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The narrative that Texas Tech is "out-recruiting" the heavyweights in Austin and College Station has shifted from a bold prediction to a statistical reality. As of May 2026, Joey McGuire’s staff has leveraged a "brand-first" mentality and massive NIL backing to consistently beat the Longhorns and Aggies for blue-chip talent within the state borders. The 2027 Power ShiftNowhere is this more evident than the Class of 2027 rankings. As of mid-May, Texas Tech’s class ranks No. 2 nationally, sitting ahead of the Texas Longhorns.Dominating the Top 10: According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, the Red Raiders currently hold commitments from five of the top 10 Texas natives. The Crown Jewel: Landing five-star defensive lineman Jalen Brewster—the No. 1 player in the country on multiple sites—was a definitive statement. Brewster chose Lubbock over offers from Alabama, Miami, and Texas, signaling that the "top-tier" barrier has finally been broken. Strategic AdvantagesTexas Tech’s success is built on three pillars that the SEC-bound schools are currently struggling to match:NIL Aggression: Boosters like Cody Campbell and the The Matador Club have created one of the most transparent and lucrative NIL structures in the country. Tech is often able to "out-spend" rivals for specific high-priority targets. The "Vibes" vs. The "Grind": While Texas and A&M sell the prestige of the SEC, McGuire sells the "Red Raider Family" and immediate playing time. High school coaches across Texas have noted that Tech’s staff is more present in their hallways than any other program.Position-Specific Wins: Beyond Brewster, wins for four-star QB Kavian Bryant and five-star OT Cooper Hackett (who chose Tech over Oregon, OU, and A&M) show that Tech is winning the battles for the "premium" positions that traditionally went to Austin. While Texas A&M still holds the current No. 1 spot for 2027, the gap between the three schools has evaporated. Texas Tech is no longer fighting for the "leftovers"; they are taking the "first plate" in the Lone Star State. 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
While the origin of the NCAA’s investigation into Brendan Sorsby remains officially undisclosed, the circumstantial evidence pointing toward Cincinnati as the possible whistleblower is compelling. The timeline of events suggests that what began as a civil dispute over money may have mutated into a strategic "scorched earth" play by the Bearcats' administration. The most glaring motive is the ongoing $1 million lawsuit filed by Cincinnati against Sorsby in February 2026. After Sorsby bolted for a reported $5 million NIL package at Texas Tech, Cincinnati didn't just express disappointment; they took the rare step of suing their former star for a breach of a "lucrative" revenue-sharing agreement. In the high-stakes world of modern NIL, information is often used as leverage. If the Bearcats' legal discovery process or internal compliance monitoring flagged suspicious betting patterns from Sorsby’s tenure in the Queen City, the university had a massive financial and competitive incentive to weaponize that data. Furthermore, the "selective enforcement" mentioned in Sorsby’s recent motion to dismiss hints at a personal rift. If Cincinnati felt slighted by Sorsby’s departure, reporting the "thousands of wagers"—including the radioactive bets on Indiana—serves as a dual-purpose strike. It complicates Sorsby's defense in their civil suit and ensures that the Red Raiders, a fellow Big 12 rival, lose the centerpiece of their title defense. In a 2026 landscape where "loyalty" is bought and sold, the move to "rat out" a former player wouldn't just be about NCAA integrity—it would be a calculated business decision to protect university resources and exact a price for a $5 million defection. Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 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
The 2026 NIL landscape has shifted the balance of power in the Big 12, as Oklahoma State and West Virginia have executed a massive financial pivots to leapfrog established spenders like Texas Tech and BYU. While the Red Raiders and Cougars dominated the early NIL era, the "Pokes" and "Mountaineers" have recently tapped into deep-pocketed alumni networks to create a new tier of spending. Oklahoma State has signaled its "all-in" mentality with an estimated $55 million in collective NIL spending for 2026. This surge was catalyzed by a culture shift in Stillwater; after Mike Gundy famously took a $1 million pay cut to seed NIL funds, the "Pokes with a Purpose" collective saw record-breaking donor participation. This war chest was the primary engine behind the shocking commitment of Audi Crooks, who reportedly commanded a package exceeding $500,000—a figure previously unheard of for a single women’s basketball transfer at OSU. Similarly, West Virginia has utilized the "Country Roads Trust" to reach an $8–$9 million threshold for basketball alone, placing them in the nation's top tier. This investment allowed the Mountaineers to secure elite talent like Sam Leavitt ($4M valuation) and compete directly with Blue Bloods in the portal. By contrast, while Texas Tech and BYU remain "elite" spenders with healthy infrastructures, their growth has stabilized. Oklahoma State and WVU have entered a "hyper-growth" phase, realizing that in the 2026 conference hierarchy, being "flush with cash" is the only way to prevent being left behind in the next round of realignment. Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 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
The recent news of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal taking on the role of General Manager for Sacramento State's men's basketball ...
Big 12 basketball has established itself as one of the most powerful and competitive conferences in college basketball, with a tradition of high-caliber teams, top-tier coaches, and a relentless style of play. Known for producing national champions, deep NCAA Tournament runs, and NBA-ready talent, the Big 12 consistently stands out as a basketball powerhouse on the national stage. Each season, the conference showcases a depth of talent and competitiveness that makes it incredibly difficult for any one team to dominate—a unique characteristic that sets the Big 12 apart. Programs like Kansas, Baylor, and Texas have set the standard for excellence in the Big 12, with Kansas holding an especially storied place as one of the premier programs in college basketball history. Kansas regularly competes for national titles, and under head coach Bill Self, the Jayhawks have become synonymous with success, boasting numerous conference championships and national prominence. Baylor's ascent under Scott Drew, culminating in a national title in 2021, further solidified the Big 12’s standing as a conference that can produce champions capable of going toe-to-toe with any other league in the country. Texas, Texas Tech, and other programs continue to deliver high-level performances, making the Big 12 race incredibly competitive each year. The strength of Big 12 basketball lies in its fierce, physical style and depth across the board. Teams like West Virginia, under Bob Huggins' leadership, have built a reputation for relentless defense and intense play, and Iowa State, Oklahoma State, and Kansas State have consistently proven they can upset top-ranked teams. With each game holding high stakes, Big 12 basketball is marked by nail-biting finishes and intense rivalries that make for must-watch matchups week in and week out. Adding to this dynamic, recent conference expansions have brought in powerhouse programs like Houston, which reached the Final Four in 2021. Cincinnati and BYU bring their own history of tournament appearances, and with these new additions, the Big 12 is only becoming stronger and more competitive. Big 12 basketball not only entertains fans with thrilling games and rivalries but also consistently sends teams deep into March Madness. The league’s emphasis on strong defense, versatile scoring, and top-tier coaching has created a conference that stands out as one of the toughest in the nation. Whether it’s through producing national champions or turning out elite talent, Big 12 basketball is a force that commands respect across the college basketball landscape. 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
College football expansion refers to the process of adding new teams, conferences, or divisions to the sport's existing structure. This expansion can occur at various levels, including conference realignment, the creation of new conferences, or the addition of teams to existing conferences. Here are some key aspects of college football expansion: Conference Realignment: Conference realignment is a significant driver of college football expansion. Schools may switch conferences to align themselves with institutions of similar size, geographic location, or competitive level. These shifts can have far-reaching implications, affecting television revenue, scheduling, and the balance of power within conferences. New Conferences: Occasionally, new conferences are formed as a result of college football expansion. These conferences may emerge from schools in similar geographic regions or with shared interests in elevating their football programs' profiles. The creation of new conferences can provide additional opportunities for competition and revenue generation. Independent Teams Joining Conferences: Some college football programs opt to join conferences after operating independently for a period. By affiliating with a conference, these teams gain access to conference championships, bowl game tie-ins, and potentially increased exposure and revenue opportunities. Divisional Realignment: Within conferences, divisions may be realigned to ensure competitive balance or accommodate the addition of new teams. Divisional realignment can impact scheduling, rivalry matchups, and the path to conference championships. Impact on Postseason Play: College football expansion can influence the postseason landscape, particularly in determining which teams qualify for prestigious bowl games or the College Football Playoff. Changes in conference affiliations or the addition of competitive programs may alter the selection criteria and competitive dynamics of postseason play. Financial Considerations: Financial considerations often play a significant role in college football expansion decisions. Schools may seek to join conferences with lucrative television contracts or revenue-sharing agreements, while conferences may prioritize expansion to increase their membership dues and overall financial stability. Overall, college football expansion is a complex and dynamic process driven by a combination of competitive, financial, and logistical factors. It has the potential to reshape the sport's landscape and create new opportunities for schools, conferences, and fans alike. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Amazon Fire TVFire TV recently created Fire TV Channels to deliver a constant supply of the latest videos from your favorite sports brands, all for free. That includes all of us at Locked On and most of the big pro leagues and college conferences as well. To Learn More, visit www.amazon.com/LockedOnFireTV NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV’s with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com. LinkedInThese days every new potential hire can feel like a high stakes wager for your small business. That’s why LinkedIn Jobs helps find the right people for your team, faster and for free. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/lockedoncollege. Terms and conditions apply. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. FanDuelNew customers, join today and you’ll getONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started. eBay MotorsWith all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to turn your car into the MVP and bring home that win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 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
The Big 12 Conference is widely regarded as one of the premier basketball conferences in collegiate sports. Several factors contribute to its reputation for excellence: Competitive Balance: The Big 12 consistently features a high level of competitive balance, with multiple teams capable of contending for conference titles and making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. This parity ensures that games are often tightly contested, making for exciting matchups throughout the season. Strong Coaching: The conference boasts a roster of talented and experienced coaches who excel at recruiting top-tier talent and developing players. Coaches like Bill Self at Kansas, Scott Drew at Baylor, and Chris Beard (formerly) at Texas Tech are known for their strategic acumen and ability to get the best out of their teams. Talent Pipeline: The Big 12 serves as a fertile ground for recruiting talented players, both domestically and internationally. Many high school recruits aspire to play in the conference due to its competitive nature and exposure. Additionally, the conference has produced numerous NBA players, showcasing the caliber of talent within its ranks. Commitment to Basketball: Big 12 schools prioritize basketball and invest resources into their programs to ensure success. This commitment is evident in state-of-the-art facilities, robust recruiting efforts, and competitive non-conference scheduling to prepare teams for postseason play. Defensive Identity: Many Big 12 teams are known for their strong defensive play. Coaches emphasize defensive principles, and teams are known for their physicality, toughness, and ability to disrupt opponents' offenses. This defensive identity often translates to success in postseason play, where defensive stops can be crucial in close games. Tradition and History: Several Big 12 programs have rich basketball traditions and storied histories of success. Schools like Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma have long-standing basketball traditions, with multiple conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances to their names. This tradition adds to the conference's overall prestige and competitiveness. Overall, a combination of competitive balance, strong coaching, talent pipeline, commitment to basketball, defensive identity, and tradition contributes to the Big 12's reputation as a powerhouse conference in college basketball. 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
In a thrilling match on Wednesday night, Tamin Lipsey's impressive 19-point performance, coupled with Curtis Jones' 18 points, propelled the No. 6 Iowa State to a historic victory. The Cyclones triumphed over No. 20 Brigham Young with a 68-63 win, marking their first undefeated home season in 23 years. The Cyclones, boasting a remarkable 18-0 home record, secured their spot as a formidable force in the Big 12, maintaining their position just one game behind conference leader Houston as they head into the final weekend of play. Despite a valiant effort from Brigham Young, led by Ricjie Saunders' 20 points, the Cougars fell short in their attempt to upset a top 10 team for the second consecutive week. Iowa State showcased resilience after trailing 46-32 early in the second half, orchestrating an impressive 11-0 run highlighted by Lipsey's crucial 3-pointer, leveling the score at 56 with 7:52 remaining. The turning point came when Robert Jones' basket put the Cyclones ahead for good at 64-63 with 2:51 left on the clock. BYU struggled to find its rhythm, enduring a scoreless stretch of nearly 4 1/2 minutes and managing just one basket in their final 9 attempts, while also committing three turnovers in the last 2 minutes. Initially missing their first five shots, all from beyond the arc, BYU rallied to sink six of their next nine 3-point attempts, displaying their shooting prowess but ultimately falling short against a determined Iowa State squad. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Amazon Fire TVFire TV recently created Fire TV Channels to deliver a constant supply of the latest videos from your favorite sports brands, all for free. That includes all of us at Locked On and most of the big pro leagues and college conferences as well. To Learn More, visit www.amazon.com/LockedOnFireTV NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV’s with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com. LinkedInThese days every new potential hire can feel like a high stakes wager for your small business. That’s why LinkedIn Jobs helps find the right people for your team, faster and for free. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/lockedoncollege. Terms and conditions apply. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. FanDuelNew customers, join today and you’ll getONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started. eBay MotorsWith all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to turn your car into the MVP and bring home that win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 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
The recent headlines showing a wave of Big 12 schools—including Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech, and Cincinnati—turning down the ...
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The coaching carousel is spinning at high velocity as the Sweet 16 approaches, and T.J. Otzelberger has emerged as the premier ...
As we move into the spring of 2026, the narrative surrounding Big 12 football has undergone a radical shift. The "Power Two" of ...