Big 12 Today

Ari and James are back from Lucas Oil Stadium after a weekend at the NCAA Final Four—and they’ve got plenty to unpack. The guys open with their instant reactions to the Final Four, breaking down what went wrong and how it compares to past heartbreaks—including parallels between Arizona Wildcats men's basketball on the biggest stage and Texas Tech Red Raiders football in the Orange Bowl. From there, they zoom out to the bigger picture: has the Big 12 done enough nationally? With just three title game appearances since 2022—including Houston Cougars men's basketball last year—the conversation turns to whether the conference is meeting expectations in March. All that and more on a packed March Madness Monday edition of Big 12 Today. TUNE IN!

Join Ari and James as the Modelo Spring Roadtrip rolls into its final destination—Colorado. After a 3-9 season, the guys take a deep dive into what’s next for Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes. What will the offense look like in 2026? The go-go uptempo offense is the new look Colorado is adopting under new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion for the 2026 season. With 40+ transfers, a top-25 recruiting class (per Sports Illustrated), and a revamped offensive line, is this the year it all comes together in Boulder? They break down the impact of two major wide receiver additions, how the roster overhaul shapes expectations, and whether continuity can finally take hold under Deion. Plus, Ari and James sit down with Scott Procter of DNVR Buffs to get an inside look at Colorado football. They discuss key offseason additions, portal movement, coaching staff changes, and what fans should realistically expect heading into the fall. From roster turnover to renewed optimism—this is your all-access pass to Colorado football in 2026. TUNE IN!

Jason Scheer, Senior Editor and Publisher of WildcatAuthority.com, joins Big 12 Today from Indianapolis to break down Arizona’s run to the Final Four. Scheer provides on-the-ground insight into the Wildcats’ mindset and preparation as they get ready for a marquee matchup against Michigan. He also addresses the growing buzz surrounding head coach Tommy Lloyd’s future, separating fact from speculation as Arizona continues its postseason push. Plus, a full preview of the Final Four showdown—key matchups, storylines, and what to expect in what could be an instant classic. TUNE IN!

Big 12 Today Heads on a Roadtrip! Join Ari and James on the Modelo Spring Roadtrip as they explore Big 12 country in college football. Our next stop — Baylor! During the journey, Ari and James delve into Baylor's offseason, sharing insights on what fans can expect this fall and highlighting the strength of the Bears. They discuss recent roster changes, spotlight key offseason additions via the transfer portal, and examine important coaching staff updates that are poised to impact Baylor's 2026 season. David Smoak of 365 joins Big 12 Today to discuss the Baylor Bears' offseason. Smoak begins by defining what a successful season would look like for Baylor. He highlights quarterback DJ Lagway, praising his transparency and impressiveness. Smoak notes significant investments in improving the defense, while acknowledging the skepticism from critics regarding the offense's prospects. He discusses the wide receiver room, emphasizing potential for improvement. Additionally, Smoak talks about new Defensive Coordinator Joe Klanderman, who will be calling plays and brings an edge that Smoak believes the Baylor defense needs this season. TUNE IN!

Big 12 Today Heads on a Roadtrip! Join Ari and James on the Modelo Spring Roadtrip as they explore Big 12 country in college football. Our next stop — Arizona! During the journey, Ari and James delve into Arizona's offseason, sharing insights on what fans can expect this fall and highlighting the strength of the Wildcats. They discuss recent roster changes, spotlight key offseason additions via the transfer portal, and examine important coaching staff updates that are poised to impact Arizona's 2026 season. Justin Spears, Arizona Football Beat Writer for the Arizona Daily Star, joined Big 12 Today to discuss the Wildcats' offseason. He started by praising Arizona basketball despite focusing on football. Justin mentioned that during spring football, very few starters have participated, and both returning players and transfers have had limited involvement. He expressed confidence in Arizona’s talent at wide receiver, highlighting Rodney Gallagher and Jordan Ross. Justin emphasized the importance of quarterback Noah Fifita maintaining continuity with offensive coordinator Seth Doege. He also highlighted the strong relationship between Brent Brennan and Tommy Lloyd. TUNE IN!

Brian Jeffries, the PXP voice of the Arizona Wildcats, joins the show to discuss the Wildcats' historic run to the Final Four — their first in 25 years after a thrilling victory over Purdue. He emphasizes the significance of this achievement for the program and its dedicated fanbase, highlighting the team's resilience and sustained success. As Big 12 regular season and tournament champions, Arizona's consistency has been a key factor in their March Madness run. Looking ahead, Brian shares his insights on the upcoming matchup against Michigan, noting the challenge it presents but also expressing confidence in the Wildcats' ability to advance. Overall, he reflects on what this moment means for the program and its continued pursuit of excellence. TUNE IN!

Ari and James start by discussing how length and size have become a prominent trend in college basketball, exemplified by what we’re currently seeing in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. They highlight how Illinois’s size was instrumental in their victory over Houston in the Sweet 16. The conversation also touches on teams like Arizona, UConn, and Purdue. While three-point shooting has gained popularity in recent years, they agree that the traditional big man may be making a comeback, especially with the desire to win. They reference their interview with ESPN College Basketball Analyst and former Arizona guard Corey Williams, noting that big men in recent years have often avoided contact due to a lack of physicality in their training, but that mindset appears to be shifting. The guys concur that trends are typically followed, citing Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd as an example of someone who doesn’t follow trends but marches to his own beat. They expand the discussion to sports in general, mentioning NFL two-point conversions, the use of three-point shots from the shortest part of the court, and player rest strategies. Ultimately, they emphasize that players and coaches need to be proactive in leading trends, as others tend to follow those who set the pace. TUNE IN!

Big 12 Today Heads on a Roadtrip! Join Ari and James on the Modelo Spring Roadtrip as they explore Big 12 country in college football. Our next stop — Arizona State! During the journey, Ari and James delve into Arizona State's offseason, sharing insights on what fans can expect this fall and highlighting the strength of the Sun Devils. They discuss recent roster changes, spotlight key offseason additions via the transfer portal, and examine important coaching staff updates that are poised to impact Arizona State's 2026 season. Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham shared insights on the Sun Devils' offseason as spring football begins. He emphasized the importance of integrating new players and fostering team chemistry. A primary focus for the team is increasing turnovers, an area Dillingham believes they lacked last season. He also outlined his core values, advocating for a culture where players are encouraged to be authentic while working toward shared goals, inspired by Mike Vrabel’s approach with the Patriots.  Reflecting on last season, Dillingham found it difficult to assign a definitive grade but acknowledged both the games they should have won and those they lost. Regarding the transfer portal, he expressed confidence in the new additions to the roster. He also highlighted the positive impact of coaching staff continuity, noting that recent changes have been beneficial for the team’s development. TUNE IN!

Texas Tech running back Cameron Dickey recently appeared on Big 12 Today, where he shared insights into his impressive career and personal life. Cameron began by reflecting on his standout performance against Kansas, rushing for 263 yards—remarkably close to surpassing that total, and emphasizing his dedication to maximizing his potential. He discussed how he was recruited by Texas Tech and highlighted the highly competitive nature of the Red Raiders' running back room, where each player pushes the others to excel. Cameron also talked about taking on a heavier workload last season and shared his strategies for maintaining his health and durability throughout the demanding season. Addressing the narrative surrounding Texas Tech football, Cameron expressed confidence in the team's approach, emphasizing their commitment to playing their brand of football and remaining competitive every day. Off the field, Cameron revealed his passion for movies and shared his favorite uniforms, particularly the throwback and white Mahomes jerseys, which he admires for their style and history. Overall, Cameron Dickey's interview offered a compelling look into his journey, work ethic, and vision for the future of Texas Tech football. TUNE IN!

Former St. John's Head Coach and Kansas Assistant Coach Norm Roberts recently joined Big 12 Today to discuss the latest headlines in Big 12 men's basketball and to preview the upcoming Sweet 16. He reflected on the unusual experience of watching the St. John's vs. Kansas game, given his personal ties to both programs. While he rooted for Kansas, he emphasized his continued affection for St. John's, highlighting the emotional complexity of supporting both teams. Coach Roberts also shared insights into Kansas head coach Bill Self's future, noting that Self regularly contemplates his long-term plans, especially considering his health. He underscored the importance of Self's well-being in his decision-making process. Looking ahead to the NCAA tournament, Roberts expressed confidence in Arizona, Houston, and Iowa State's chances of reaching the Final Four. He pointed out Iowa State's strong defense as a key factor and expressed hope for the speedy recovery of Joshua Jefferson, whose absence is notable but doesn't diminish the team's competitiveness. Lastly, Roberts offered his perspective on the tournament's surprising lack of upsets, particularly from mid-major programs, suggesting that the depth and talent of top-tier teams this season have played a significant role in shaping the results. TUNE IN!

Big 12 Today Heads on a Roadtrip! Join Ari and James on the Modelo Spring Roadtrip as they explore Big 12 country in college football. Our next stop — Oklahoma State! During the journey, Ari and James delve into Oklahoma State's offseason, sharing insights on what fans can expect this fall and highlighting the strength of the Cowboys. They discuss recent roster changes, spotlight key offseason additions via the transfer portal, and examine important coaching staff updates that are poised to impact Oklahoma State's 2026 season. Oklahoma State football head coach Eric Morris recently joined Big 12 Today to discuss his career prior to taking the helm at Oklahoma State. He expressed deep respect for the late Mike Leach, highlighting how Leach gave him an early opportunity in coaching, which he greatly appreciated. Coach Morris shared his reasons for leaving North Texas to join Oklahoma State, emphasizing his love for Stillwater's small-community atmosphere. He and his wife enjoy the community's welcoming nature and appreciate the opportunity to raise their children in such a supportive environment. He also spoke about his success with quarterbacks throughout his coaching career, giving credit to mentors like Mike Leach and Kliff Kingsbury for shaping his approach and contributing to his achievements. Additionally, Coach Morris discussed his recruitment of Drew Mestemaker, noting that Mestemaker did not play quarterback in high school, which showcases Morris's ability to identify and develop talent in unconventional ways. TUNE IN!

Big 12 Today Heads on a Roadtrip! Join Ari and James on the Modelo Spring Roadtrip as they explore Big 12 country in college football. Our next stop — Kansas! During the journey, Ari and James delve into Kansas' offseason, sharing insights on what fans can expect this fall and highlighting the strength of the Jayhawks. They discuss recent roster changes, spotlight key offseason additions via the transfer portal, and examine important coaching staff updates that are poised to impact Kansas' 2026 season. Kansas football head coach Lance Leipold recently joined Big 12 Today to share insights on the offseason and the team's preparations for the upcoming season. Coach Leipold highlighted the significant transfer upgrades Kansas was able to bring in, aiming to strengthen the roster and improve performance on the field. He reflected on the close games Kansas lost over the past two seasons, analyzing the reasons behind those narrow defeats. To address these issues, Coach Leipold has adapted spring football practices to better prepare the team, focusing on strategies to maintain player freshness longer into the season and avoid fatigue. On the defensive side, he acknowledged challenges related to communication, which have impacted performance. Efforts are being made to improve on-field communication to enhance defensive cohesion. Looking ahead, Coach Leipold expressed excitement about the upcoming game in London against Arizona State. He sees this international matchup as a fantastic opportunity for Kansas to showcase their talent, represent Kansas football, the United States, and the Big 12 conference on a global stage. TUNE IN!

Kansas offensive lineman Connor Stroh shared his journey and future aspirations during his appearance on Big 12 Today. He started by reflecting on his time at Texas, expressing gratitude for the program’s role in shaping him into the person he is today. Despite transferring to Kansas, Connor emphasized his deep respect and love for Texas and highlighted that his move to the Jayhawks feels like the perfect fit for his personal and athletic growth. Humorously, he joked about his shoe size, revealing he wears a size 17. Connor also expressed his enthusiasm for living in Lawrence, sharing that he enjoys it much more than Austin, Texas. He mentioned having earned his B.A. in Austin and is now pursuing his MBA in Lawrence. Looking to the future, Connor stated that his primary goal is to reach the NFL, but he also has aspirations to start his own business, demonstrating his ambition both on and off the field. TUNE IN!

Big 12 Today Heads on a Roadtrip! Join Ari and James on the Modelo Spring Roadtrip as they explore Big 12 country in college football. Our next stop — West Virginia! During the journey, Ari and James dive into West Virginia's offseason, sharing what fans can expect this fall and highlighting the strength of the Mountaineers.  They discuss the recent roster changes, and spotlight key offseason additions through the transfer portal. The duo also covers important coaching staff changes that are set to play a significant role in West Virginia's 2026 season. West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez recently appeared on Big 12 Today to discuss the team’s offseason progress and expectations for the 2026 season. He emphasized the hard work and development taking place, expressing confidence in the team’s potential to compete at a high level. Rodriguez highlighted the quarterback room, particularly the growth expected from Scotty Fox. He praised the competitive environment within the QB unit, which he believes will foster improvement and elevate the team's offensive performance. The coaching staff changes this offseason, especially the addition of OL coach Rick Trickett, are seen as key factors in strengthening the offensive line, which Rodriguez expects to be a strength in 2026. The coach also discussed their recruitment strategy, focusing on bringing in younger players through the transfer portal for development. He stressed that West Virginia prioritizes players who demonstrate both potential and proven production, acknowledging the fierce competition from other programs. Rodriguez emphasized his preference for players who genuinely love football and are dedicated to continuous self-improvement. Overall, Rodriguez conveyed optimism for the upcoming season, underpinned by a committed coaching staff and a focus on developing talented, hardworking players. TUNE IN!

Big 12 Today Heads on a Roadtrip! Join Ari and James on the Modelo Spring Roadtrip as they explore Big 12 country in college football. Our next stop — Kansas State! During the journey, Ari and James dive into Kansas States offseason, sharing what fans can expect this fall and highlighting the strength of the Wildcats.  They discuss the recent roster changes, and spotlight key offseason additions through the transfer portal. The duo also covers important coaching staff changes that are set to play a significant role in Kansas State's 2026 season. Kansas State Head Coach Collin Klein discussed his journey to the head coaching position and his vision for the Wildcats. He shared the moment he received the call informing him of his new role, emphasizing its significance. Klein praised quarterback Avery Johnson as an ultimate competitor, highlighting his potential to lead the team. He described the Wildcats as a "blue collar" program committed to playing with physicality and toughness, embracing a traditional, old-school approach to football. Klein also emphasized the importance of the transfer portal, noting that the focus has been on recruiting players who are willing to compete hard and possess versatility at their positions. Overall, Klein aims to build a resilient and gritty team rooted in classic football values. TUNE IN!  

Big 12 Today Heads on a Roadtrip! Join Ari and James on the Modelo Spring Roadtrip as they explore Big 12 country in college football. Our next stop — UCF! During the journey, Ari and James dive into UCF offseason, sharing what fans can expect this fall and highlighting the strength of the Knights.  They discuss the recent roster changes, and spotlight key offseason additions through the transfer portal. The duo also covers important coaching staff changes that are set to play a significant role in UCF's 2026 season.' UCF Football Head Coach Scott Frost recently joined Big 12 Today to reflect on the offseason and share his outlook for the upcoming season. He acknowledged that while his first year presented significant challenges, it also provided valuable lessons that have helped shape the team. Frost emphasized the importance of deeper understanding of schemes and cultivating a strong team culture in Year Two. He also addressed the previous season’s challenge of having five different quarterbacks, viewing it as a growth opportunity. Excited to be back at UCF, Frost highlighted the meaningful changes made and expressed his focus on developing younger players, challenging them to mature and elevate their performance. Overall, he remains optimistic about the team’s growth and its potential to compete at a high level this season. TUNE IN!

ESPN College Basketball Analyst and former Arizona standout Corey Williams joined Big 12 Today to discuss Arizona’s recent victory in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament. Williams emphasized that this tournament win is a significant milestone that will elevate the program to new heights. He pointed out how thrilling the victory was for the fans and credited head coach Tommy Lloyd for guiding the Wildcats to success. Reflecting on the start of the season, Williams revealed that he knew Arizona would be strong but hadn’t predicted they’d finish with an incredible 31-2 record. As the Wildcats prepare for the NCAA Tournament, he acknowledged the fans’ lingering PTSD from past disappointing NCAA runs but praised the team’s humility and focus. Williams highlighted their resilience in gritty moments, noting they’ve earned the nickname the "Gritty Boys." He also emphasized that the team’s toughness, developed through facing some of the toughest guards in the Big 12, has prepared them well for high-pressure situations. When asked about potential challengers, Williams identified Purdue as a formidable opponent but expressed confidence, stating he isn’t overly worried about teams led by guards due to Arizona’s experience and resilience. TUNE IN!

Big 12 Today Heads on a Roadtrip! Join Ari and James on the Modelo Spring Roadtrip as they explore Big 12 country in college football. Our next stop — Cincinnati! During the journey, Ari and James dive into Cincinnati's offseason, sharing what fans can expect this fall and highlighting the strength of the Bearcats.  They discuss the recent roster changes, including the departure of QB Brendan Sorsby, and spotlight key offseason additions through the transfer portal. The duo also covers important coaching staff changes that are set to play a significant role in Cincinnati's 2026 season. Cincinnati head football coach Scott Satterfield recently joined Big 12 Today to share insights into the offseason for the Bearcats. Coach Satterfield discussed the various transfers that have joined the team and how they are adjusting to Cincinnati’s system. He highlighted the defensive plans under new defensive coordinator Nate Woody, emphasizing the expected style and approach of the unit.  On the offensive side, Coach Satterfield outlined what fans can anticipate, noting that the offense will start with a focus on the offensive line. He emphasized a commitment to being physical and developing a strong run game to set the tone for the season. TUNE IN!

Big 12 Player of the Year Jaden Bradley recently joined Big 12 Today to share insights into what has made him stand out this season. The Arizona guard opened up about the players who have influenced his game, highlighting Chris Paul as a major model, especially since he played for Chris Paul's AAU team growing up. Bradley reflected on lessons learned from past NCAA tournaments but emphasized that he's focused on the present and future. "It's important to get off to a good start in NCAA Tournament games," he said, underscoring his mindset heading into postseason play. When asked whether Arizona has been overlooked this season, Jaden was confident in his team’s standing. "Arizona is right up there with great programs like Duke and Michigan," he stated. A key figure in his development, head coach Tommy Lloyd, received high praise for his role in helping Jaden grow as a player. Off the court, Bradley revealed a surprising personal detail: he is a talented saxophone player, showcasing his diverse talents beyond basketball. TUNE IN!

Big 12 Today Heads on a Roadtrip! Join Ari and James on the Modelo Spring Roadtrip as they explore Big 12 country in college football. Our next stop — Iowa State! During the journey, Ari and James discuss Iowa State's offseason, what fans can expect this fall, and highlight the strength of the Cyclones. They also spotlight new head coach Jimmy Rogers, as well as key offseason additions through the transfer portal. Coach Jimmy Rogers joined Big 12 Today to discuss the dynamic offseason for the Iowa State Cyclones. He begins by reflecting on his career at South Dakota State and expressing his deep love for the Midwest. Coach Rogers shares his personal connection to Iowa and his strong desire to raise his family in the state. He highlights the impressive roster overhaul, noting the addition of 81 new players, surpassing his previous record at Washington State. Coach Rogers also discusses his approach to spring football, emphasizing the critical importance of verbiage and clear communication to maximize player development. Furthermore, Coach Rogers introduces the new members of his coaching staff and explains how they plan to positively impact the team and its players, setting an exciting foundation for the upcoming season. TUNE IN!