Utah’s Kyle Whittingham emerges as a likely candidate to take over at Michigan, setting off one of the most unexpected coaching carousel moves in recent college football history. Can Whittingham’s approach and legacy translate to success in Ann Arbor, and would his staff follow him or remain tied to Morgan Scalley? The crew breaks down the drama, and questions abound over Michigan’s future roster, leadership, and the impact on Big 12 dynamics.

BYU fans are fired up as Notre Dame is accused of dodging the Cougars in bowl matchups, sparking talk about underdog narratives and college football prestige. Deion Sanders’ transformative effect on Colorado—on and off the field—is spotlighted, alongside concerns about his longevity and succession plans with rising assistant Brennan Marion. Plus, the panel debates Texas high school football recruiting, scandals, and which coaches truly fit Michigan’s high-pressure program. Will Sanders build a lasting legacy in Boulder, or is another seismic shift on the horizon?

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The Big 12 Conference has been nothing short of a whirlwind over the past week, marked by a major championship, postseason selection drama, and a groundbreaking business announcement that reinforces its "New Look" identity.

1. Championship and CFP Breakthrough

The week started with the Big 12 Championship Game where Texas Tech defeated BYU in a commanding fashion (34-7). This victory propelled the Red Raiders to a 12-1 record, securing the Big 12's automatic bid to the expanded College Football Playoff. The subsequent CFP rankings confirmed Texas Tech as the No. 4 seed, earning them a crucial first-round bye straight to the Orange Bowl Quarterfinal—a massive statement for the restructured league.

2. Bowl and Political Fallout

While the Big 12 celebrated Tech's CFP inclusion and the bowl selections for seven other teams, drama erupted over the bubble. Commissioner Brett Yormark publicly backed the CFP committee's decision, despite BYU's exclusion, and notably criticized Notre Dame's Athletic Director for his "egregious" outrage over the Irish being left out. This positioned the Big 12 as a stable, unified partner in the new CFP ecosystem, contrasting sharply with the ACC's turmoil. Adding to the controversy, the conference levied $500,000 fines on Iowa State and Kansas State for opting to skip bowl games, underscoring the conference's commitment to fulfilling its postseason obligations.

3. NFL Partnership Announcement

Perhaps the most significant long-term news was the conference's announcement of a strategic partnership with the NFL. This collaboration aims to align the two organizations on everything from officiating development and emerging technology to global growth initiatives. This unprecedented move further showcases the Big 12's innovative, business-forward approach under Yormark, establishing a distinct brand identity separate from the traditionalist SEC/Big Ten dynamic.

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Big 12 heavyweights BYU and Texas Tech shake up the championship picture as powerhouse coach Kalani Sitake nearly exits for Penn State, triggering a wild flurry of NIL deals and university power plays. Is the Big 12’s new financial arms race redefining the path to playoff success, or will legacy programs like Baylor and Kansas State be left behind? The roundtable debates elite coaching moves, jaw-dropping staff salaries, and the explosive influence of boosters and collectives across the conference.

Locked On’s squad of insiders spotlights BYU’s dramatic retention saga, Texas Tech’s bold investments, and why schools like Colorado are facing multimillion-dollar deficits. The hosts question playoff selection criteria, analyze rivalry scheduling strategies, and ask whether the Big 12 committee made the right call in pitting BYU against Texas Tech. Can innovative fundraising and NIL strategies thrust these programs into national contention, or will conference politics hold them back?

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