Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Brendan Sorsby Just TRICKED NCAA Into Allowing Him to Play at Texas Tech May 21, 2026

Show notes

The battle over Brendan Sorsby’s football career has rapidly shifted from the gridiron to a high-stakes Lubbock County courtroom. After Texas Tech officially ruled its prized $5 million transfer quarterback ineligible following an NCAA investigation into sports wagering, Sorsby’s legal team launched an aggressive counter-offensive. Led by prominent antitrust attorney Jeffrey Kessler, Sorsby filed a lawsuit and an emergency injunction against the NCAA on May 18, 2026, aimed at restoring his eligibility for the upcoming fall season.

The Legal Argument: Addiction vs. Integrity

The crux of Sorsby's lawsuit challenges the core of the NCAA’s enforcement model. Sorsby, who voluntarily entered a residential rehab facility in late April, has been clinically diagnosed with a gambling disorder. His legal team argues that the NCAA is violating its duty of student-athlete well-being by weaponizing a recognized mental health condition, especially while the association actively profits from sports betting partnerships.

The NCAA has dug in, stating that betting on one's own team directly threatens the integrity of the game. According to a sworn affidavit, Sorsby admitted to placing small bets between $5 and $50 on Indiana football in 2022 while on the Hoosiers' scouting roster. However, his lawyers emphasize that he only ever bet for Indiana to win, never used inside information, and never manipulated a game. Beyond those early wagers, Sorsby’s voluminous betting history—reportedly totaling over 10,000 wagers across multiple states—did not involve his own teams.

The Clock is Ticking

The trajectory of the case took a sudden turn on Wednesday when Texas Tech alumnus Judge Phillip Hays recused himself without giving a reason, momentarily halting the home-court advantage Sorsby enjoyed by filing in Lubbock.

Sorsby is demanding a preliminary injunction hearing by June 15. The mid-June timeline is critical; if the courts don't grant him immediate relief to rejoin the Red Raiders, Sorsby faces a June 22 deadline to declare for the NFL Supplemental Draft. He is currently stuck in an impossible bind: forfeit his college career or risk missing a full year of competitive football entirely while the NCAA drags its feet.

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!

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

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to 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.

NCAA Now Forced to Allow Brendan Sorsby's Return to Texas Tech, Retain Eligibility May 20, 2026

Show notes

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is executing a masterclass in modern sports litigation, flipping the script on the NCAA by winning the early narrative and legal positioning in his eligibility battle.

First, Sorsby secured elite legal firepower. His team is led by Jeffrey Kessler, the antitrust heavyweight who spearheaded the landmark House v. NCAA case. By framing Sorsby’s wagering as a "clinically diagnosed gambling disorder" recognized by the DSM-5, Kessler has cleverly shifted the battlefield from an athletic rules violation to an issue of mental health advocacy and medical discrimination.

Second, Sorsby’s camp took the initiative by filing for an expedited injunction in Lubbock County District Court before the NCAA could even hand down a formal punishment. This forces the governing body to defend its sweeping anti-gambling regulations in a local Texas court, where an elected judge may naturally lean toward protecting the star quarterback of the hometown Red Raiders.

Finally, the lawsuit brilliantly exposes the NCAA’s financial hypocrisy, highlighting that the association aggressively polices student-athlete betting while simultaneously profiting from data-distribution partnerships with the sports gambling ecosystem. Sorsby's transparent approach—admitting to small, non-manipulative, pro-Indiana wagers while immediately checking into a residential rehab facility—presents him as an accountable individual seeking treatment rather than a rule-breaker trying to evade detection.

By forcing a hard judicial deadline of June 15 to preserve his path to the NFL Supplemental Draft, Sorsby has successfully backed a historically slow NCAA bureaucracy completely into a corner.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

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

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

Unreleased Files Reveal Kyle Whittingham DROPPED BOMB On Utah Football May 19, 2026

Show notes

The "retirement" of Kyle Whittingham from Utah football was a convenient narrative, but newly leaked documents have revealed an incredibly messy divorce. After 21 seasons and 177 wins, the winningest coach in Utes history didn’t walk away of his own accord; he was essentially shown the door by an administration terrified of losing head-coach-in-waiting Morgan Scalley.

The "Head Coach in Name Only" Offer

In December 2025, Whittingham’s camp made it clear he intended to return for the 2026 season, requesting a raise to $9 million annually and a $20 million institutional commitment to NIL. Instead of a standard extension, Athletic Director Mark Harlan countered with a highly restrictive one-year proposal. The terms stripped Whittingham of his autonomy, mandating that he cede "full and final oversight" of recruiting, roster management, and staffing to Scalley immediately. Faced with an ultimatum that rendered him a placeholder, Whittingham chose a mutual separation.

The $13.5 Million Exodus

Utah agreed to a $13.5 million transition bonus, but the split turned hostile almost immediately. Rather than riding off into retirement, Whittingham was hired by the Michigan Wolverines just two weeks later. The move sparked immense frustration in Salt Lake City when Whittingham systematically raided his former program, poaching six Utah assistant coaches—including offensive coordinator Jason Beck—and multiple high-profile players and recruits for Ann Arbor.

While Scalley officially takes the reins of a ready-made roster, the clunky execution of the transition has cast a shadow over Harlan's administration. Utah secured its future succession plan, but by forcing out a Hall of Fame-caliber icon, they handed a blue-blood rival the ultimate blueprint for success.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

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

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

Big 12 Just Made HISTORY Over Weekend and ESPN WON'T Tell You (SEC is Mad Again) May 18, 2026

Show notes

The diamond sports in the Big 12 are hitting their absolute peak as May postseason madness takes over. From historic crowns to critical regional surges, the conference is proving its elite depth across both baseball and softball.

Baseball: History in Lawrence, Tourney in Surprise

The regular season belonged to the Kansas Jayhawks. For the first time in program history, Kansas captured the Big 12 baseball regular-season title, finishing with a 22-8 conference record. The Jayhawks claim the top seed and a double-bye in the 12-team tournament field, alongside No. 2 seed West Virginia, No. 3 Arizona State, and No. 4 UCF.

The battleground now shifts to Surprise, Arizona, for the Big 12 Tournament. Action kicks off on Tuesday, May 19, with single-elimination opening-round matchups featuring a desperate No. 12 Texas Tech taking on No. 9 BYU, followed by No. 10 Utah facing No. 11 Kansas State.

Softball: Four Teams Punch Super Regional Tickets

On the softball side, the Big 12 absolute crushed regional weekend. After Arizona State pulled off a stunning run to capture its first-ever Big 12 Tournament championship, the conference landed seven bids in the NCAA Tournament field.

Following a chaotic regional round, four Big 12 programs have punched their tickets to the Super Regionals. Highlighting the slate, regular-season champion and No. 11 national seed Texas Tech is moving on to face Florida. Meanwhile, Arizona State advances to face top-seeded Texas, Oklahoma State hits the road to battle Nebraska, and a highly competitive tournament run continues to showcase the league's sheer dominance on the national stage.

Official 2026 Big 12 Baseball Tournament Bracket

This link provides the complete schedule, game times, and broadcast windows for the upcoming championship tournament at Surprise Stadium.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

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

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

Big 12, BYU Received HISTORIC News and SEC is NOT Happy About It May 18, 2026

Show notes

As Commissioner Brett Yormark officially aligns the Big 12 with the Big Ten’s push for a 24-team College Football Playoff by 2027, the structural shift provides an absolute lifeline for the conference and programs like BYU.

Guaranteed Depth of Access

In a 12-team model, the Big 12 is frequently perceived as a "one-bid league," where an unexpected slip-up in November can completely destroy a program's national title hopes. Expanding the field to 24 teams shatters that glass ceiling. It ensures that a grueling, cannibalistic Big 12 schedule won't penalize a three-loss team with an elite strength of schedule. Instead of fighting for a single automatic qualifier spot, the Big 12 could routinely secure three to four bids in an expanded bracket, offering the league the sustained national relevance and television inventory it needs to combat the SEC.

The BYU Advantage

For BYU, a 24-team playoff is the ultimate equalizer. The Cougars boast one of the most passionate, nationwide fan bases in the country and a brutal travel schedule that routinely tests their depth. Under the proposed 24-team structure—which could include the elimination of conference championship games—the path to the postseason becomes highly achievable for a consistent 9-3 or even 8-4 BYU squad.

Furthermore, the early rounds of a 24-team format would feature campus-site games. The prospect of hosting an opening-round playoff game in mid-December at LaVell Edwards Stadium is a multi-million-dollar windfall for the athletic department and a logistical nightmare for any opponent entering the altitude of Provo. By expanding the field, the CFP shifts from an exclusive invitational to an inclusive tournament where the Big 12's depth is rewarded rather than punished.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

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

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

EVERYTHING You Need to Know About the Big 12's New Collapse May 14, 2026

Show notes

The "open for business" era of the Big 12 reached a fascinating crossroads this month. While Commissioner Brett Yormark successfully finalized a league-wide partnership with RedBird Capital Partners, the response from individual member schools has been a resounding "no thanks" to the optional $30 million credit lines.

As of May 2026, more than half of the conference—including BYU, Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech, Iowa State, Cincinnati, UCF, West Virginia, Houston, Arizona, and Kansas State—have officially declined the capital infusion.

The Math of "Expensive Money"

The primary deterrent is the high cost of the capital. The RedBird offer reportedly carries a double-digit interest rate (near 10%). For most of these institutions, this is considered "expensive money."

Alternative Financing: Major public universities like Houston or Cincinnati can often secure traditional loans or issue municipal bonds at significantly lower rates, typically between 4% and 6%.

Repayment Structure: If a school opts in, the Big 12 would withhold a portion of their annual media rights distribution for repayment. Many Athletic Directors are unwilling to "garnish" their future guaranteed income for a high-interest cash advance.

Protecting Autonomy

Beyond the balance sheet, there is a deep-seated fear of "corporate creep." Accepting private equity invites an external voice into the room—one focused on quarterly returns rather than traditional collegiate values. Schools like BYU have cited a "debt-free" philosophy rooted in their institutional identity, while others fear that a default could lead to a private firm gaining operational oversight or even an equity stake in the department.

The Strategic "Wait and See"

Yormark’s deal gives schools a one-year window to change their minds. Most programs are choosing to wait and see how the House v. NCAA settlement and new revenue-sharing rules actually impact their cash flow before tethering themselves to a private equity firm. While the optics of a "mass rejection" might look like a blow to Yormark, the deal still provides the conference office with $12.5 million to invest in new commercial ventures, proving that the Big 12 is still innovating—even if the schools are playing it safe.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

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

Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join athttps://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON.

Wayfair
Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

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

Big 12's Plans to STEAL ACC Schools In Expansion Are REVEALED May 13, 2026

Show notes

As the college sports landscape pushes toward 2027, the Big 12’s strategy under Commissioner Brett Yormark has shifted from "defensive survival" to "aggressive consolidation." The goal is clear: create a 20-to-24-team "Super Conference" that acts as the primary challenger to the Big Ten and SEC.

While the ACC’s Grant of Rights (GOR) remains a legal hurdle, several schools are viewed as culturally and strategically "Big 12-ready" if the ACC fractured today.

The "Eastern Pivot" Candidates

Pitt: Often called the "linchpin" of the Big 12's eastern strategy, Pitt is the most logical addition. It would immediately restore the Backyard Brawl with West Virginia as a permanent conference game, providing the league with a high-value rivalry that networks crave.

Louisville: A "slam dunk" for the Big 12's basketball-first identity. Louisville brings an elite athletic budget, a massive fan base, and geographic synergy with current members like Cincinnati and West Virginia.

NC State: As a "land-grant" institution with a gritty, blue-collar identity, the Wolfpack fits the Big 12's cultural "Vibes" better than almost any other ACC school. Adding them would secure the fertile North Carolina recruiting corridor and a massive television market.

Virginia Tech: Another cultural match, the Hokies bring one of the most electric atmospheres in college football. Pairing them with West Virginia would revive another historic regional rivalry.

The "Swagger" Expansion

Miami: Commissioner Yormark has reportedly made Miami a "priority" target. The Hurricanes represent a "cultural and commercial anchor" that would solidify the Big 12’s presence in Florida alongside UCF, creating a "Florida Corridor" essential for recruiting.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

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

Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join athttps://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON.

Wayfair
Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

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

MIRACLE: BYU's AJ Dybantsa Headed to Utah Jazz in NBA Draft May 12, 2026

Show notes

The dream of keeping AJ Dybantsa in the Beehive State hit a major roadblock during yesterday’s NBA Draft Lottery, but the conversation is far from over. Despite the Washington Wizards securing the No. 1 overall pick, the Utah Jazz—who landed at No. 2—remain the most logical and motivated destination for the generational talent.

Dybantsa’s ties to Utah are deep. After finishing his high school career at Utah Prep and delivering a historic freshman season at BYU—where he led the nation in scoring with 25.5 points per game—he has become a local icon. His connection with Jazz owner Ryan Smith and the Ainge family is well-documented, leading many to believe that Utah will "sell the farm" to move up a single spot.

From a roster standpoint, the fit is seamless. A core featuring Dybantsa alongside Keyonte George and Ace Bailey would instantly give Utah one of the highest-upside young trios in the league. Reports suggest the Jazz are exploring trade packages to entice the Wizards, who already have established stars like Anthony Davis and Trae Young and may prefer to slide down to No. 2 to collect extra draft capital or established depth.

However, if Washington stays put, Utah still "wins" the night. Selecting Kansas sensation Darryn Peterson at No. 2 is an incredible consolation prize. But for a Jazz fanbase that has watched Dybantsa dominate just down I-15 in Provo, anything less than the 6-foot-9 wing in a Jazz jersey will feel like a missed connection. The weeks leading up to June 23rd will determine if Danny Ainge can pull off one more blockbuster to keep the "BYU King" home.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

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

Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join athttps://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON.

Wayfair
Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

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

BONUS: Is Texas Tech FIRING Tim Tadlock, SHOCKING Big 12 Softball NCAA Tournament News May 11, 2026

Show notes

The current landscape for Tim Tadlock and Texas Tech baseball is arguably the most turbulent era in his 14-season tenure. For a program that reached Omaha four times between 2014 and 2019, the 2026 season has been a jarring departure from "The Standard."

Here is a breakdown of the extreme struggles facing the Red Raiders as of mid-May 2026.

1. A Historical Regression

After missing the NCAA Tournament in 2024 and 2025, the pressure was on for a "bounce-back" year. Instead, the Red Raiders have spent much of 2026 fighting just to stay relevant.

Conference Freefall: Tech currently sits at 9–18 in Big 12 play (26–25 overall).

The Bottom of the Pack: For the first time in the Tadlock era, Texas Tech is mired in 12th place in the conference standings, narrowly clinging to the final qualifying spot for the Big 12 Tournament

RPI Nightmare: The team’s RPI has plummeted to #132, effectively eliminating any chance of an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The only path forward is winning the conference tournament—a tall task for a team that has lost 10 of its last 14 games.

2. The Pitching Crisis

The "identity" of Texas Tech baseball—explosive offense paired with competitive pitching—has become lopsided. While hitters like Jesse Rusinek and Caden Ferraro are batting over .400, the pitching staff has been unable to hold leads.

Inconsistency on the Mound: Tech has allowed double-digit runs in multiple conference series, including a mid-season sweep at the hands of TCU that sent the season into a downward trajectory.

Road Woes: The team is just 3–9 on the road in Big 12 play, struggling to find a Friday night starter who can consistently silence opposing crowds.

3. The "Hot Seat" Conversation

While Tadlock is a legend in Lubbock with 470+ wins, the three-year postseason drought has led to unprecedented external chatter regarding his job security.

The 2026 Ceiling: Analysts have noted that Tech's odds of even making the Big 12 Tournament are a "toss-up" at 40-50%.

Fan Sentiment: The frustration stems from the contrast between the 2010s "Omaha era" and the current reality of fighting for a #12 seed.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

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

Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join athttps://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON.

Wayfair
Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

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

Big 12, PAC-12 Merging Conferences Thanks to Oregon State, Washington State? May 11, 2026

Show notes

The potential for a Big 12 and Pac-12 merger is no longer a conversation about the "Power Five" of old, but rather a strategic play to solidify the "Middle Two" against the growing SEC-Big Ten duopoly. With the Pac-12 officially rebuilding into a nine-member league in 2026—adding the likes of Boise State, San Diego State, and Gonzaga—the conference has reclaimed its standing as a viable, FBS-recognized entity.

For the Big 12, a merger represents a "Western Front" expansion that would provide a permanent late-night television window (the "Big 12 After Dark" concept). By absorbing or partnering with the rebuilt Pac-12, Commissioner Brett Yormark would secure high-value brands like Washington State and Oregon State, while gaining a deeper foothold in the Pacific Time Zone. This move would create a coast-to-coast conference with nearly 30 teams, giving the league massive leverage in the 2031 media rights negotiations.

The Strategic Upside

Inventory Control: A combined league would control the majority of high-level basketball and football inventory outside the "Big Two," making them indispensable to networks like ESPN, FOX, and potentially streaming partners like Amazon or Apple.

The "Super Conference" Shield: Consolidation acts as a defensive wall. A 30-plus team league is much harder to "poach" than a 16-team one, providing long-term stability for schools currently looking over their shoulders at the Big Ten.

Regional Pods: A merger allows for the return of regional divisions, reducing travel costs for Olympic sports while keeping national matchups for football.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

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

Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join athttps://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON.

Wayfair
Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

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