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IT'S HERE: BYU Will THROTTLE Texas, TCU Dominating Ohio State, Houston Rolls In March Madness Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

Thursday’s opening round of the NCAA Tournament serves as a massive litmus test for the Big 12’s redefined hierarchy. With the conference successfully landing eight teams in the field, the first 24 hours in the pods will determine if the league’s "meat grinder" reputation translates to postseason advancement. Three specific matchups in the West and Midwest regions stand out as the definitive games to watch.

BYU vs. McNeese (West Region)

In Salt Lake City, No. 6 seed BYU faces a "home game" environment against a dangerous No. 11 seed McNeese. This is the most anticipated offensive track meet of the first round. While the Cowboys enter with a 30-win season and a top-20 scoring defense, they haven't seen a weapon like AJ Dybantsa. Fresh off his record-breaking performance in Kansas City, Dybantsa’s ability to score at all three levels should be the difference-maker. If BYU’s perimeter shooters can find their rhythm in the familiar mountain air, the Cougars should cruise into a high-stakes second-round clash.

TCU vs. Florida (East Region)

The most physical matchup of the day features No. 9 seed TCU against No. 8 seed Florida. This is a clash of identities: the Horned Frogs' "down-hill" transition offense against the Gators' elite rim protection. For TCU to advance, they must turn this into a low-possession "street fight." Look for David Punch to be the X-factor in the paint; if he can neutralize Florida’s size early, the Horned Frogs' veteran backcourt has the poise to pull off the 8/9 upset in what Vegas has essentially labeled a pick 'em.

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CAUGHT: March Madness EXPOSED After SEC Bullied Committee Into 10 Teams, Big 12, ACC Buried Bracket Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

The 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket is out, and it carries the unmistakable stench of "logo bias." While the Big 12 spent four months as a nightly meat grinder, the Selection Committee seemingly looked at the SEC’s expansion and decided that "brand" mattered more than "body of work." By handing the SEC ten bids—including a controversial lifeline to 14-loss Texas—while leaving Big 12 stalwarts like Cincinnati and West Virginia at home, the committee has officially signaled that the "NET era" is over and the "Power Two" era is here.

The SEC Subsidy

The most egregious takeaway is the inclusion of Texas (18–14) as an 11-seed in the First Four. Despite finishing middle-of-the-pack in the SEC and boasting an uninspiring non-conference resume, the Longhorns were gifted a spot over more deserving Big 12 resumes. Meanwhile, the SEC’s "First Four Out" included Oklahoma and Auburn, suggesting the committee was looking for any excuse to flood the bracket with South-based programs.

The Big 12 Snubs

The disrespect toward the Big 12’s depth is staggering. Cincinnati, ranked 46th in the NET with a winning record in the nation’s toughest conference, was relegated to the NIT despite multiple Quad 1 wins. Similarly, West Virginia—who defeated both Cincinnati and Baylor—found themselves completely shut out of the 68-team field. The message to the Big 12 was clear: your 16-team gauntlet is so difficult that your middle-tier teams will be punished for the losses they suffer against the nation's elite.

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TRUTH: TCU Will UPSET DUKE In March Madness, BYU STUNS Gonzaga Behind AJ Dybantsa Into Sweet Sixteen Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

As the 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket settles in, the "Big 12 bias" looks like a legitimate competitive edge. While the blue bloods may have the seeds, the path for BYU and TCU to crash the Sweet 16 has never looked clearer. Both programs find themselves in "giant-killer" scenarios where their specific strengths align perfectly against the flaws of tournament titans Gonzaga and Duke.

BYU’s Portland Revenge Tour

Landing as a No. 6 seed in the West, BYU’s second-round collision course with No. 3 Gonzaga is the stuff of West Coast legend. The Cougars already own the mental real estate in this matchup, and the timing couldn't be worse for the Zags. Gonzaga center Braden Huff is officially "doubtful" for the opening weekend with a knee injury, stripping the Bulldogs of their primary interior anchor. Without Huff to protect the rim, AJ Dybantsa—fresh off breaking Kevin Durant’s Big 12 scoring record—is poised to treat the Portland hardwood like his personal playground. BYU’s top-10 offensive efficiency against a thinned-out Gonzaga frontcourt is the ultimate recipe for a Saturday shocker.

TCU’s Physical Masterclass vs. Duke

In the East Region, No. 9 seed TCU has the physical profile that traditionally haunts No. 1 overall seed Duke. While the Blue Devils boast National Player of the Year favorite Cameron Boozer, they are limping into the dance with significant injury questions surrounding point guard Caleb Foster. TCU’s "Cougar Crush" style of play—relying on high-pressure perimeter defense and elite rebounding—is designed to exploit backcourt instability. If the Horned Frogs can bully Duke’s young guards and turn the game into a low-possession street fight, the Blue Devils' historically thin bench could buckle under the pressure of the tournament's top overall seed.

The Big 12 didn't just get eight teams in; they got teams with the specific DNA to dismantle the bracket. Don't be surprised when the "chalk" breaks in Portland and Washington D.C.

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BOOM: Arizona, Houston, Iowa State ALL Have CLEAR Final Four Path, March Madness OWNED By Big 12 Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

The 2026 Selection Sunday show has confirmed what the regular season suggested: the Big 12 is the primary center of gravity for college basketball. With a conference-record eight teams making the field, the committee has rewarded the league's grueling depth with several "home-court" advantages that make the path to Indianapolis look remarkably favorable.

The Regional Kings

Arizona enters as a No. 1 seed in the West, ensuring that if they take care of business in the opening rounds, their path to the Final Four goes through San Jose. For a squad coming off a physical 79–74 Big 12 Championship win over Houston, staying in familiar western time zones is a massive victory. Houston, despite the title game loss, secured a No. 2 seed in the South. This is the "golden ticket" for the Cougars, as the regional finals are being held in Houston at the Toyota Center.

Mid-Seed Advantages

The depth of the league is where the path looks truly dangerous for the rest of the country:

Iowa State (No. 2 seed): Landing in the Midwest, the Cyclones will start in St. Louis before potentially heading to Chicago—two cities that will be flooded with "Hilton South" fans.

Kansas (No. 4 seed): Despite some late-season struggles, the Jayhawks are in an East Region where their experience makes them a popular pick to crash the second weekend.

BYU (No. 6 seed): Landing a 6-seed in the West avoids the dreaded 8/9 game and keeps AJ Dybantsa in the same region as Arizona, setting up a potential high-octane rematch in the Sweet 16.

With Texas Tech (No. 5), TCU (No. 9), and UCF (No. 10) also drawing manageable first-round opponents, the Big 12 is positioned to own the first weekend of March Madness.

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BOOM: Iowa State, Houston Have EASY Paths, BYU, TCU Catche HUGE Break, March Madness LOVES Big 12 Mar 15, 2026

Show notes

The 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket has officially been revealed, and if you're a fan of the Big 12, the committee just handed you a roadmap to the Final Four. With eight teams making the field—trailing only the SEC and Big Ten—the conference didn't just get quantity; it got quality placement and, in many cases, a "home-court" advantage through the first two weekends.

The Top-Heavy Advantage

Arizona headlines the group as the No. 1 seed in the West. By staying in the West Region, Tommy Lloyd’s squad will likely play their first two rounds in Sacramento before potentially heading to San Jose for the Sweet 16. It’s a dream scenario for a team that has already proven it can win on the road in the most hostile environments.

Meanwhile, Houston secured a No. 2 seed in the South. While they narrowly missed a No. 1 seed after the loss in Kansas City, their path through Houston for the regional finals is a massive win. The Cougars are essentially gifted a "home game" in the Elite Eight if they can navigate the first three rounds.

Middle-Seed Sleepers

The "favorable path" narrative extends deep into the mid-seeds:

Kansas (No. 4 seed, East): Bill Self in a 4/5 matchup is a nightmare for any top seed. Their potential second-round clash with St. John's in Washington D.C. is one of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament.

Iowa State (No. 5 seed, Midwest): The Cyclones land in Chicago, a city that historically turns into "Ames North" during the postseason.

Texas Tech (No. 4 seed) and TCU (No. 6 seed): Both programs avoided the "First Four" and landed in regions where their physical defensive styles match up perfectly against finesse-heavy mid-majors.

Even BYU, landing as a No. 10 seed, finds itself in a pod where their high-octane offense led by AJ Dybantsa could easily spark a "Cinderella" run. In a year where the Big 12 proved its depth every night, the committee has acknowledged that strength by giving the league every opportunity to dominate the second weekend.

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WILD: Iowa State STUNNED By Jaden Bradley at Buzzer, Houston SLAMS Kansas, Big 12 Championship SET! Mar 14, 2026

Show notes

The Big 12’s first season as a 16-team super-conference has reached its logical conclusion: a Saturday afternoon clash between the league's two most consistent titans. When Arizona and Houston tip off at 5:00 PM CT in the T-Mobile Center, more than just a trophy will be on the line; it’s a battle for final seeding and conference supremacy.

The Road to the Final

Both teams survived a "Super Friday" that lived up to the billing.

Arizona enters today riding the high of a dramatic 82–80 buzzer-beating victory over Iowa State. Big 12 Player of the Year Jaden Bradley cemented his legacy with a cold-blooded game-winner as time expired, overshadowing a career night from Anthony Dell'Orso, who poured in 26 points off the bench.

Houston took the more dominant path, dismantling Kansas 69–47. The Cougars' defense was an absolute buzzsaw, holding the Jayhawks to their lowest scoring output of the season. Behind the physical play of Chris Cenac and the veteran poise of Kingston Flemings, Kelvin Sampson’s squad proved that their "bracket-crushing" identity is fully intact.

Matchup to Watch: Tempo vs. Talent

This is a classic "clash of styles" rematch. Arizona won the regular-season meeting 73–66 in February by winning the turnover margin (+7) and forcing the Cougars into uncharacteristic scoring droughts. For Houston to secure back-to-back Big 12 Tournament titles, they must control the glass. Arizona leads the nation in rebounding, but Houston thrives on "dragging teams into the mud."

With the LED glass floor now replaced by traditional hardwood, expect a high-octane, physical battle. Arizona opens as a narrow 2.5-point favorite, but in Kansas City, the margins are always thinner.

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LOL: Big 12, Brett Yormark REMOVE Glass, LED Court at Basketball Tournament | BYU, Kansas, Texas Tech Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

The Big 12’s ambitious experiment with high-tech basketball has hit a very physical wall. After three rounds of the men’s tournament at the T-Mobile Center, Commissioner Brett Yormark announced late Thursday night that the conference is scrapping the LED glass court in favor of traditional hardwood for the semifinals and championship game.

Safety Over Spectacle

The decision follows a mounting wave of "mixed reviews" from players and coaches that quickly shifted from aesthetic criticism to genuine safety concerns. While the ASB GlassFloor was touted as a revolutionary branding tool—allowing for real-time graphics and data-driven visuals—the reality on the ground was far more slippery.

The tipping point appeared to be Thursday’s quarterfinal action. Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson was forced to leave the game against Iowa State after a non-contact slip resulted in a groin injury. Throughout the week, players frequently struggled with their footing, with some describing the surface as "slick" and "unpredictable," especially when moisture from perspiration was present.

The Human Element

Beyond the slipping, some athletes reported that the floor's shifting LED patterns and intense brightness were a mental and physical distraction. Kansas State forward Taj Manning notably called the court an "eyesore" that contributed to teammate migraines.

In his official statement, Yormark emphasized that the move back to wood was made after consulting with the four remaining head coaches: Tommy Lloyd (Arizona), Bill Self (Kansas), Kelvin Sampson (Houston), and T.J. Otzelberger (Iowa State). The goal is to ensure the "greatest level of comfort" for the student-athletes on the league's biggest stage.

As workers swapped the glass for hardwood overnight, the narrative shifts back to the game itself. The flashy graphics were a bold attempt at innovation, but in the Big 12, where every possession is a street fight, traction is the only metric that truly matters.

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BOOM: AJ Dybantsa SMASHES Big 12 Record, Houston Tops BYU, Kansas Wins CLASSIC, Iowa State, Arizona? Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

The quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City officially separated the contenders from the pretenders, but the story of the week—and perhaps the decade—remains the historic brilliance of AJ Dybantsa. Despite BYU’s eventual exit last night, the freshman phenom has etched his name into the conference's bedrock.

The Dybantsa Blitzkrieg

AJ Dybantsa finished his three-day stay at the T-Mobile Center by doing something no one has done since 2007: he surpassed Kevin Durant for the most points scored in a single Big 12 Tournament. In BYU’s 73–66 loss to No. 2 seed Houston, Dybantsa poured in 26 points, bringing his tournament total to a staggering 93 points.

Dybantsa was the engine for a BYU squad that led by four at halftime, but Kelvin Sampson’s defense finally tightened the screws in the second half. While Dybantsa struggled with efficiency late—shooting 7-of-18 from the floor under a relentless Houston double-team—his overall performance was a masterclass in scoring. As coach Kevin Young noted post-game, Dybantsa has "the bucket gene," and he leaves Kansas City as the undisputed favorite for the No. 1 overall pick in June.

The Final Four is Set

While Dybantsa grabbed the headlines, the conference giants asserted their dominance to set up a heavyweight semifinal Friday:

Houston survived the Dybantsa onslaught thanks to 17 points from Kingston Flemings and a stifling second-half defense that held BYU to just 25 points after the break.

Kansas outlasted TCU 78–73 behind Darryn Peterson’s 24 points, setting up a clash with Houston tonight.

Iowa State continued its destruction of the field, following up their 49-point win over ASU by routing Texas Tech 75–53.

Arizona looked every bit the No. 1 seed, dismantling UCF 81–59.

The bracket has held firm at the top. Tonight, the "Super-Semis" begin as the league's top four seeds battle for a spot in Saturday's championship.
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GROSS: From BYU to LED Court Big 12, Brett Yormark FAILING Big 12 Tournament Going To March Madness Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

The Big 12 Conference has always prided itself on being the "deepest league in the country," but this week in Kansas City, the headlines are focusing more on logistical blunders and award snubs than on-court excellence. Between a generational talent being overlooked and a high-tech floor that literally gave players migraines, it has been a rough stretch for Brett Yormark’s "innovation" agenda.

The Dybantsa Snub

The most egregious "misstep" came Tuesday when the league coaches failed to name BYU’s AJ Dybantsa as the Big 12 Player of the Year. While Dybantsa secured a unanimous Freshman of the Year nod and a spot on the All-Big 12 First Team, the top honor went to Arizona’s Jaden Bradley.

While Bradley is the "culture setter" for a top-seeded Wildcats team, the decision feels like a robbery of historical proportions. Dybantsa isn't just a good freshman—he’s a national scoring leader averaging nearly 25 points per game. He is a 6'9" offensive engine that single-handedly dragged a battered BYU roster into the tournament conversation. By choosing the "steady veteran" over the "generational superstar," the Big 12 missed a chance to cement Dybantsa’s legendary one-and-done legacy in its history books.

The LED Floor Fiasco

On the court—literally—the conference is facing a PR nightmare with its new ASB GlassFloor. What was supposed to be a "state-of-the-art" fan experience has turned into a health and safety hazard for the athletes:

Traction Issues: Players from both the men's and women's brackets have complained that the surface is "slick" and "slippery," with BYU's Keba Keita suffering a knee injury after a slip on Tuesday night.
Medical Concerns: The flashing graphics and shifting LED colors have reportedly induced migraines and dizziness. Kansas State's Khamari McGriff had to cover his eyes with a towel due to a light-induced migraine, while teammate Taj Manning called the floor an "eyesore" that no one wants to play on.

By prioritizing interactive advertisements and "glow-in-the-dark" three-point lines over a consistent, safe playing surface, the Big 12 has turned its flagship tournament into an experimental lab that the players didn't sign up for.

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WILD: BYU, AJ Dybantsa CRUSH West Virginia, Fire Wes Miller, TCU is IN March Madness, Cincinnati/UCF Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

Wednesday at the T-Mobile Center was a study in extremes, featuring the most lopsided victory in Big 12 Tournament history and a high-stakes overtime thriller that likely settled an NCAA Tournament bubble.

A Historic Blowout

The day began with Iowa State putting on a defensive clinic that bordered on the absurd. The Cyclones dismantled Arizona State 91–42, a 49-point margin that set a new conference tournament record. Iowa State forced 23 turnovers and held the Sun Devils to just 16 points in the first half. The fallout was immediate: hours after the final buzzer, Arizona State announced it would not retain head coach Bobby Hurley.

Bubble Dreams and Overtime Drama

The afternoon session provided the day's most competitive basketball as UCF pulled off a 66–65 overtime win over Cincinnati. The Bearcats held an eight-point lead with just over two minutes left in regulation, but the Knights forced three late turnovers to spark an 8-0 run. In the extra period, UCF’s defense held firm, likely securing their spot as an at-large team in the Big Dance while relegating Cincinnati to the "First Four Out" conversation.

The Dybantsa Encore

In the evening, BYU continued its march through Kansas City with a 68–48 smothering of West Virginia. AJ Dybantsa followed up his record-breaking 40-point Tuesday with a cool 27 points and seven rebounds. The Cougars used a late 10-0 run to pull away, setting up a heavyweight quarterfinal showdown against No. 2 seed Houston.

TCU Rallies Late

The nightcap saw TCU survive a scare from 14-seed Oklahoma State, winning 95–88. The Cowboys led by ten in the second half, but the Horned Frogs rode a 26-point performance from David Punch to claw back. TCU has now won nine of its last ten games and prepares to face Kansas today.

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Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast

BYU vs. McNeese (West Region)

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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.

The SEC Subsidy

The Big 12 Snubs

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.

BYU’s Portland Revenge Tour

TCU’s Physical Masterclass vs. Duke

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.

The Regional Kings

Mid-Seed Advantages

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.

The Top-Heavy Advantage

Middle-Seed Sleepers

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.

The Road to the Final

Matchup to Watch: Tempo vs. Talent

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.

The Human Element

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.

The Dybantsa Blitzkrieg

The Final Four is Set

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.

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.

A Historic Blowout

Bubble Dreams and Overtime Drama

The Dybantsa Encore

TCU Rallies Late

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.

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Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast

BYU vs. McNeese (West Region)

TCU vs. Florida (East Region)

TurboTaxThis 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.

The SEC Subsidy

The Big 12 Snubs

TurboTaxThis 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.

BYU’s Portland Revenge Tour

TCU’s Physical Masterclass vs. Duke

TurboTaxThis 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.

The Regional Kings

Mid-Seed Advantages

TurboTaxThis 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.

The Top-Heavy Advantage

Middle-Seed Sleepers

TurboTaxThis 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.

The Road to the Final

Matchup to Watch: Tempo vs. Talent

TurboTaxThis 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.

The Human Element

TurboTaxThis 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.

The Dybantsa Blitzkrieg

The Final Four is Set

TurboTaxThis 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.

TurboTaxThis 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.

A Historic Blowout

Bubble Dreams and Overtime Drama

The Dybantsa Encore

TCU Rallies Late

TurboTaxThis 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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.