Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast

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WHAT: With Bear Bachmeier Starting, ESPN Puts BYU, Kansas State in Big 12 Championship, Texas Tech? Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

Based on the On3 article, here is a more detailed summary of ESPN's updated Big 12 Football rankings for the 2025 season.

The article, released just before the start of Week 0, outlines ESPN's latest projections for the Big 12 conference, which are based on the Football Power Index (FPI). The rankings have set the stage for the upcoming season, which kicks off with a key conference matchup between Kansas State and Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland.

At the top of the list is Kansas State, holding the number one spot. The article highlights their strong position, noting the return of key offensive players, including quarterback Avery Johnson and running back Dylan Edwards. This continuity on offense is a major reason for their high ranking and the expectation that they will be a dominant force in the conference.

BYU, coming off an impressive 11-2 season, is ranked second. Despite facing a new season with a new quarterback, the Cougars are expected to build on their previous success. This high ranking suggests that ESPN's FPI sees the program's overall strength as a significant factor, outweighing the uncertainty at the quarterback position.

The reigning Big 12 champions, Arizona State, are ranked third. The team's strong performance in the previous season and their continued momentum have earned them a top spot, indicating that the FPI model projects them to maintain a similar level of success and compete for another conference title.

Further down the list, other teams with promising outlooks are mentioned. Kansas, for instance, is hoping to have a much-improved season. Their chances are bolstered by the return of quarterback Jalon Daniels, who is expected to lead the team to a more successful campaign. Baylor is another team to watch, as they are expected to continue their positive trajectory under the leadership of head coach Dave Aranda. The article suggests that the coaching and program stability are key factors in their expected performance.

The rankings also shine a light on other contenders within the conference, including Iowa State, Texas Tech, and TCU. While not in the top tier, these teams are considered notable and are expected to be competitive. The article provides a glimpse into the depth of the Big 12, showcasing that while there are clear favorites, many teams have the potential to make a run in the conference. The full list of rankings, from one to sixteen, underscores the competitive landscape of the Big 12 and the challenges each team will face throughout the season.

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OFFICIAL 2025 Big 12 Standings Prediction: BYU in Title, Utah Up, West Virginia Stuns, Texas Tech? Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

The accuracy of preseason predictions, especially in a conference known for its parity like the Big 12, is a subject of constant debate among college football fans and media. While "Locked On Big 12," hosted by Drake Toll, provides thorough analysis, the nature of the Big 12 itself makes consistently accurate predictions a significant challenge.

The Big 12 has long been characterized by its unpredictability. Unlike some other power conferences where a few perennial contenders typically rise to the top, the Big 12 often sees a different set of teams competing for the conference championship each year. For instance, in the past, a team ranked seventh in the preseason poll made it to the conference title game, while a team ranked fifth beat a team ranked seventh to win the championship a year earlier. This inherent chaos makes any preseason prediction, including those from Locked On Big 12, subject to a high degree of variance.

The podcast, however, is praised for its in-depth coverage and willingness to take bold stances. Drake Toll and his guests analyze the conference from top to bottom, covering everything from the established powers to the new members. They consider factors like coaching changes, returning starters, and the impact of the transfer portal and NIL. While the final standings may not always align perfectly with their preseason rankings, the show's predictions are well-reasoned and based on a deep understanding of the league's dynamics.

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Ultimately, "Locked On Big 12" is known for providing one of the most comprehensive looks at the conference, and while the accuracy of any preseason prediction is hard to guarantee in the Big 12, the podcast's analysis is widely respected.

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BAD: Why AP Poll HURTS the Big 12, BYU Quarterback Battle Update Aug 15, 2025

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HOT TAKES: Preseason Polls, BYU Quarterback, Venmo Gambling? | BIG 12 SQUAD Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Big 12 football shakeup: AP poll surprises and gambling scandal rock Oklahoma. Is a true freshman about to make BYU history?

Experts break down the unexpected AP poll rankings, questioning Utah's inclusion and Oklahoma State's absence. The John Matier controversy at Oklahoma takes center stage, sparking debate on gambling in college sports. Quarterback battles heat up across the conference, with BYU's Bear Bachmeyer potentially set to become the first true freshman to start a season opener. Jake Hatch provides insider analysis on BYU's QB situation, while other hosts weigh in on key matchups and roster moves.

Tune in for expert insights on the Big 12's most pressing issues and how they'll shape the upcoming season.

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Texas Tech Just EXPOSED the SEC, BYU Has Starting Quarterback, Big 12 is RICH? Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Texas Tech's recent recruiting success, fueled by significant NIL opportunities, has created a stir in the college football world, drawing particular frustration from fanbases in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), including Georgia.

For years, the SEC has been the undisputed king of college football recruiting, often landing top prospects with relative ease. However, Texas Tech has successfully challenged this dominance, particularly by securing commitments from highly-rated recruits who were also heavily pursued by traditional powerhouses.

Key Recruiting Wins and Fan Reactions

Felix Ojo: Texas Tech's recruitment of five-star offensive lineman Felix Ojo, the top-ranked offensive tackle in the 2026 class, was a major statement. Ojo chose Texas Tech over programs like Texas and Ohio State. Reports indicated he received a lucrative multi-million dollar NIL deal, which many SEC fans cited as a sign that players were "chasing the money" rather than competing at the highest level.

LaDamion Guyton: The Red Raiders' biggest recruiting coup came with the commitment of LaDamion Guyton, a five-star edge rusher and the top player in the state of Georgia for the 2027 class. Guyton's decision to spurn the in-state Bulldogs for Texas Tech sent shockwaves through the Georgia fanbase. This move, in particular, ignited a backlash from Georgia fans, who are unaccustomed to losing top local talent to a school outside the traditional "blue blood" sphere. The frustration was palpable on social media, with many Georgia fans expressing disbelief and some accusing Texas Tech of "buying" the commitment with a reported large NIL package.

The New Landscape of Recruiting

This shift is largely attributed to the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which have created a more level playing field. Programs with strong alumni and booster support are now able to compete directly with traditional powerhouses. Texas Tech has been aggressive in this new era, leveraging its resources to become a top spender in the college football landscape.

The success of Texas Tech's recruiting is seen by many as a signal that the SEC's long-standing recruiting dominance is being challenged. While SEC fans are accustomed to their conference being the premier destination for top talent, Texas Tech's ability to pull top-tier recruits from their backyard is a testament to the changing dynamics of college football and a source of considerable frustration for those who feel their programs are no longer entitled to every top prospect.

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AP Poll REALLY Does Hurt the Big 12: BYU, Utah, Baylor Left OUT of Rankings Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

The AP Poll's perceived neglect of the Big 12 is a common criticism, often stemming from the conference's smaller number of ranked teams compared to others like the SEC and Big Ten. This is particularly noticeable in preseason polls where voters often rely on historical reputation and "brand recognition" rather than recent on-field success or returning talent. 🏈

Preseason Poll Bias

The preseason AP Poll frequently favors teams from historically dominant conferences, even if a Big 12 team had a better record or returning talent from the previous season. Voters may overlook the tangible success of certain Big 12 programs in favor of "helmet schools" with a bigger national profile. This can lead to situations where a Big 12 team that has a strong season and is a contender for the conference title is still left out of the initial rankings. The Big 12 itself has even taken a step to combat this by not conducting its own preseason media poll, citing that these polls can create a negative narrative that hurts the league.

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BOLD: West Virginia Will SHOCK College Football, Rich Rodriguez Leads Big 12 Championship-Level 2025 Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

Morgantown is buzzing with a renewed sense of optimism as the West Virginia University football program heads into the 2025 season. The return of head coach Rich Rodriguez, coupled with a roster re-tooled with a blend of key returning talent and promising newcomers, has ignited hopes that the Mountaineers are on the cusp of a successful campaign.

A primary driver of this optimism is the reappointment of Rich Rodriguez as head coach. Rodriguez, who led the Mountaineers to a period of unprecedented success from 2001 to 2007, brings a proven track record and an exciting, up-tempo offensive philosophy back to Milan Puskar Stadium. His familiarity with the program and the state is expected to galvanize the fanbase and instill a new level of energy and discipline within the team. Assisting him is a new coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Zac Alley, tasked with revitalizing a defense that showed flashes of potential in 2024.

On the field, the Mountaineers will be led by a core of impactful returning players. The offense, while undergoing a significant transformation to fit Rodriguez's scheme, will benefit from the experience of several key contributors. The quarterback position will be a focal point, with a healthy competition expected to push the eventual starter to new heights.

The real strength of the returning offensive players lies in the backfield and at the receiver positions. The running back room is deep and talented, providing a strong foundation for Rodriguez's ground-oriented attack. The receiving corps also boasts a number of players who have shown the ability to make big plays, offering the new quarterback reliable targets downfield.

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OVER: John Mateer's Career At Oklahoma is DONE After New Gambling Scandal Goes Viral, Rumor Alludes Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

A scandal has recently emerged involving Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, stemming from screenshots of his past Venmo transactions that circulated on social media. The screenshots, which were reportedly from November 2022 when Mateer was a freshman at Washington State, showed payments with descriptions such as "sports gambling" and "sports gambling (UCLA vs USC)." This came to light on social media on Monday, August 11, 2025. Mateer has since deleted or made his Venmo transaction history private. In response, Mateer released a statement denying the allegations. He claimed the Venmo descriptions were "inside jokes between me and my friends" and that he has never gambled on sports. He stated he understood how the descriptions could be taken out of context but assured his teammates, coaches, and the NCAA that he has not engaged in sports gambling. Oklahoma has also issued a statement, saying they take any gambling allegations seriously and work with the NCAA. The university said it was "unaware of any NCAA investigation and has no reason to believe there is one pending." NCAA rules prohibit student-athletes from gambling on any sports the NCAA sponsors. If a player is found to have wagered on their own sport at another school, a loss of 50% of one season of eligibility is a possible consequence. However, wagering on their own team can result in a permanent loss of eligibility. The outcome of this situation for Mateer is currently unclear. Sources Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOBig12?sid=YouTube Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/drakectoll Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LOBig12

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CRIMINAL: BYU, Baylor Left OUT of AP Poll, Texas Tech FORGOTTEN, SEC Dominates Via Media, Brand Bias Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

The omission of Utah, Baylor, and BYU from the 2025 preseason polls represents a significant and questionable oversight by the voters, as a compelling case can be made for all three. The exclusion of the University of Utah is arguably the most glaring error. Fresh off a dominant 10-2 debut season in the Big 12, the Utes proved they are a legitimate conference power. Under the steady hand of esteemed coach Kyle Whittingham, Utah has a well-established identity of toughness and discipline, particularly on defense. Returning a significant portion of that formidable unit, along with their proven track record, should have made them a lock for the Top 25. Similarly, Baylor's 9-3 record last season showed a program on a sharp upward trajectory, consistently outperforming expectations. With the return of most of their powerful offensive line, the Bears are primed for another explosive season and their absence from the poll seems to ignore their clear momentum and potential. While perhaps a step behind the other two, BYU's respectable 8-4 record in the competitive Big 12, coupled with the return of their starting quarterback and other key players, demonstrates their capability and experience. Their performance was strong enough to merit consideration over several teams with similar records from other conferences that likely received votes based on brand recognition rather than recent results. When viewed collectively, the snubbing of these three proven Big 12 teams suggests that voters overlooked their tangible on-field success and returning talent in favor of more traditional, yet potentially less deserving, "helmet schools." Their combined credentials paint a clear picture of programs that earned a spot among the nation's best, making their collective absence a serious flaw in the preseason rankings.

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BRUTALLY HONEST Quarterback Update for BYU, West Virginia, Can Bear Bachmeier, Nicco Marchiol Lead? Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Both West Virginia and BYU enter the 2025 season with significant question marks at the quarterback position, a situation that could prove costly in the highly competitive Big 12. While both coaching staffs express confidence, the lack of a clear, proven starter is a major concern.

West Virginia's Quarterback Carousel

West Virginia's quarterback situation is a true position battle. Head coach Rich Rodriguez has been open about the competition between three players with college experience.

Nicco Marchiol: The returning starter who led the Mountaineers to some key wins in 2024.

Jaylen Henderson: A transfer from Texas A&M who saw some success there but didn't play in 2024.

Max Brown: A transfer from Charlotte who is also vying for the job.

While Rodriguez has said he "has three guys who could win in the Big 12," the lack of a named starter heading into fall camp creates uncertainty. Fans worry that rotating quarterbacks or having an inexperienced player take the reins could lead to inconsistent offensive production, which would be disastrous in a league full of veteran signal-callers. The constant shuffling in the quarterback room and the lack of a defined leader could hinder offensive continuity and chemistry.

BYU's Unexpected Void

BYU's situation is even more precarious after the unexpected departure of quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who led them to an 11-2 record and an Alamo Bowl win in 2024. His transfer has left a major void, and the Cougars are now scrambling to find a replacement.

The quarterback battle in Provo is between a trio of players, none of whom have started a significant number of games at the Power Four level:

McCae Hillstead: A transfer from Utah State who showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman but had durability concerns.

Treyson Bourguet: A transfer from Western Michigan who has a strong arm but is still getting comfortable with the system.

Bear Bachmeier: A talented true freshman transfer from Stanford who has the highest upside but the steepest learning curve.

While all three players are talented, none have the on-field experience or the command of the offense that Retzlaff brought. Their Week Zero opener against Portland State is not a difficult matchup, but it won't prepare them for the challenge of a Big 12 schedule. This lack of a clear leader at quarterback could be a significant weakness for a BYU team that has been predicted to contend for the conference title.

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