Big 12 Today

Spencer Linton, host of BYU Sports Nation, joined Big 12 Today to preview the upcoming BYU vs. Kansas game at Allen Fieldhouse. He started by discussing Kevin Young’s frustration after the loss to Arizona, noting that Young was upset because, despite Arizona’s strength, BYU made several self-inflicted errors. Spencer emphasized that Kevin Young believes this BYU team has not yet reached its ceiling. He also addressed AJ Dybantsa’s struggles against Arizona, mentioning that AJ was forcing his game rather than letting it develop naturally. Spencer is confident that AJ’s poor performance will not continue, citing his maturity as a player. Looking ahead to the matchup at Kansas, Spencer explained that BYU needs to play disciplined basketball by limiting turnovers and managing the hostile environment inside Allen Fieldhouse. He highlighted that BYU’s Big 3 has the ability to hit clutch shots to quiet the Kansas crowd. Even if shots don’t fall, Spencer noted that Kevin Young has stressed the importance of rebounding to give BYU extra possessions and control of the game. TUNE IN!

oseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle joined Big 12 Today to discuss the Houston Cougars' offseason for football. He highlighted how head coach Willie Fritz has focused on addressing the program’s needs, particularly emphasizing the excitement around the team's skill players, including tight end Patrick Overmyer, whom Houston believes has NFL potential. Duarte noted that Houston has made a concerted effort to strengthen the offensive line, recognizing its importance in the Big 12 and addressing weaknesses from last season. He explained that Houston's focus on improving the trenches is expected to benefit their defense as well. Additionally, Duarte projects Connor Weigman to be the starting quarterback next season, ahead of Keisean Henderson. TUNE IN!

Coach Roberts provided a thorough analysis on Big 12 Today, starting with a recap of last night’s Colorado/Iowa State game, praising Iowa State’s toughness and aggressiveness, and giving high praise to Joshua Jefferson. He then previewed the upcoming BYU vs. Kansas game at Allen Fieldhouse, expecting Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa to perform well but emphasizing that the outcome will depend on contributions from the rest of both teams. He analyzed the play of Rob Wright for BYU and Melvin Council for Kansas, both of whom he expects to have strong performances. Additionally, Coach praised the recent play of Texas Tech, credited Houston for their resilience despite a loss to Tech, and highlighted UCF’s solid season. Coach also discussed Arizona’s impressive undefeated run and explained why they continue to perform at a high level. TUNE IN!

Grant McCasland, Texas Tech Men's Basketball Coach, joined Big 12 Today to discuss the Red Raiders' current five-game winning streak, which includes a revenge victory over Houston this past Saturday. Coach McCasland highlighted the team's strong reliance on three-point shooting, explaining how their ability to shoot and make threes has been a successful model for them throughout the season. He also shared a personal story about a text conversation with former Texas Tech guard Chance McMillian, giving insight into the program's culture and player dedication. Coach McCasland spoke passionately about JT Toppin, emphasizing how hard Toppin works. He shared an example of how, even on a day when the team didn't have practice, Toppin was still in the gym putting in extra work. Coach McCasland discussed the depth of the Texas Tech roster, noting that this depth has been a crucial factor in their winning streak, allowing the team to maintain high energy and performance throughout games. Finally, Grant McCasland emphasized the importance of family and how this sense of community and support translates onto the basketball court. He believes that fostering a family-like environment within the team helps players stay motivated, connected, and resilient, ultimately contributing to their success on the court. TUNE IN!

Talia Goodman of On3 Sports & Rivals joined Big 12 Today to discuss Iowa State's recent win over Texas Tech. She emphasized that the victory was much needed for Iowa State’s confidence, especially given the team has been dealing with numerous injuries. Talia credited Iowa State for wanting the win more and showing resilience on the court. While she still views Texas Tech as a strong team, she noted that their hot start was partly due to a weaker non-conference schedule and playing against a Baylor team without its best player. Talia highlighted the parity across the Big 12 and NCAA as a whole, but she believes the sport remains top-heavy with a few dominant programs. When asked about the transfer player of the week, Talia praised Jada Williams for stepping up, especially considering Iowa State’s injury challenges. Regarding Arizona State, she credited coach Molly Miller and described ASU as a bubble team, indicating they are in the mix but still needing to prove themselves. TUNE IN!

ustin Spears, Arizona Football Beat Writer for the Arizona Daily Star, joined Big 12 Today to provide an update on Arizona football during its offseason. He began by discussing how Arizona prioritized improving their secondary, especially focusing on defensive backs for 2026. Justin highlighted that the upcoming secondary will have experience, citing Malcolm Hartzog from Nebraska as a key player to watch. Justin also shared insights from his conversation with Arizona defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales, who outlined the team’s strategic use of the transfer portal to fill key positions of need. Gonzales believes these additions will significantly benefit the Wildcats in 2026. Looking ahead, Justin expressed confidence that Arizona could compete at the top of the Big 12, though he acknowledged the challenge of an early-season matchup against BYU. Despite the tough schedule, he’s optimistic about the Wildcats' prospects, especially with Noah Fifita returning, which he believes will be extremely beneficial for Arizona football. TUNE IN!

Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst for Babcock Hoops, joined Big 12 Today to discuss the top prospects in the Big 12 for the 2026 NBA Draft. He focused on Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa, listing them as 1A and 1B in terms of draft potential. Matt highlighted how their offensive games differ significantly, with Darryn Peterson drawing comparisons to Kobe Bryant in terms of scoring ability and offensive skill, while AJ Dybantsa has been likened to Carmelo Anthony for his versatility and scoring prowess. He also praised Kingston Flemings, noting that despite being an exceptional player, nobody had him considered a top 5 NBA Draft prospect until now. Matt believes Flemings has earned his way into that conversation through his recent performances. Regarding JT Toppin, Matt gave him credit for his development at Texas Tech but pointed out that, due to his size and limited ability to stretch the floor, he might face difficulties getting drafted in the first round. However, he is confident that an NBA team will take a chance on him. As a former sports agent, Matt shared insights on NIL, expressing optimism about its future and discussing how it might evolve in the coming years. Lastly, he provided analysis on what scouts will be looking for in the upcoming BYU vs. Kansas game on Saturday, emphasizing key matchups and player performances that could influence draft evaluations. TUNE IN!

Chris Karpman, Owner and Publisher of SunDevilSource.com for 24/7 Sports, joined Big 12 Today to discuss the offseason developments for the Arizona State Sun Devils football team. He highlighted that ASU has made strengthening their defense a top priority this offseason. Additionally, they have been focusing on their wide receiver room, with Omarion Miller receiving high praise for his potential impact. Chris believes that, at this point, ASU looks like a 7 or 8-win team, but he emphasized that this assessment could change as the offseason continues. He mentioned that it's a bit difficult to make a definitive judgment early in the offseason, as things are still developing. Chris also discussed the efforts that went into retaining head coach Kenny Dillingham, noting that the most impressive aspect of Dillingham is the culture he has established within the program. TUNE IN!

Keenan Cummings, Managing Editor for WVSports.com and West Virginia Writer for On3 Sports, joined Big 12 Today to discuss West Virginia's recent victory over Kansas State. Keenan provided an in-depth analysis of the Mountaineers' NCAA tournament prospects, emphasizing the importance of protecting their home court. Given the challenges of Big 12 road games, Keenan noted that no away game will be easy for West Virginia. He highlighted that the team's schedule is quite favorable and that they have the opportunity to capitalize on it. Keenan also praised West Virginia's defensive performance, noting that they have played well on that end of the floor. However, he pointed out that the team has faced struggles offensively at times, especially during extended stretches. He emphasized the need for more consistency on offense beyond standout player Honor Huff to strengthen their tournament chances. TUNE IN!

Steven Johnson, TCU Beat Writer for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Joins Big 12 Today! Steven shares his perspective on TCU’s offseason, beginning with the question of whether Sonny Dykes is on the hot seat. He confidently states that he does not believe Dykes is under pressure, highlighting his success with 13 wins and consecutive 9-win seasons as key reasons. Johnson also credits Dykes for leading TCU to victory in the Alamo Bowl without Josh Hoover, which provides some flexibility moving forward. The discussion then shifts to TCU’s efforts to improve their running game, with Johnson praising Jeremy Payne’s contributions. He also talks about the quarterback competition to replace Josh Hoover, mentioning Jaden Craig as a strong candidate. Despite losing Eric McAlister, TCU remains confident in their wide receiver room. Overall, Johnson notes that TCU is aiming to stay in the mix for a Big 12 championship this season. TUNE IN!

Jason Scheer, Senior Editor & Publisher of WILDCATAUTHORITY.COM, joined Big 12 Today to Discuss the 21-0 Arizona Wildcats. Jason begins by highlighting Arizona’s dominant performance in their recent game, noting they led for most of the match but almost let it slip away in the final minute. He emphasizes that facing Arizona is always challenging. Scheer credits BYU for their strong finish, referencing their previous impressive play against UConn earlier this season. When asked about Arizona’s top player, Scheer states that it varies nightly, but last night’s standout was Brayden Burries. He praises the chemistry between Burries and Jaden Bradley, calling it a key factor in Arizona’s success. Scheer also commends Arizona’s defensive prowess, highlighting the variety of defensive looks they employ and giving special recognition to Ivan Kharchenkov for his defensive contributions. Scheer discusses how Arizona’s team has evolved over the season, improving defensively and gaining confidence and chemistry. He concludes by analyzing what it would take for Arizona to suffer their first loss, implying it would require a combination of factors and exceptional performance from their opponents. TUNE IN!

Big 12 Analyst and Content Creator Chancellor Johnson joined Big 12 Today! Chancellor Johnson kicks off by analyzing the thrilling game in Provo, Utah, last night between Arizona and BYU. He highlights the exceptional talent of AJ Dybantsa, predicting he will be the second overall pick in the NBA draft behind Kansas's Darryn Peterson. Chancellor also praises Jaden Bradley and Tobe Awaka for their physicality and defensive effort, emphasizing their impact on the game. He suggests that the outcome reveals more about Arizona’s strength than about BYU’s performance, citing their impressive wins over Florida, UCLA, UConn, Auburn, Alabama, and now BYU—marking Arizona as arguably the top team in the nation. Additionally, Chancellor reflects on the recent showdown in Lubbock between Houston and Texas Tech. He commends Texas Tech for their physicality, noting it’s a rare feat under Kelvin Sampson’s coaching. He particularly credits JT Toppin for leading the Red Raiders and helping secure the victory. TUNE IN!

Eugene Rapay, Sports Beat Writer for Iowa State University, joined Big 12 Today to discuss the latest developments with Iowa State football. He began by highlighting how new head coach Jimmy Rogers is beginning to put his mark on the program. Rogers, along with offensive coordinator Tyler Roehl, emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong running game. Their goal is to bolster the offensive line to create a more effective and consistent ground attack. Eugene believes that a realistic target for Iowa State this season is winning four or five games. He notes that if the Cyclones can make a bowl game, that would be considered a successful first season for Jimmy Rogers in Ames. Regarding NIL opportunities, Eugene mentions that Iowa State had about $13 million to work with, giving the program a solid platform to support player development and recruitment. He also pointed out that one advantage Rogers has over former coach Matt Campbell is his ability to recruit effectively in the Midwest, which could be a significant factor in building the team. Eugene describes Rogers’ personality as determined, down-to-earth, and all about business, qualities that he believes Iowa State fans will grow to love. Additionally, Eugene is optimistic about the defensive line, noting that several players who came with Rogers from Washington State are expected to significantly improve the defense front. Lastly, Eugene mentions that Jimmy Rogers has embraced the tradition of the blackout, and he expects the team and fans to continue this spirited tradition moving forward. TUNE IN!

Brian Thornton, Vice President of Men’s Basketball for the Big 12, joined Big 12 Today to discuss the weekend’s action in men’s college basketball. He started by explaining the decision-making process behind moving games due to the ongoing winter storm sweeping across the country. Thornton emphasized that ensuring the safety of players, faculty, and students was the top priority, and that the conference coordinated closely with their TV partners to make the necessary adjustments. He then highlighted the exciting matchup between Houston and Texas Tech, giving credit to Texas Tech for their hard-fought victory. Thornton noted that Texas Tech, which had a rough start to the season, has found its rhythm and is currently riding a five-game win streak. Looking ahead to postseason prospects, Thornton discussed what the Big 12’s tournament threshold might look like. He praised the strong play of West Virginia and UCF but also mentioned teams like TCU and Oklahoma State, which still have the potential to make a push. Furthermore, Thornton shared insights into the conversations between the Big 12 and the NCAA selection committee, offering a glimpse into how the conference’s teams might be represented in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. He also expressed excitement about the upcoming game between Arizona and BYU, which promises to be a key matchup in the conference race. TUNE IN!

College Basketball Analyst Mike O'Donnell of CBS Sports joined Big 12 Today to discuss the weekend on the men's basketball hardcourt in the Big 12. Mike provided an in-depth look at Kingston Flemings, highlighting how well he has been playing and his potential to win Big 12 Player of the Year. He also pointed out that nobody is really talking about JT Toppin being in that conversation, but he believes Toppin’s contributions could be significant as the season progresses. Mike discussed Houston’s development as a team following their loss to Texas Tech, emphasizing the growth of freshmen Kingston Flemings and Chris Cenac. He noted how they continue to improve and complement their games with veterans like Emmanuel Sharp and Milos Uzan. He also praised the overall strength of the Big 12, mentioning that the conference boasts six of the top teams in the country: Arizona, Houston, Texas Tech, BYU, Iowa State, and Kansas. Finally, Mike expressed confidence in UCF, stating they will be a tournament team, citing their impressive win over Kansas and their strong performance against Arizona as evidence of their potential. TUNE IN!

Greg Wrubell, the Voice of BYU, joined Big 12 Today to discuss the latest in men's basketball for the BYU Cougars. He pointed out that BYU is not a very deep team but features a very strong "Big 3" that carries much of the load. Greg mentioned that injuries to Dawson Baker and Nate Pickens have posed challenges for the Cougars, but he praised players like AJ Dybantsa, Rob Wright, and Richie Saunders for their contributions. Due to BYU's limited depth, Greg emphasized that their star players cannot afford to have off nights, noting that this was a factor in their loss to Texas Tech in Lubbock. He also discussed what the upcoming schedule reveals about BYU's team, mentioning that the schedule was relatively manageable until their road game against Texas Tech. As the schedule intensifies, Greg advised focusing on the games they should win but warned that Big 12 games, especially on the road, are likely to be tough battles. Expect competitive matchups and a need for BYU’s stars to perform at their best in the tougher stretches ahead. TUNE IN!

Scott Springer of the Cincinnati Enquirer joined Big 12 Today to discuss the latest offseason developments for Cincinnati. He started by clarifying that head coach Scott Satterfield is not currently on the hot seat, emphasizing that Cincinnati is focusing on long-term stability and growth for the program. Scott highlighted that Cincinnati operates with a smaller sports budget compared to programs like Texas Tech, given its size and market. He noted that Cincinnati is a small town with local sports competition primarily from the Reds and Bengals, which influences the athletic department's strategic decisions. Turning to defense, Scott discussed the expectations for Cincinnati next season under new defensive coordinator Nate Woody. He praised Woody’s success at Army and his reputation for transforming defenses, suggesting that Cincinnati fans can anticipate a more aggressive and disciplined defensive unit. On the offensive side, Scott talked about the upcoming season’s outlook, especially considering the departures of quarterbacks Brendan Sorsby and Jeff Caldwell. He introduced the new quarterback, JC French, highlighting his talent and productivity at Georgia Southern, and expressed optimism about French’s potential to make an impact at Cincinnati. TUNE IN!

Chris Level of Texas Tech Radio Network and Locked on Red Raiders provided a comprehensive preview of the upcoming Houston/Texas Tech game on Big 12 Today. He discussed the rescheduling due to weather, emphasizing how the inclement conditions impact both teams, especially Houston, which has a quick turnaround after their game against TCU in Fort Worth. Chris also recapped the recent Texas Tech vs. Baylor game, highlighting Texas Tech’s sharpshooting from beyond the arc and noting Baylor’s talent but inconsistent performance. He praised Texas Tech’s defensive improvements over their four-game winning streak, though he pointed out that depth remains a concern for the Red Raiders. Additionally, Chris reflected on the first matchup between Texas Tech and Houston earlier this month, where Houston secured a home victory largely through their strong defense. The upcoming rematch will be an opportunity for Texas Tech to demonstrate how much they’ve improved since that initial encounter. TUNE IN!

Tim Fitzgerald, Publisher of GoPowercat on 24/7 Sports, joined Big 12 Today to discuss the latest offseason updates at Kansas State. He highlighted quarterback Avery Johnson's decision to return, emphasizing that having Collin Klein back will be highly beneficial for Johnson, who has yet to fully meet expectations. Tim also discussed the change at defensive coordinator and what fans can expect from the defense this upcoming season. On the offensive side, he talked about efforts to strengthen the offensive line and the need for an additional receiver in the WR room, citing the challenge of replacing Jayce Brown. Regarding the schedule release, Tim considers it very manageable, noting the absence of Texas Tech, BYU, and Utah, though he mentioned that the non-conference schedule could pose some challenges. Lastly, he touched on basketball, predicting that Kansas will win the upcoming game against K-State, citing the Wildcats' struggles with defense as a key factor. TUNE IN!

ESPN College Basketball Analyst Fran Fraschilla joined Big 12 Today to share insights on men's basketball in the Big 12. He began by highlighting Texas Tech's recent success, noting their four-game winning streak and praising JT Toppin for his performance. Fran previewed the upcoming Big 12 Game of the Week on TuneIn, where the Red Raiders host the Houston Cougars, emphasizing the exciting matchups—from guard play to inside presence. He discussed the challenges both teams face offensively and how hot shooting from three could tip the scales. Fran also analyzed Arizona's prospects, praising Tommy Lloyd's team's physicality and toughness. Additionally, he commented on Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley's remarks about the lack of a home-court advantage in Tempe and shared admiration for West Virginia head coach Ross Hodge, calling him the perfect fit for Morgantown. Fran also touched on his relationship with Kansas fans. TUNE IN!