BYU and Big 12 football have long faced challenges in garnering the same level of recognition from national media as programs in conferences like the SEC and Big Ten. This issue stems from a mix of geographical, historical, and competitive factors that contribute to the perception that these programs are underappreciated on the national stage.

For BYU, being overlooked is partly due to its status as an independent program until its recent move to the Big 12. Despite a proud football history, including a national championship in 1984 and a steady flow of bowl game victories, BYU has often struggled to be a consistent part of national playoff and major bowl discussions. The media tends to prioritize Power Five conferences, and BYU's position outside that elite group meant that even standout seasons, like the 2020 campaign led by Zach Wilson, received less serious playoff consideration than similar seasons by teams within power conferences.

The Big 12, meanwhile, has faced its own battles for national media respect. Despite being home to high-flying offenses, legendary players, and storied programs, the conference is often overshadowed by the SEC and Big Ten, which dominate media coverage due to their size, historical success, and large markets. This lack of attention can result in perceptions that Big 12 teams are less competitive, even though the conference has produced CFP participants and seen teams compete at a national level, like Oklahoma’s repeated playoff appearances and TCU’s recent run to the 2022 National Championship game.

Both BYU and the Big 12 are further impacted by a level of unpredictability in the conference, with intense competition that often results in unexpected outcomes. While this makes the league entertaining and deep, it can be viewed by national media as lacking the top-tier dominance seen in other conferences. However, this same unpredictability is what makes Big 12 football exciting, and BYU's passionate fanbase and resilient program fit well into this landscape.

As BYU enters the Big 12, the hope is that consistent, high-stakes matchups against well-regarded conference opponents will lead to increased national exposure. The conference's commitment to competitive play and the addition of strong programs like BYU could help reshape the narrative, showcasing that both the school and the league deserve more acknowledgment as significant players in college football.

For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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