Open For Business: College Football w/ John Kurtz

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BYU Insider Reveals the Real Story Behind the Kalani Sitake Drama Aug 20, 2026

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BYU football insider Dick Harmon of the Deseret News joins Open For Business to explain what’s really happening between Kalani Sitake and the BYU administration.
Read Dick's column: https://www.deseret.com/sports/2026/08/15/kalani-sitake-byu-football-resources/
Harmon details what Sitake was promised after turning down interest from Penn State, why those promises have become a source of frustration, and how the battle over resources for BYU football has developed behind the scenes. We also discuss the difference between BYU’s investment in football and basketball, the role of athletic director Brian Santiago, and why Harmon is surprised this situation hasn’t already been resolved.
Plus, we look ahead to the 2026 BYU football season and whether a preseason top-15 team can finally break through and reach the College Football Playoff.
Topics include:
* Kalani Sitake and BYU’s resource dispute
* What BYU promised Sitake after Penn State
* Brian Santiago and BYU athletics
* BYU football vs. basketball resources
* NIL and revenue sharing at BYU
* BYU’s College Football Playoff chances
* Bear Bachmeier and the 2026 BYU offense
Subscribe to Open For Business for college football and college basketball coverage from every angle, on and off the field.

The Ultimate Big 12 Season Preview: 5 Bold Predictions for 2026 Aug 16, 2026

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The Ultimate Big 12 Season Preview is here with five bold predictions for the 2026 college football season. Can the Big 12 finally win a College Football Playoff game? Which contender has the best path to a breakthrough? Is Arizona the most overlooked team in the conference? And which team projected in the bottom half could shock everyone?
We’ll break down Texas Tech, BYU, Arizona State, Houston, Arizona, TCU, Kansas State, Utah, Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Colorado, Kansas, West Virginia, UCF, Baylor, Cincinnati and more as we preview the biggest storylines across the Big 12.
Plus, we’ll discuss the latest on Kalani Sitake and BYU, including a potential nightmare scenario Cougar fans should be watching; build the absolute best- and worst-case scenarios for the Big Ten in 2026; and explain why Ryan Day may once again be making Michigan too important for Ohio State.
Also: Arizona State’s new throwback uniforms honoring the 1986 Rose Bowl team.
**Topics include:**
* 5 bold Big 12 predictions for 2026
* Can the Big 12 win a CFP game?
* Texas Tech, BYU and Arizona State’s playoff paths
* The Big 12’s biggest nonconference opportunities
* Why Arizona may be the league’s most overlooked team
* Which new Big 12 head coach breaks through?
* The Big 12 sleeper nobody sees coming
* Latest Kalani Sitake/BYU situation
* Big Ten best-case and nightmare scenarios
* Oregon, Ohio State, Indiana, Michigan, Penn State and USC
* Ryan Day, Ohio State and the Michigan rivalry

Kalani Sitake Sends BYU a Message; A&M Bails on Texas Tech Aug 13, 2026

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Texas Tech can’t find anyone willing to play them, Kalani Sitake is publicly pushing BYU for more resources, and the Big 12 has some massive opportunities to change the way college football views the conference in 2026.
Tonight on Open For Business, we break down why BYU cannot afford to let frustration build with Kalani Sitake, what the addition of Marc Hill could mean for the Cougars, and why Sitake’s comments about resources deserve attention.
Then we get into Texas Tech. Texas A&M reportedly turned down a neutral-site game with the Red Raiders, joining a growing list of programs that either canceled games or couldn’t reach a deal with Tech. Are teams actually scared to play Joey McGuire’s program? Or has Texas Tech simply become too dangerous to schedule in the current College Football Playoff system?
Plus, Joey McGuire says Texas Tech is the most hated team in college football. Is he right? We’ll explain why the Red Raiders may not literally be No. 1—but no program has become a college football villain faster.
Finally, what would a dream 2026 season look like for the Big 12? We discuss why Oklahoma State returning to relevance could matter so much for the conference, along with Texas Tech, BYU, Colorado, Kansas State, Utah, Iowa State and the Big 12’s chances of sending multiple teams to the College Football Playoff.
Subscribe to Open For Business for college football analysis, Big 12 football coverage, conference realignment, College Football Playoff discussion and a national perspective that doesn’t start and end with the SEC and Big Ten.
#CollegeFootball #Big12 #TexasTech #BYUFootball #OklahomaState

Senate Amendment Could Mean ACC Mad Scramble - FSU, Miami, Clemson, UNC Fighting Over SEC Spots? Aug 09, 2026

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A 20-team College Football Playoff is suddenly being discussed — and it could mean the end of conference championship games as we know them.
Tonight on Open For Business, we break down the new 20-team CFP concept, what it could mean for the Big 12 and ACC, and why college football keeps creating increasingly complicated solutions to its biggest problems.
Plus, the Protect College Sports Act has been pushed into September, but a proposed Senate amendment could create a wild new college football realignment scenario involving the ACC, SEC, Big Ten, Florida State, Miami, Clemson, North Carolina and potentially the Big 12.
We’ll also dig into the SEC vs. Big Ten debate. Has everyone been too hard on the SEC? New SP+ data suggests the SEC may actually be deeper than it was during its dominant run — but that depth could also help explain why the conference hasn’t produced the same dominant national championship teams.
Also on the show:
• What a 20-team College Football Playoff could actually look like
• Why the Big 12 may benefit from further CFP expansion
• The latest on the Protect College Sports Act
• The Senate amendment that could impact conference realignment
• What ACC instability could mean for the Big 12
• Why SEC depth may be both a strength and a problem
• Sam Leavitt vs. Will Hammond
• Has the Drew Mestemaker hype gone too far?
• Josh Hoover vs. Drew Mestemaker
• Big 12 College Football Playoff predictions
Subscribe to Open For Business for college football analysis covering the Big 12, SEC, Big Ten, ACC, CFP expansion, conference realignment, NIL, the transfer portal and the forces reshaping the sport on and off the field.

College Football Has Already Written Off the Big 12 and ACC Aug 06, 2026

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College football’s preseason narratives are already taking shape, and the Big 12 and ACC may be starting the season at a major disadvantage.
In this livestream, John Kurtz breaks down what the preseason Coaches Poll says about the national perception of the Big 12 and ACC, why Texas Tech, BYU, Utah, Houston, Miami and SMU are already being placed into very specific boxes, and the one thing these conferences must do to finally change the conversation: win College Football Playoff games.
We also dive into the latest developments surrounding the Protect College Sports Act, including the proposed revenue-sharing cap, NIL verification rules, transfer restrictions, conference realignment provisions and the uncertain timeline for a Senate vote.
Plus, USC has reportedly backed out of a future series with Texas Tech, joining Alabama and LSU as major programs dropping scheduled games against Big 12 opponents. What does that mean for the conference’s scheduling problem, playoff access and national reputation?
Later in the show, we get into college football tailgating traditions and discuss the mentality every non-blue blood program should embrace after strong comments from Utah assistant coach Sharrieff Shah. Could Utah, Texas Tech, BYU, SMU or Louisville become the next program to make an unexpected national championship run?
Topics include:
Big 12 and ACC preseason narratives
College football Coaches Poll reaction
Texas Tech and BYU playoff chances
Miami and SMU expectations
Protect College Sports Act update
College football revenue sharing and NIL rules
USC dropping its Texas Tech series
Alabama and LSU canceling Big 12 games
Big 12 nonconference scheduling problems
College football tailgating traditions
Utah football and Sharrieff Shah
Potential surprise College Football Playoff contenders
Subscribe to Open For Business for college football coverage from every angle, including the Big 12, ACC, SEC, Big Ten, College Football Playoff, conference realignment, NIL and the biggest stories shaping the sport.
#CollegeFootball #Big12 #ACC #TexasTech #BYUFootball #UtahFootball #CollegeFootballPlayoff #CFB

Did the SEC and Big Ten Just Save the ACC and Trap the Big 12? Aug 02, 2026

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Did the SEC and Big Ten just save the ACC and trap the Big 12?
The SEC and Big Ten have finally agreed to support the Protect College Sports Act after weeks of negotiations over revenue sharing, NIL enforcement, transfer rules and conference realignment.
But their support raises a major question: is this still a good bill for the Big 12 and ACC?
The proposed legislation would raise the athlete compensation cap to nearly $49 million, strengthen NIL enforcement, limit conference membership to 19 teams and force schools moving between power conferences to spend five years as an independent.
Those realignment restrictions could help stabilize the ACC and make it much harder for schools like Florida State, Clemson, Miami and North Carolina to leave. But that could also eliminate the Big 12’s best chance to add major brands and move ahead of the ACC in the college football hierarchy.
We break down:
• Why the SEC and Big Ten finally support the bill
• Who benefits from the new $48.8 million spending cap
• Whether the ACC is the biggest winner
• How the legislation could box in the Big 12
• Whether schools could race to realign before the bill passes
• What Brett Yormark and the Big 12 should do next
• Why Texas Tech and BYU could become even more important
• The latest Senate timeline and whether the bill will actually pass
Plus, Curt Cignetti continues to torment the SEC, Kyle Whittingham weighs in on hatred in college football rivalries and we discuss what it all means for the sport.
Subscribe for national college football coverage with a strong Big 12 focus.
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#CollegeFootball #Big12 #ACC #SEC #BigTen #CollegeFootballRealignment #NIL #ProtectCollegeSportsAct

BYU's Bear Bachmeier, LJ Martin, and Isaiah Glasker 1 on 1 From Big 12 Media Days Jul 31, 2026

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BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier gets brutally honest about his historic freshman season with the Cougars.
Bachmeier explains how he learned Aaron Roderick’s offense after arriving at BYU, reveals the toughest Big 12 defenses he faced and breaks down his unforgettable touchdown run against Utah. He also opens up about playing through an ankle injury in the Big 12 Championship Game, BYU’s College Football Playoff disappointment and why he believes the Cougars have national championship potential.

BYU linebacker Isaiah Glasker reveals the side of quarterback Bear Bachmeier that fans rarely get to see.
Glasker explains why Bachmeier is far more outspoken and competitive on the field than his laid-back personality suggests, including the trash talk and swagger he brought to BYU from the moment he arrived.

BYU running back LJ Martin reveals the gruesome details of the shoulder injury he played through during the Cougars’ run to the Big 12 Championship Game.
Martin explains how he initially thought the injury was only a stinger before learning that part of the bone had broken off. He details the decision to brace the shoulder instead of undergoing immediate surgery, why he refused to abandon his teammates and how a timid performance against Texas Tech changed his mentality for the rest of the season.

SEC Coach Takes BIG Shot at Big 12 and ACC; But Is He Right? Jul 24, 2026

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The Protect College Sports Act may be falling apart before it ever reaches a vote. New disputes over the College Football Playoff calendar, bowl game contracts, roster spending and conference expansion have created even more hurdles for the bill in Congress.
What happens if the legislation does not pass by August 7? Greg Sankey has repeatedly warned that the SEC could pursue a different path, but the commissioner is now clarifying what an SEC “breakaway” would actually mean. We examine whether the SEC truly wants to separate from the rest of college football and why self-governance may be nearly impossible to enforce.
The bill could also create one final round of massive college football realignment. A proposed anti-expansion provision could cap conferences at 19 members and force schools changing power conferences to operate as independents for five years. Could that push ACC programs to make a move toward the SEC or Big Ten before the legislation passes?
Plus, new Florida head coach Jon Sumrall took a shot at the Big 12 and ACC while discussing the differences between Power Four conferences. Was Sumrall simply repeating the SEC company line, or did he make a fair point about strength of schedule and College Football Playoff access?
We break down the Protect College Sports Act, Greg Sankey’s latest comments, the possibility of SEC and Big Ten expansion, Jon Sumrall’s comments about the Big 12 and why the SEC continues to attack the rest of college football.
Get “Open For Business,” a Big 12 newsletter featuring exclusive reporting, analysis and behind-the-scenes college football coverage. Sign up below:
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#CollegeFootball #Big12 #SEC #CollegeFootballPlayoff #ConferenceRealignment #ProtectCollegeSportsAct #GregSankey #FloridaGators #JonSumrall #ACC

Another SEC School Ditches a Big 12 Series; SEC Doubles Down on Breakaway Threats Jul 21, 2026

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SEC commissioner Greg Sankey is doubling down on the possibility of the conference breaking away from the NCAA, and he is not the only one saying the threat is real.

Ross Dellenger has reported that an SEC breakaway could become a legitimate “Plan B” if the Protect College Sports Act fails to pass or does not give the SEC and Big Ten enough of what they want. Josh Pate has also said the threat should be taken seriously.

But what does “breaking away” actually mean?

In this video, John Kurtz examines Sankey’s latest comments from SEC Media Days and explains why the headlines may be getting ahead of the reality. Sankey suggested the SEC may be considering something closer to self-governance, including creating and enforcing its own eligibility rules, rather than completely separating from the rest of college football.

The video also explores whether the SEC is using breakaway talk as leverage against Congress, whether the conference could realistically succeed on its own, and why legal challenges involving players such as Diego Pavia, Trinidad Chambliss and Joey Aguilar would not simply disappear under a new system.

Topics discussed include:

Greg Sankey’s SEC breakaway comments
The Protect College Sports Act
Ross Dellenger’s report on the SEC’s “Plan B”
Josh Pate’s warning about the threat
SEC and Big Ten pressure on Congress
NCAA eligibility rules and enforcement
Whether the SEC could govern itself
The long-term future of college football

Is the SEC truly prepared to break away, or is this an effort to force action from Congress before time runs out?

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#CollegeFootball #SEC #GregSankey #NCAA #CFB #Big12 #CollegeFootballPlayoff

SEC Threatens to Go Nuclear and Leave Again; Should Anyone Believe Them? Jul 20, 2026

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The SEC is threatening to go nuclear and break away from the current structure of college sports if it does not get what it wants from Congress. But should anyone actually believe Greg Sankey and the SEC this time?
This could be a monumental week for college football as lawmakers consider major changes to the proposed federal college sports bill. The latest revisions could impact conference realignment, Power Four expansion, NIL enforcement, revenue-sharing limits and the possibility of a future super league. We break down what the SEC and Big Ten are demanding, whether the SEC’s latest threat is legitimate and what could happen if the bill falls apart.
Plus, Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi says the Big Ten is overrated. Does he have a legitimate point about the conference’s depth, or is he the wrong person to make that argument after the Big Ten’s recent run of national championships?
We also discuss whether Clemson’s elite run is officially over under Dabo Swinney and which programs could become the next Clemson. Could Texas Tech, BYU, SMU, Louisville or Indiana make a similar leap into the national championship conversation?
Also on the show:
• Post Malone wears an Iowa shirt inside Jack Trice Stadium
• Texas Tech lands a major stadium naming-rights deal
• The latest changes to the federal college sports bill
• Why the SEC and Big Ten want protections against a super league
• Whether conference realignment could accelerate again
• The future of NIL and the revenue-sharing cap
• Which Big 12 program has the best chance to become college football’s next powerhouse
Get “Open For Business,” a Big 12 newsletter with the latest college football news, analysis and commentary. Sign up below:
https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter
#CollegeFootball #SEC #Big12 #BigTen #Clemson #TexasTech #BYU #ConferenceRealignment #NIL #DaboSwinney

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