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Big 12 Today with Ari Temkin and James Westling - bringing you the latest news, highlights, interviews and inside information from every corner of the Big 12 Conference.
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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.
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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 — TCU!
During the journey, Ari and James discuss TCU's offseason, what fans can expect this fall, and highlight the strength of the Horned Frogs. They also spotlight key offseason additions through the transfer portal and important changes on the coaching staff that are expected to contribute to the team in 2026.
TCU head coach Sonny Dykes joined Big 12 Today to discuss the offseason at TCU. He started by talking about his new offensive coordinator, Gordon Sammis, highlighting how Sammis is a perfect fit to run the Horned Frogs' offense.
Dykes emphasized his focus on limiting turnovers this season and the importance of establishing a strong running game. He shared insights on the expectations for new quarterback Jaden Craig, praising his big arm and noting Craig's history of limited turnovers.
Dykes also discussed how he manages spring football and gave an in-depth look at the upcoming game this fall in Ireland against North Carolina. He talked about the challenges of the time change, the physical toll on players and coaches, and what all goes into preparing for such an international matchup.
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Big 12 Today Heads on a Roadtrip!
Join Ari and James on the Modelo Spring Roadtrip as they tour Big 12 country in college football. Our next stop — Houston!
During the journey, Ari and James discuss the offseason for Houston, what fans can expect in the fall, and highlight the strength of the Cougars. They also highlight key offseason additions, including running back Makhi Hughes and offensive assistant Michael Bishop.
Houston football head coach Willie Fritz joined Big 12 Today to preview spring football at the University of Houston. He began by highlighting key offseason additions, including running back Makhi Hughes and offensive assistant Michael Bishop.
Coach Fritz expressed strong optimism about quarterback Conner Weigman’s return for his senior season, noting his excellent health. He also discussed bolstering the offensive line through transfers and acknowledged the need to improve the kicking game, which struggled last season.
Looking ahead, Fritz announced that spring football will commence on March 9th, with the primary goal of ensuring players remain healthy to prevent setbacks come August. Finally, he shared that he prefers to focus on Houston football rather than getting involved in broader college football issues.
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Big 12 Today Heads on a Roadtrip!
Join Ari and James on the Modelo Spring Roadtrip as they tour Big 12 country in college football. Our next stop — Utah!
During the journey, Ari and James discuss the offseason for Utah, what fans can expect in the fall, and highlight the strength of the Utes. They also share insights on the new head coach, Morgan Scalley, and the expectations for the upcoming season.
Utah Football Head Coach Morgan Scalley Joined Big 12 TodayCoach Scalley begins by introducing himself, emphasizing his deep-rooted connection to Utah — "I am Utah through and through."
He reflects on his playing days at Utah and his journey within the program, including his time before becoming head coach. He credits former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham for shaping his development both as a player and a coach.
Coach Scalley highlights the progress of key players like Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin, and expresses optimism about how the offense can become more explosive this season. He praises his wide receiver room and places trust in the new Utah offensive coordinator, Kevin McGiven, to help elevate the offense.
Emphasizing the importance of physicality, Coach Scalley states that his team must be tough to compete for a championship. He also shares his perspective on what makes a successful head coach, underscoring the significance of adaptability in coaching and leadership.
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Big 12 Today Heads on a Roadtrip!
Join Ari and James on the Modelo Spring Roadtrip as they Tour Big 12 Country in College Football. Our next stop — BYU!
During the road trip, Ari and James discuss the offseason for BYU and what fans can expect in the fall. They highlight the strength of the Cougars offense beginning with the offensive line. The duo also shares high expectations for the defense this season, along with defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga.
BYU Football Head Coach Kalani Sitake recently joined Big 12 Today to discuss the progress and development of the BYU Cougars. He began by highlighting how a full year of quarterback Bear Bachmier has been highly beneficial as they head into the season.
Coach Sitake expressed his pleasure and excitement about Bachmier’s learning ability and football IQ, noting how quickly he has adapted and improved.Coach Sitake also praised Bachmier’s leadership qualities, emphasizing his humility and the positive example he sets for the team.
Regarding the defensive staff, he shared confidence in their new defensive coordinator, Kelly Poppinga, and is not worried about the transition.
When asked about rumors of him being recruited to Michigan during the offseason, Coach Sitake declined the opportunity, affirming that he considers BYU and the Big 12 to be his home and is fully committed to leading the Cougars.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Big 12 Today Heads on a Roadtrip!
Join Ari and James on the Modelo Spring Roadtrip as they Tour Big 12 Country in College Football. Our first stop — Texas Tech!
During the road trip, Ari and James discuss the offseason for Texas Tech and what fans can expect in the fall. They highlight the strength of the Red Raiders' defense, despite losing many players to the NFL draft. The duo also shares high expectations for the offense this season, praising the wide receiver room while expressing some concerns about the offensive line compared to last year.
Texas Tech Football Head Coach Joey McGuire joined Big 12 Today to discuss the offseason for Texas Tech. Coach McGuire started by highlighting the adaptation of new quarterback Brendan Sorsby to the Texas Tech culture. He credited Behren Morton for establishing a strong team culture and emphasized that this year's team should not be expected to resemble last season's, as they believe respect must be earned on the field.
Coach McGuire expressed excitement about the wide receiver room, praising both the transfers who chose Texas Tech and the talented freshmen recruited.
When asked to compare this season's defense to last year's, Coach McGuire was very optimistic about the improvements and potential of the Red Raiders' defense in 2024.
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Ari and James delivered a comprehensive analysis of key NFL draft prospects, starting with a detailed review of positional groups—Wide Receivers, Running Backs, Quarterbacks, Defensive Backs, and Tight Ends. They highlighted the traits and standout players that position them as top contenders.
They examined Big 12 players participating in the NFL Combine, analyzing their athletic performances and how these could influence their draft stock. The hosts also shared valuable insights into the most effective drills for each position, providing a well-rounded perspective on the prospects' potential.
ESPN NFL Draft and college football analyst Jordan Reid joined Big 12 Today to discuss the NFL Combine. Jordan highlighted the impressive speed demonstrated across all positions at the event in Indianapolis. He specifically mentioned Cincinnati's Jeff Caldwell, noting that Caldwell excelled at the Combine and has positioned himself well for the draft.
Jordan also shared his thoughts on the quarterback order, suggesting that Carson Beck may be in the lead for the third QB spot behind Fernando Mendoza and Garrett Nussmeier. Additionally, he revealed that he has a mock draft releasing tomorrow, in which he predicts Jacob Rodriguez will be drafted in the second round, believing Rodriguez's Combine performance will place him among the top 50 prospects.
Finally, Jordan expressed strong confidence that Lee Hunter is a player NFL teams could fall in love with, predicting that Hunter could be selected as high as 16th overall in the first round.
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Houston football head coach Willie Fritz joined Big 12 Today to preview spring football at the University of Houston. He began by highlighting key offseason additions, including running back Makhi Hughes and offensive assistant Michael Bishop.
Coach Fritz expressed strong optimism about quarterback Conner Weigman’s return for his senior season, noting his excellent health. He also discussed bolstering the offensive line through transfers and acknowledged the need to improve the kicking game, which struggled last season.
Looking ahead, Fritz announced that spring football will commence on March 9th, with the primary goal of ensuring players remain healthy to prevent setbacks come August. Finally, he shared that he prefers to focus on Houston football rather than getting involved in broader college football issues.
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Jimmer Fredette Joined Big 12 Today to Discuss His Career and "Jimmer-Mania"
Jimmer Fredette kicked off the interview by sharing a memorable story from his time playing in China, where he was given a unique nickname that quickly became a part of his identity. He explained how the nickname resonated with fans abroad and how it stuck with him throughout his career.
He then reflected on the emotional moment of having his jersey retired at BYU, describing it as a profound honor. Jimmer praised BYU for treating him and his family with grace and warmth during that special occasion.
Jimmer also talked about "Jimmer-Mania," especially when he visits Utah, sharing some of the moments that stand out most to him and his fans. He reminisced about BYU’s remarkable run to the Sweet 16 in 2011 and highlighted how the phenomenon really took off after the team defeated San Diego State. Following that game, "Jimmer-Mania" exploded—boosted by tweets from celebrities and his first experience with court rushing, moments that he treasures to this day.
He discussed the challenges that came with the intense spotlight, sharing how both he and his girlfriend had to take certain measures to handle the overwhelming attention and media frenzy. Lastly, Jimmer explained the origin of the nickname "Jimmer," sharing the story behind how it all began.
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Ari and James provided a comprehensive analysis of key NFL draft prospects, beginning with a review of defensive positions—linebackers, defensive tackles, defensive ends, and kickers—highlighting the traits and standout players that make them top contenders.
They then examined Big 12 players participating in the NFL Combine, analyzing their athletic performances and potential impact on draft stock. The hosts shared insights into the most effective drills for each position—such as speed and agility tests for defensive backs and wide receivers, strength and technique evaluations for offensive linemen, and catching and route-running drills for tight ends.
Josh Edwards began by highlighting Malachi Lawrence of UCF, praising his outstanding performance at the combine and noting the impressive workout he delivered. He also shared his thoughts on David Bailey of Texas Tech, emphasizing that Bailey checked every box during the event and currently has the potential to be the second overall pick by the New York Jets.Drawing a comparison between football and basketball, Josh likened defensive hybrids and versatile players—often called "3 and D" guys in basketball—to their importance in football, underscoring their high value to team success.
Josh also praised Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech, expressing confidence that his athletic testing will earn him a spot on the second day of the NFL Draft, likely in the late second round. Additionally, he spoke highly of Lee Hunter, highlighting his potential.
Turning to the wide receiver class, Josh emphasized its depth and singled out Jordyn Tyson as his top receiver in this draft. Despite concerns about Tyson’s health, Josh remains optimistic that Tyson could be a top overall pick among wide receivers, potentially going number one at that position.
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Ari and James provided a comprehensive analysis of key NFL draft prospects, beginning with a review of defensive positions—linebackers, defensive tackles, defensive ends, and kickers—highlighting the traits and standout players that make them top contenders.
They then examined Big 12 players participating in the NFL Combine, analyzing their athletic performances and potential impact on draft stock. The hosts shared insights into the most effective drills for each position—such as speed and agility tests for defensive backs and wide receivers, strength and technique evaluations for offensive linemen, and catching and route-running drills for tight ends.
Josh Edwards began by highlighting Malachi Lawrence of UCF, praising his outstanding performance at the combine and noting the impressive workout he delivered. He also shared his thoughts on David Bailey of Texas Tech, emphasizing that Bailey checked every box during the event and currently has the potential to be the second overall pick by the New York Jets.Drawing a comparison between football and basketball, Josh likened defensive hybrids and versatile players—often called "3 and D" guys in basketball—to their importance in football, underscoring their high value to team success.
Josh also praised Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech, expressing confidence that his athletic testing will earn him a spot on the second day of the NFL Draft, likely in the late second round. Additionally, he spoke highly of Lee Hunter, highlighting his potential.
Turning to the wide receiver class, Josh emphasized its depth and singled out Jordyn Tyson as his top receiver in this draft. Despite concerns about Tyson’s health, Josh remains optimistic that Tyson could be a top overall pick among wide receivers, potentially going number one at that position.
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Ari and James begin by analyzing Big 12 players participating in the NFL Combine. They discuss the most effective drills and workouts tailored for each position, including defensive linemen, linebackers, and kickers. The hosts also share their insights and predictions on where they believe these talented players will be selected in the upcoming draft.
David Helman of The Athletic joined Big 12 Today to discuss the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. He began by comparing the Combine to a major job fair, highlighting how it’s a bustling hub of activity. David explained that 28 of the 32 NFL head coaches and general managers typically meet with the media during the event. He also noted that agents are actively gathering meetings with teams for their clients, making it a crucial networking opportunity.
David emphasized that the Big 12 will have a strong showing, especially with David Bailey expected to be a high draft pick. He also highlighted Spencer Fano’s impressive performance at the Combine, with strong expectations of being a first-round selection.
Additionally, David broke down the athlete interview process, discussing how it has evolved over the years. He revealed a lesser-known aspect of the Combine: the medical examinations. Citing Indianapolis’s three major downtown hospitals, he explained how the city is well-equipped to provide top-tier medical care and research during the event.
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Baylor forward Darianna Littlepage-Buggs appeared on Big 12 Today to discuss Baylor’s upcoming matchup against TCU this Sunday in Fort Worth. She highlighted her achievement of over 1,000 career rebounds, attributing her success to the guidance of her mentor, who has helped her excel on the boards.
Regarding the game, Littlepage-Buggs emphasized that Baylor is committed to playing a much better game than they did in their first encounter with TCU. She stressed the importance of defense, which she believes will be a decisive factor between two talented teams.
Outside of basketball, Littlepage-Buggs shared that she is a fan of music and Legos, finding both to be very therapeutic.
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Dayna Scerf, Vice President of Women's Basketball for the Big 12, joined Big 12 Today to share insights on the league’s preparations for the upcoming Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament. She highlighted that ESPN College Gameday will be heading to Fort Worth this Sunday for the highly anticipated matchup between TCU and Baylor.
She expressed that it is a true honor for Gameday to be at TCU, especially given the remarkable way both teams’ seasons have unfolded. Additionally, Dayna discussed the Big 12’s efforts to advocate for nine teams to be selected for the NCAA Tournament, emphasizing the strength and depth of the conference.
She also shared her thoughts on the innovative ASB GlassFloor that will be featured at this year’s tournament, adding a modern and exciting element to the event.
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Ari and James continue their popular series, TOP 5 NEWCOMERS: NAMES YOU NEED TO KNOW! Today, they dive into the top five Quarterbacks poised to make a big impact in the Big 12 this season. The hosts share their differing opinions on who will dominate, highlighting their insights on each player's potential.
College Football Analyst Taylor McHargue joined Big 12 Today to break down the quarterback position and highlight which newcomers he sees making major impacts across the Big 12.He began by discussing Oklahoma State, emphasizing the potential of Drew Mestemaker and the influence of head coach Eric Morris. Taylor expressed optimism for Oklahoma State fans, stating that Mestemaker's addition and Morris's system should bring a positive boost to the program.
Moving on to Baylor, Taylor highlighted DJ Lagway as a key newcomer who is poised to have a significant impact. He believes Lagway will be the best quarterback Baylor has had in quite some time, bringing skill and leadership to the position.
At Texas Tech, Taylor talked about Brendan Sorsby and his potential to make a difference. Sorsby’s ability to make plays with his legs if needed adds an extra dimension to the Red Raiders' offense. Taylor noted that Sorsby might not need to rely on his mobility as much at Texas Tech due to improved offensive line protection compared to his time at Cincinnati.Overall, Taylor McHargue provided insightful analysis on these rising quarterbacks and their expected contributions to their respective programs this season.
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Ari and James continue their popular series, TOP 5 NEWCOMERS: NAMES YOU NEED TO KNOW! Today, they dive into the top five specialist poised to make a big impact in the Big 12 this season. The hosts share their differing opinions on who will dominate, highlighting their insights on each player's potential.
Cincinnati Bengals and former BYU punter Ryan Rehkow joined Big 12 Today to share insights into the art of punting and the dedication required to succeed at the professional level. Ryan discussed his lifelong goal of making it to the NFL, a dream he pursued relentlessly following his college career at BYU. He also reflected on creating an NFL record with his very first career punt, highlighting the significance of preparation and confidence.
Rehkow reminisced about his time at BYU, emphasizing the importance of focus and consistency in the punter's role. He explained what his teammates expect from him and the various technical aspects involved in executing different types of kicks, depending on the field position and game situation. He noted that punters must adapt their strategy whether the game is an offensive shootout or a defensive slugfest.
Throughout the conversation, Ryan emphasized that punting is truly an art—requiring precision, mental toughness, and a deep understanding of game dynamics. When it comes to his daily routine, he shared that he's always focused, prepared to work hard, and committed to doing his best every time he steps onto the field.
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Ari and James continue their popular series, TOP 5 NEWCOMERS: NAMES YOU NEED TO KNOW! Today, they dive into the top five linebackers poised to make a big impact in the Big 12 this season. The hosts share their differing opinions on who will dominate, highlighting their insights on each player's potential.
Former NFL player and BYU linebacker Harvey Langi recently joined Big 12 Today to reflect on his time at BYU and discuss his endeavors post-college and NFL career. Harvey shared that he now dedicates his time to coaching his sons’ 6th-grade flag football team. He emphasizes that he maintains an intense approach, genuinely wanting his young athletes to succeed.
When discussing the linebacker position, Harvey highlighted the importance of fundamentals. He stressed that linebackers must ensure the defense is well-positioned to stop the offense and emphasized the need to be aggressive with the football. Citing Jacob Rodriguez as a benchmark for excellence, Harvey noted that Rodriguez’s relentless pursuit of the football has inspired others on Texas Tech to follow suit.
Harvey also underscored the critical role of linebackers in the red zone, emphasizing their importance in preventing scoring opportunities. He praised BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, describing him as a coach who deeply understands the Xs and Os and fosters a strong, consistent culture day in and day out.
When asked about BYU’s potential to win a national championship, Harvey expressed a hopeful outlook but pointed out that the Cougars need more offensive firepower to complement their solid and consistent defensive performance. He believes that a balanced approach on both sides of the ball is essential for competing at the highest level.
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