Big 12 Today

Steven Johnson, TCU Beat Writer for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Joins Big 12 Today!

Steven shares his perspective on TCU’s offseason, beginning with the question of whether Sonny Dykes is on the hot seat. He confidently states that he does not believe Dykes is under pressure, highlighting his success with 13 wins and consecutive 9-win seasons as key reasons. Johnson also credits Dykes for leading TCU to victory in the Alamo Bowl without Josh Hoover, which provides some flexibility moving forward.

The discussion then shifts to TCU’s efforts to improve their running game, with Johnson praising Jeremy Payne’s contributions. He also talks about the quarterback competition to replace Josh Hoover, mentioning Jaden Craig as a strong candidate. Despite losing Eric McAlister, TCU remains confident in their wide receiver room.

Overall, Johnson notes that TCU is aiming to stay in the mix for a Big 12 championship this season.

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Jason Scheer, Senior Editor & Publisher of WILDCATAUTHORITY.COM, joined Big 12 Today to Discuss the 21-0 Arizona Wildcats.

Jason begins by highlighting Arizona’s dominant performance in their recent game, noting they led for most of the match but almost let it slip away in the final minute. He emphasizes that facing Arizona is always challenging. Scheer credits BYU for their strong finish, referencing their previous impressive play against UConn earlier this season.

When asked about Arizona’s top player, Scheer states that it varies nightly, but last night’s standout was Brayden Burries. He praises the chemistry between Burries and Jaden Bradley, calling it a key factor in Arizona’s success. Scheer also commends Arizona’s defensive prowess, highlighting the variety of defensive looks they employ and giving special recognition to Ivan Kharchenkov for his defensive contributions.

Scheer discusses how Arizona’s team has evolved over the season, improving defensively and gaining confidence and chemistry. He concludes by analyzing what it would take for Arizona to suffer their first loss, implying it would require a combination of factors and exceptional performance from their opponents.

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Big 12 Analyst and Content Creator Chancellor Johnson joined Big 12 Today! Chancellor Johnson kicks off by analyzing the thrilling game in Provo, Utah, last night between Arizona and BYU. He highlights the exceptional talent of AJ Dybantsa, predicting he will be the second overall pick in the NBA draft behind Kansas's Darryn Peterson. Chancellor also praises Jaden Bradley and Tobe Awaka for their physicality and defensive effort, emphasizing their impact on the game.

He suggests that the outcome reveals more about Arizona’s strength than about BYU’s performance, citing their impressive wins over Florida, UCLA, UConn, Auburn, Alabama, and now BYU—marking Arizona as arguably the top team in the nation.

Additionally, Chancellor reflects on the recent showdown in Lubbock between Houston and Texas Tech. He commends Texas Tech for their physicality, noting it’s a rare feat under Kelvin Sampson’s coaching. He particularly credits JT Toppin for leading the Red Raiders and helping secure the victory.

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Eugene Rapay, Sports Beat Writer for Iowa State University, joined Big 12 Today to discuss the latest developments with Iowa State football. He began by highlighting how new head coach Jimmy Rogers is beginning to put his mark on the program. Rogers, along with offensive coordinator Tyler Roehl, emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong running game. Their goal is to bolster the offensive line to create a more effective and consistent ground attack.

Eugene believes that a realistic target for Iowa State this season is winning four or five games. He notes that if the Cyclones can make a bowl game, that would be considered a successful first season for Jimmy Rogers in Ames.

Regarding NIL opportunities, Eugene mentions that Iowa State had about $13 million to work with, giving the program a solid platform to support player development and recruitment. He also pointed out that one advantage Rogers has over former coach Matt Campbell is his ability to recruit effectively in the Midwest, which could be a significant factor in building the team.

Eugene describes Rogers’ personality as determined, down-to-earth, and all about business, qualities that he believes Iowa State fans will grow to love. Additionally, Eugene is optimistic about the defensive line, noting that several players who came with Rogers from Washington State are expected to significantly improve the defense front.

Lastly, Eugene mentions that Jimmy Rogers has embraced the tradition of the blackout, and he expects the team and fans to continue this spirited tradition moving forward.

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Brian Thornton, Vice President of Men’s Basketball for the Big 12, joined Big 12 Today to discuss the weekend’s action in men’s college basketball. He started by explaining the decision-making process behind moving games due to the ongoing winter storm sweeping across the country. Thornton emphasized that ensuring the safety of players, faculty, and students was the top priority, and that the conference coordinated closely with their TV partners to make the necessary adjustments.

He then highlighted the exciting matchup between Houston and Texas Tech, giving credit to Texas Tech for their hard-fought victory. Thornton noted that Texas Tech, which had a rough start to the season, has found its rhythm and is currently riding a five-game win streak.

Looking ahead to postseason prospects, Thornton discussed what the Big 12’s tournament threshold might look like. He praised the strong play of West Virginia and UCF but also mentioned teams like TCU and Oklahoma State, which still have the potential to make a push.

Furthermore, Thornton shared insights into the conversations between the Big 12 and the NCAA selection committee, offering a glimpse into how the conference’s teams might be represented in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. He also expressed excitement about the upcoming game between Arizona and BYU, which promises to be a key matchup in the conference race.

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College Basketball Analyst Mike O'Donnell of CBS Sports joined Big 12 Today to discuss the weekend on the men's basketball hardcourt in the Big 12. Mike provided an in-depth look at Kingston Flemings, highlighting how well he has been playing and his potential to win Big 12 Player of the Year. He also pointed out that nobody is really talking about JT Toppin being in that conversation, but he believes Toppin’s contributions could be significant as the season progresses.

Mike discussed Houston’s development as a team following their loss to Texas Tech, emphasizing the growth of freshmen Kingston Flemings and Chris Cenac. He noted how they continue to improve and complement their games with veterans like Emmanuel Sharp and Milos Uzan.

He also praised the overall strength of the Big 12, mentioning that the conference boasts six of the top teams in the country: Arizona, Houston, Texas Tech, BYU, Iowa State, and Kansas.

Finally, Mike expressed confidence in UCF, stating they will be a tournament team, citing their impressive win over Kansas and their strong performance against Arizona as evidence of their potential.

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Greg Wrubell, the Voice of BYU, joined Big 12 Today to discuss the latest in men's basketball for the BYU Cougars. He pointed out that BYU is not a very deep team but features a very strong "Big 3" that carries much of the load. Greg mentioned that injuries to Dawson Baker and Nate Pickens have posed challenges for the Cougars, but he praised players like AJ Dybantsa, Rob Wright, and Richie Saunders for their contributions.

Due to BYU's limited depth, Greg emphasized that their star players cannot afford to have off nights, noting that this was a factor in their loss to Texas Tech in Lubbock. He also discussed what the upcoming schedule reveals about BYU's team, mentioning that the schedule was relatively manageable until their road game against Texas Tech.

As the schedule intensifies, Greg advised focusing on the games they should win but warned that Big 12 games, especially on the road, are likely to be tough battles. Expect competitive matchups and a need for BYU’s stars to perform at their best in the tougher stretches ahead.

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Scott Springer of the Cincinnati Enquirer joined Big 12 Today to discuss the latest offseason developments for Cincinnati. He started by clarifying that head coach Scott Satterfield is not currently on the hot seat, emphasizing that Cincinnati is focusing on long-term stability and growth for the program.

Scott highlighted that Cincinnati operates with a smaller sports budget compared to programs like Texas Tech, given its size and market. He noted that Cincinnati is a small town with local sports competition primarily from the Reds and Bengals, which influences the athletic department's strategic decisions.

Turning to defense, Scott discussed the expectations for Cincinnati next season under new defensive coordinator Nate Woody. He praised Woody’s success at Army and his reputation for transforming defenses, suggesting that Cincinnati fans can anticipate a more aggressive and disciplined defensive unit.

On the offensive side, Scott talked about the upcoming season’s outlook, especially considering the departures of quarterbacks Brendan Sorsby and Jeff Caldwell. He introduced the new quarterback, JC French, highlighting his talent and productivity at Georgia Southern, and expressed optimism about French’s potential to make an impact at Cincinnati.

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Chris Level of Texas Tech Radio Network and Locked on Red Raiders provided a comprehensive preview of the upcoming Houston/Texas Tech game on Big 12 Today. He discussed the rescheduling due to weather, emphasizing how the inclement conditions impact both teams, especially Houston, which has a quick turnaround after their game against TCU in Fort Worth.

Chris also recapped the recent Texas Tech vs. Baylor game, highlighting Texas Tech’s sharpshooting from beyond the arc and noting Baylor’s talent but inconsistent performance. He praised Texas Tech’s defensive improvements over their four-game winning streak, though he pointed out that depth remains a concern for the Red Raiders.

Additionally, Chris reflected on the first matchup between Texas Tech and Houston earlier this month, where Houston secured a home victory largely through their strong defense. The upcoming rematch will be an opportunity for Texas Tech to demonstrate how much they’ve improved since that initial encounter.

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Tim Fitzgerald, Publisher of GoPowercat on 24/7 Sports, joined Big 12 Today to discuss the latest offseason updates at Kansas State.

He highlighted quarterback Avery Johnson's decision to return, emphasizing that having Collin Klein back will be highly beneficial for Johnson, who has yet to fully meet expectations. Tim also discussed the change at defensive coordinator and what fans can expect from the defense this upcoming season.

On the offensive side, he talked about efforts to strengthen the offensive line and the need for an additional receiver in the WR room, citing the challenge of replacing Jayce Brown.

Regarding the schedule release, Tim considers it very manageable, noting the absence of Texas Tech, BYU, and Utah, though he mentioned that the non-conference schedule could pose some challenges.

Lastly, he touched on basketball, predicting that Kansas will win the upcoming game against K-State, citing the Wildcats' struggles with defense as a key factor.

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ESPN College Basketball Analyst Fran Fraschilla joined Big 12 Today to share insights on men's basketball in the Big 12.

He began by highlighting Texas Tech's recent success, noting their four-game winning streak and praising JT Toppin for his performance. Fran previewed the upcoming Big 12 Game of the Week on TuneIn, where the Red Raiders host the Houston Cougars, emphasizing the exciting matchups—from guard play to inside presence.

He discussed the challenges both teams face offensively and how hot shooting from three could tip the scales. Fran also analyzed Arizona's prospects, praising Tommy Lloyd's team's physicality and toughness.

Additionally, he commented on Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley's remarks about the lack of a home-court advantage in Tempe and shared admiration for West Virginia head coach Ross Hodge, calling him the perfect fit for Morgantown.

Fran also touched on his relationship with Kansas fans.

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Scott Draper, Big 12 Chief Football & Competition Officer, joined Big 12 Today to discuss the upcoming 2026 football schedule release.

He explained the details of the schedule, including bye weeks and the conference's excitement about the new arrangements. Scott highlighted how travel considerations influence scheduling and addressed the requirement of 12 weekday games per season, with the conference collaborating with Fox, ESPN, and member schools to determine the specific matchups.

He emphasized the importance of input from schools regarding campus events and explained that the Big 12 Championship game will rotate between Friday and Saturday—Friday in even years and Saturday in odd years. Scott expressed enthusiasm about this change, seeing it as a great opportunity to showcase the strength of the Big 12.

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Garrett Ross of 365 Sports joined Big 12 Today to share the latest offseason news regarding the Baylor Bears. He started by discussing Baylor's hiring of Joe Klanderman and what he will mean for the team's defense. Garrett noted that while there is some excitement about Klanderman’s arrival, this kind of coaching staff turnover isn’t new to Baylor head coach Dave Aranda, who has experienced a revolving door of staff changes.

Garrett expressed concerns about Baylor not being more aggressive in the transfer portal outside of DJ Lagway, suggesting that the team is betting more on potential rather than proven results. While he is optimistic about Lagway's talent, Garrett is wary of his injury history and what that could mean for his future health.

He also shared insights from a recent conversation with Baylor Athletic Director Doug McNamee, stating that he believes McNamee understands the demands of the job and is trying to reconnect the fanbase with the team. However, Garrett feels that Baylor's expectations are unclear, and currently, he doesn’t see a specific benchmark for success, with a successful season possibly being a bowl appearance, such as the Texas Bowl.

Power ranking the transfer portal outside of Lagway, Garrett predicts that Baylor will likely have a new head coach within the next two years. He emphasized that this is not a critique of Aranda’s character or impact but noted that winning games is the ultimate measure of success. Garrett mentioned that Jeff Traylor should be considered if Baylor moves on from Aranda, implying Traylor could be a strong candidate for the future.

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Ross Dellenger, Senior Writer for Yahoo Sports, joined Big 12 Today to discuss the latest developments in College Football Playoff expansion. He explained that the SEC, Big 12, and ACC are in agreement to expand the playoff from 12 to 16 teams, while the Big Ten is aiming even higher, seeking to expand from 12 to 24 teams.

Dellenger highlighted that the Big Ten’s push for a 24-team playoff is driven by a desire to create more opportunities for teams to compete in postseason play. He also noted a growing belief among the SEC and other leagues that conference championship games will eventually be phased out in favor of expanded playoffs.

Additionally, Dellenger discussed the college football rules cap, mentioning that some schools want the cap lifted due to increased budgets and financial capabilities. On NIL deals and legal issues, he confirmed that over 17,000 NIL deals have been approved, with around 500 denied, and a few cases proceeding to arbitration.

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Former St. John's Head Coach & Kansas Assistant Coach Norm Roberts joined Big 12 Today!

Coach Roberts shared insights from last night's action on the hardcourt.

He reflected on his experience filling in for Kansas Head Coach Bill Self, emphasizing the importance of relying on the coaching staff—highlighting Jeremy Case’s valuable experience in that role.

He praised Kansas interim head coach Jacque Vaughn for demonstrating his leadership by trusting his staff and players, which contributed to their victory over Colorado in Boulder. Coach Roberts noted that Vaughn effectively implemented Coach Self’s messaging, especially emphasizing strong defense and rebounding as keys to their success.

Coach Roberts advised teams to focus on defending Texas Tech by limiting their three-point opportunities, pointing out how JT Toppin's contributions helped Texas Tech secure the win.

Finally, he highlighted the UCF/Iowa State game, giving credit to Joshua Jefferson for his impressive triple-double performance.

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Michael Swain, Kansas Beat Writer for Kansas 24/7, joined Big 12 Today! He opened by discussing the health of Kansas Men's Basketball head coach Bill Self, noting that he has no new updates but offered insights on potential successors like Jacque Vaughn and Jeremy Case.

Swain also covered Kansas football, focusing on the new running back Dylan Edwards and providing insights on quarterback Chase Jenkins, who transferred from Rice, and what to expect from the offense in 2026.

Additionally, he analyzed Kansas's defensive strategies, highlighting how the team has used the transfer portal to bolster the linebacker position. Swain believes Kansas will become more versatile defensively in 2026.

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Arizona forward Tobe Awaka joined Big 12 Today to discuss the Wildcats' undefeated season. He reflected on his standout performance against Arizona State, where he scored 25 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Off the court, Tobe shares that he is studying business administration and had an internship opportunity on Wall Street.

Regarding his playing style, Tobe emphasizes that he doesn't focus heavily on stats; instead, he aims to play as freely as possible. When rebounding, he studies how opponents shoot and predicts where the ball will go to position himself effectively. Tobe praises head coach Tommy Lloyd for assembling a team that emphasizes toughness and strong interior play.

Additionally, Tobe has been working on his three-point shooting, currently shooting 67% from beyond the arc (4/6), including making his last three three-pointers.

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Matt Murschel, UCF and college football writer for the Orlando Sentinel and Tribune, joined Big 12 Today to discuss UCF's transfer portal activity. He highlighted the key addition of quarterback Alonza Barnett III from James Madison, emphasizing UCF's focus on upgrading their quarterback position to strengthen their offense.

Murschel also mentioned Horace Lockett, who was injured last season, entered the transfer portal, but ultimately decided to return to UCF. He provided updates on player eligibility for the upcoming season and listed players who have been replaced through the portal, including some high school recruits.

John discussed UCF's main goals for next season, with the primary objective being to become bowl eligible. He stressed the importance of improving the offensive and defensive lines to achieve this milestone.

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Brian Thornton, VP of Men's Basketball for the Big 12, joined Big 12 Today to review the weekend in the conference. He emphasized the difficulty of winning on the road in the Big 12. Thornton, along with his son, attended the Baylor/Kansas game at Allen Fieldhouse on Friday night, where he discussed Darryn Peterson's significant impact on Kansas and the team's recent strong performances.

He also shared excitement about ESPN College GameDay heading to Lubbock this weekend for the Texas Tech vs. Houston game, noting the rivalry developing in the Big 12. Thornton explained that GameDay chooses games with outstanding atmospheres, and the Big 12 is proud to highlight these key matchups.

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NBC Sports broadcaster John Fanta joined Big 12 Today to discuss college hoops in the Big 12. He highlighted Arizona and Houston as the top teams, with Texas Tech also near the top tier, praising their recent win over BYU. Fanta emphasized that Iowa State shouldn't panic despite back-to-back losses to Kansas and Cincinnati. He noted that Arizona, despite being the number one team for weeks, isn't getting enough national recognition.

Fanta predicted Houston as his current national champion pick, citing their continual improvement and the contributions of Kingston Flemings and Chris Cenac, as well as Kelvin Sampson's coaching, calling him a future Hall of Famer. He mentioned Houston's desire for revenge in upcoming games.

Regarding Kansas, Fanta praised Darryn Peterson as a player with "Kobe Bryant" qualities and noted the team's strong defense and ongoing improvement as the season progresses.

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Houston Coach Kelvin Sampson joined Big 12 Today to discuss various aspects of his Houston Cougars basketball program. He began by talking about how his freshmen are developing in today’s basketball climate. While noting that freshmen today are different from those in the '80s, '90s, and 2000s, he explained that the main factor influencing this change is the landscape of NIL, although overall, players haven’t changed much over time.

Coach Sampson shared insights into his recruitment process, emphasizing that his team evaluates whether they want to coach a particular player, and he leaves everything on the table to see if the players make the choice to join Houston. He credited his players and their parents for choosing his program, acknowledging the importance of that trust.

He also discussed how the Big 12 has evolved since his days at Oklahoma. He described the conference as being extremely tough from top to bottom and highlighted the importance of handling losses well. According to him, losing isn’t the end of the world—what matters is how players prepare for the next game and grow from setbacks.

Coach Sampson also highlighted key veterans on his team, such as Emmanuel Sharp and Milos Uzan, and spoke about the unique pulse each player brings to the team, contributing to its overall chemistry and resilience.

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Keenan Cummings, Managing Editor for WVSports.com and West Virginia writer for On3 Sports, joined Big 12 Today to share an update on the offseason developments for the West Virginia Mountaineers football program. He highlighted the team's significant progress in rebuilding their offensive line, a much-needed step for the program.

Keenan noted that West Virginia has been working to improve their run game and expressed excitement about transfer portal addition Cam Cook from Jacksonville State. Despite the roster overhaul, Keenan emphasized that West Virginia continues to focus on strengthening their defense and seeking experienced players familiar with Coach Rich Rodriguez’s system.

He also underlined the importance of maintaining some continuity amid the changes, viewing it as crucial for next season’s success. When asked about the potential ceiling for West Virginia next year, Keenan confidently projected that the Mountaineers are poised to take a step forward and improve in the upcoming season.

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Keenan Cummings, Managing Editor for WVSports.com and West Virginia writer for On3 Sports, joined Big 12 Today to share an update on the offseason developments for the West Virginia Mountaineers football program. He highlighted the team's significant progress in rebuilding their offensive line, a much-needed step for the program.

Keenan noted that West Virginia has been working to improve their run game and expressed excitement about transfer portal addition Cam Cook from Jacksonville State. Despite the roster overhaul, Keenan emphasized that West Virginia continues to focus on strengthening their defense and seeking experienced players familiar with Coach Rich Rodriguez’s system.

He also underlined the importance of maintaining some continuity amid the changes, viewing it as crucial for next season’s success. When asked about the potential ceiling for West Virginia next year, Keenan confidently projected that the Mountaineers are poised to take a step forward and improve in the upcoming season.

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Former St. John’s Head Coach and Kansas Assistant Coach, Norm Roberts, shared his expert analysis on Big 12 basketball. He began by highlighting Kansas’s success against Iowa State on Tuesday, attributing it to their stellar defense. While noting that Iowa State remains a dominant team, Roberts emphasized that Kansas was clicking on all cylinders.

He previewed the upcoming Baylor vs. Kansas game, both teams riding high after their biggest wins of the season, and discussed the exciting matchup between BYU and TCU, calling it the game of the week.

Coach Roberts praised AJ Dybantsa’s impressive play this season. When asked who he would select if the NBA draft were tonight and the Indiana Pacers had the first pick, Roberts confidently said he would choose Dybantsa, citing his fit for Indiana’s long-term needs.

He also commented on the electric atmosphere at Texas Tech, asserting that the Red Raiders have the talent to beat anyone in the Big 12. Additionally, Roberts previewed the Arizona vs. UCF game, praising Arizona’s talent and Johnny Dawkins’ strong defensive teams.

Finally, he offered insights into the rest of the Big 12 games set for this weekend, emphasizing the competitive and exciting nature of the conference.

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