The Big 12 Conference, widely regarded as the premier basketball gauntlet in the country, found itself in an embarrassing "premature celebration" over the weekend. In a digital blunder that set social media ablaze, the conference’s official website briefly published the 2025-26 Men’s Basketball Individual Awards nearly 24 hours before the scheduled Monday reveal.

The leak confirmed what many analysts suspected but still managed to cause a stir: Arizona’s Jaden Bradley is the 2026 Big 12 Player of the Year.

The Leak and the Fallout

On Sunday evening, a "test" version of the awards landing page went live, visible to anyone refreshing the site at the right moment. Screenshots immediately flooded X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit. By the time the conference scrubbed the page, the cat was out of the bag. The official announcement on Monday afternoon felt like a mere formality, as the leaked graphic correctly identified the full sweep of superlatives:

Player of the Year: Jaden Bradley (Arizona)

Coach of the Year: Tommy Lloyd (Arizona)

Freshman of the Year: AJ Dybantsa (BYU)

Defensive Player of the Year: Flory Bidunga (Kansas)

A Bitter Pill for the Field

The leak was particularly frustrating for fanbases in Provo and Houston. AJ Dybantsa, the nation’s leading scorer, was viewed by many as a co-favorite for the top honor. Seeing Bradley’s name early felt like a "narrative spoiler" for a BYU team that has consistently fought for national respect.

For Arizona, the leak dampened the celebration of their regular-season dominance. Bradley, who averaged 13.4 points and 4.6 assists, was the engine behind a 29-2 Wildcats season. While he is a deserving winner, the "clerical error" by the Big 12 office took the shine off what should have been a surprise career milestone. Heading into Kansas City for the tournament, the conference office is facing more heat for its IT department than its officiating—a rare feat in the Big 12.

Everydayer Club  
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub  

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at https://5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

 

Coast

Right now, Coast Pay is offering our listeners up to $2,000 credit when you get started at https://coastpay.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE.

Term Apply. The Coast Visa®️ Commercial Credit Card is issued by Celtic Bank. All card accounts are subject to credit approval.

Mazda

Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.

There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you. 

TurboTax

This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Robinhood

You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.

Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin.

Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts

are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

 

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

 

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.