CONTROVERSY: BYU’s LJ Martin & Bear Bachmeier SNUBBED as Big 12 DEMANDS All-American Respect & Love | Big 12 Squad Show

Big 12 snubbed yet again—does national disrespect set the stage for a breakout season? Despite returning talent across programs, only Baylor’s punter lands first-team preseason All-American honors, drawing sharp criticism from the Big 12 Squad. Lively banter erupts as the hosts question whether this signals a lack of star power or a continued media blind spot toward conference standouts. Names like BYU’s LJ Martin, Houston’s Shadre Hurst, and Texas Tech’s Bryce Pollock headline the snubs—are these silent motivators or signs of systemic bias? The conversation digs into which Big 12 athletes and teams deserved more recognition and explores the structure of all-American selections, especially the imbalance among offensive line picks. Houston fans argue for more representation, while ASU’s depth at wide receiver and linebacker gets praised but overlooked. The crew also spotlights the best all-American names—could Bear Bachmeier and Faletau Satuala become cult legends? The debate covers how player reputation and program profile shape postseason lists, asking if media narratives overshadow true performance. Turning to preseason AP Top 25 projections, the crew breaks down who rightfully deserves entry and which rankings are legacy hype. BYU and Texas Tech receive rare respect, but Houston, Arizona, and Oklahoma State are curiously omitted despite strong offseasons and major transfer portal coups. Is Utah’s top 20 ranking riding on Kyle Whittingham’s reputation, or does new head coach Morgan Scalley warrant the benefit of the doubt? Are preseason polls and national media simply lumping the Big 12 in with non-power leagues, and what will it take—maybe a national title—to shift the narrative? Throughout the episode, panelists dig into the cultural and geographic uniqueness of the Big 12. With World Cup soccer taking center stage, the conversation pivots to America’s heartland, arguing that the “Truck Stop Conference” best embodies the country’s spirit. Listener-favorite segments celebrate Olympians, the conference’s all-sport prowess, and fan bases’ small-town charm—from BYU’s landscaping championships to Oklahoma State’s famed grass. Even global teams training in places like Herriman, Utah, and Lawrence, Kansas, become a lens for appreciating Big 12 country’s impact. Whether it’s dissecting snubs, debating preseason rankings, or joking about the quirks of southern college football media influencers like Josh Pate, the episode blends humor and heated discussion. Will the league seize its underdog identity and prove doubters wrong? All eyes turn to the Big 12’s upcoming campaign and whether this year’s “disrespect” finally sparks the run everyone’s been waiting for. Support Locked On Cougars: Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube! Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here! If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. 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