First and 16 Podcast - Big 12 College Football and College Basketball

The preseason buzz just (more) got real. In this episode of First and 12 , we break down the release of the (unofficially official) Big 12 Media Poll and the Coaches Poll for the 2025 Big 12 Championship Game. Who's being overrated? Who's flying under the radar? And what do these rankings really say about how insiders view the Big 12 race? From surprise top picks to major snubs, we dive into what...

The Big 12 took center stage in Las Vegas, and the stars delivered. In this episode, we recap all the major moments from 2025 Big 12 Media Days — including Deion Sanders' passionate comments on NIL and college football chaos, Kyle Whittingham's calm confidence as Utah enters a new era, and Mike Gundy's candid take on rebuilding in Stillwater. From quarterback competitions to realignment undertones...

Big 12 Media Days felt more like a pre-battle tribute show from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire than a typical preseason event. In this episode of First and 12 , we break down the bold shots fired by Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark—especially aimed at the Big Ten and the rest of college football. From realignment jabs to playoff positioning and media narratives, the Big 12 didn't back down. Hear...

Top 5 destination cities in the Big 12 Conference —whether you're a diehard football fan, a basketball junkie, or just love a good college town road trip. From legendary gameday atmospheres to buzzing nightlife and scenic views, we rank the cities that offer the best all-around experience for fans, recruits, and families alike. Which city tops the list? And which ones might surprise you? Tune in t...

In this episode of First and 12 , Adam Gibby breaks down the growing tension between the SEC and Big 12 after several elite 5-star recruits commit to Big 12 programs, including Texas Tech, BYU, and Houston . Is this a sign of a changing landscape in college football? We dive into which schools are making waves, why the SEC is feeling the pressure, and what this could mean for future recruiting war...

 we break down the NCAA's latest change to the transfer portal window and what it means for Big 12 football. Which programs will benefit the most? Who's at risk of getting hit hard by late exits or last-minute pickups? We look at how this new rule could shift roster management, recruiting strategy, and team depth heading into the 2025 season. From powerhouse contenders to rebuilding programs, ever...

In this episode of First and 12 , we break down Athlon Sports' All-Big 12 preseason First and Second Teams — and uncover how they quietly reflect the conference's pecking order heading into the 2025 season. Which teams are dominating the list? Which schools got snubbed? And how does this compare to what a true Big 12 preseason power ranking might look like? We dive deep into the player selections,...

In this episode of First and 12 , we take a closer look at the 2025 Learfield Directors' Cup rankings and what they really say about the Big 12. With BYU as the conference's only ranked program, some are quick to criticize—but should these rankings even matter? We dive into the flawed methodology, explain why Olympic sports skew the results, and talk about how football-first leagues like the Big 1...

In this episode of First and 12 , we start with the latest update in the ongoing situation involving BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff and what it could mean for the Cougars heading into the 2025 season. Then, we shift gears and rank all 16 Big 12 teams from top to bottom, breaking down key strengths, questions, and expectations for each program. From powerhouse contenders to dark horse surprises, thi...

There is breaking news of Texas State joining the Pac-12 and it signals major shifts across college football. While it may seem like a win for the Pac-12 only on paper, this move actually benefits the Big 12 in a big way. We explain how this impacts realignment, the growing divide between power conferences and the Group of Five, and why G5 programs may be running out of lifelines. Plus, what this...

We break down the Big 12 Conference's disappointing performance in the 2025 NBA Draft and why its players are slipping off the board. What does this say about the conference's development pipeline and national reputation? Then, we dive into a major new agreement between the Big 12 and PayPal—exploring what the partnership means for the future of conference branding, fan engagement, and athlete NIL...

The Big 12 had a very good first day of the 2025 NBA Draft, and in this episode, we break down the top draft prospects coming out of the conference. We also look at how the Big 12's continued dominance in college hoops is fueling NBA talent pipelines like never before. Whether you're an NBA Draft junkie, a college hoops fan, or a Big 12 diehard, this episode has everything you need to stay ahead o...

There is massive news that 5-star quarterback Ryder Lyons has officially committed to BYU. This isn't just a big win for the Cougars—it's a potential game-changer for the entire Big 12 Conference. We break down what Lyons brings to the field, how BYU pulled off the recruiting victory, and why his commitment signals a shift in recruiting power within the conference. Could this be the moment BYU bec...

In this episode of First and 12 , we dive deep into the rich history of the Big 12 Conference and count down the Top 5 Heisman Trophy winners to ever come out of Big 12 football. From electrifying quarterbacks to dominant dual-threat stars, these legends not only lifted the Heisman but helped define eras of college football. We look at their stats, impact, unforgettable moments, and how they stack...

10 changes college football fans would love to see in the Big 12—ranging from scheduling tweaks and playoff expansion ideas to officiating reforms and media coverage improvements. This fan-first wishlist is a direct response to recent remarks made by West Virginia Athletic Director Wren Baker, who said the sport needs to evolve with fan interests at the center. We break down each idea and debate w...

Week-by-week game of the week for the entire 2025 Big 12 football schedule, highlighting every single best matchup across the conference. From marquee rivalry showdowns to under-the-radar trap games, we cover the storylines, stakes, and playoff implications for each week.  Keywords: Big 12 football 2025, Big 12 schedule preview, 2025 college football, game of the week, Big 12 matchups, Big 12 week...

College football commissioners are officially restarting their search for a new College Football Playoff model. With the 12-team playoff on the horizon and concerns mounting over auto-bids, conference power dynamics, and long-term media contracts, the pressure is on to build a sustainable future for the sport. We break down what this means for the Big 12, how the SEC and Big Ten might shape the co...

From the intimidating Sun Devils of Arizona State to the high-flying Cyclones of Iowa State, we rank all 16 Big 12 team nicknames based on originality, intimidation factor, historical significance, and just plain coolness. Whether you're a die-hard Big 12 fan or a newcomer to the conference, you won't want to miss this fun and opinionated breakdown of every Big 12 school's identity. Keywords: Big...

Texas State potentially joining the Pac-12 could have massive consequences, and they are good for the Big 12. Could this unexpected move actually save the Big 12 ? And what would it mean for the already fragile Group of Five conferences? We explore how a single realignment domino could reshape the entire FBS landscape — from media rights deals to playoff implications and long-term survival. Buckle...

In this episode of First and 12 , we break down the latest NCAA-approved rule changes set to impact college basketball in 2025 and beyond. From game pace adjustments to technical foul updates, these changes could reshape how the game is played. But are they enough? I also dive into three additional rule changes I believe the NCAA should consider to improve the sport for players, coaches, and fans...

The 2025 preseason college football rankings are here! In this episode of the First and 12 Podcast , we break down the latest Top 25 rankings from six major outlets — including ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, Athlon, The Athletic, and Sporting News. We dive into where Big 12 teams land in each poll, who's rising, who's underrated, and what it all means heading into the new season. Whether it's Kansa...

BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is reportedly facing potential suspension from the team following sexual assault allegations . We dive into how the BYU Honor Code plays a central role in this developing story and examine the broader implications for BYU Football heading into the season. What does this mean for the quarterback depth chart , team morale, and the university's public image? Get the full...

Adam Gibby dives deep into the Top 5 Big 12 football stadiums and the unforgettable game day atmospheres that make each one a must-visit for college football fans. From deafening crowd noise to legendary tailgates, we break down what makes these venues elite. Whether you're a hardcore fan or planning your next road trip, this is your ultimate guide to the best stadium experiences in the Big 12 Con...

In this episode of First and 12 , we dive deep into the potential collapse of college athletics as we know it, following the monumental House v. NCAA settlement. With schools potentially facing $20 million annual payouts to athletes, programs across the Big 12 , Group of Five (G5) , and beyond are bracing for financial strain. We break down how this case could cripple athletic departments, force t...

In this episode, we dive deep into ESPN's updated Football Power Index (FPI) rankings for the reloaded Big 12. From Utah's entrance to UCF's rise and Kansas State's consistency, we analyze what the numbers really mean — then reveal our own power rankings that take a few surprising turns. Don't miss the insider analysis, team-by-team breakdowns, and hot takes that make First and 12 your go-to Big 1...