyzed Iowa State’s recent performance, noting what sets them apart from previous seasons. He praised Tamin Lipsey’s exceptional defensive play and the team's offensive execution.

Additionally, Mike provided insights on why Kansas should consider keeping Darryn Peterson active on the court.

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Steve Bartle, Utah Reporter for KSL Sports, joined Big 12 Today to discuss Kyle Whittingham stepping down as Utah's head coach and his successor, Morgan Scalley.

Steve discusses that Kyle Whittingham did not want to leave Utah. He explains the reasons behind Whittingham's decision and details the transition process. 

Steve also discusses the future of Utah football, marking the first time in over 30 years without Kyle Whittingham, who served as head coach for 20 years.

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Ross Dellenger, Senior Writer for Yahoo Sports, joins Big 12 Today to discuss the conference's nearing private capital deal, potentially raising up to $500 million.

The agreement is with RedBird and Weatherford Capital for a cash infusion, ending over three years of private equity exploration. This marks the first publicly announced conference-wide capital agreement in major college sports.

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Chancellor Johnson, Big 12 analyst and content creator, joins Big 12 Today to review the weekend's action on the hardcourt.

He discusses Arizona's strong performance following their big win over Alabama. Chancellor breaks down the performances of Iowa State and BYU as the season progresses.

He also breaks down and highlights the personal significance of the Houston vs. New Orleans game for Mercy Miller, whose father, Percy Miller (Master P), is an assistant coach.

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Texas Tech head men’s basketball coach Grant McCasland joins us on Big 12 Today!

The Red Raiders are off to a 7–2 start, riding a three-game winning streak into their matchup in Dallas against Arkansas at the American Airlines Center, tipping off 11:00 AM CT on ESPN2.

Coach McCasland breaks down everything happening with his squad — how the team has performed so far, key areas of growth, and his thoughts on the Big 12 and the broader college basketball landscape. With conference play just a couple of weeks away, hear what the head coach has to say as the season heats up.

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