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

NIL has officially been around for five years which feels like just yesterday, while also feeling like an eternity ago. The NCAA and College Sports have changed forever and every team and player in the Big 12 Conference has been affected. This episode goes into what led to NIL, where it went wrong, and how it is doing well.  I also shoutout BYU for a great visit. 

The rumors are once again starting to pick up between the Big 10 and Utah, but will the Utes be leaving the Big 12 anytime soon? In this episode I break down three scenarios why they won't be laving, as well as one why they may leave. 

The NBA Draft was a very good couple of night for the Big 12 conference as they led the nation in the number of picks. The conference also broke their previous record of 12 picks overall from 2022, suggesting that despite revenue disparity with the SEC and Big 10, the Big 12 is still on top.    In the episode we also go over the NCAA eligibility rule allowing players to play five seasons over a five year period. What will this do to recruiting though? Find out on today's show! 

The NBA Draft is tonight, and while we don't know a lot, we know two things: AJ Dybansta and Darryn Peterson will be the two top overall picks, and the Big 12 will dominate in pick selections.    This episode will also go into my prediction for who will be first selected and why, as well as how the Big 12 could get four Top 10 picks. 

The biggest story in college football isn't coming from the SEC or Big Ten—it's happening in the Big 12. In this episode of First and 16, Adam Gibby breaks down the escalating legal battle between Texas Tech and the Big 12 over the Brendan Sorsby eligibility controversy. What started as a gambling suspension case has evolved into a much larger fight over NCAA authority, injunctions, conference power, and the future of college athletics. Could Texas Tech actually consider leaving the Big 12 and becoming an independent program? What would that mean for the Red Raiders, the conference, College Football Playoff access, television revenue, scheduling, and future realignment? Adam explains why this case is about much more than gambling, how injunctions could reshape college sports, why the Big 12 is pushing back so aggressively, and what happens if Texas Tech decides to go its own way. Topics Covered: Texas Tech vs Big 12 lawsuit explained Brendan Sorsby eligibility controversy NCAA authority and legal challenges College football injunctions and precedent Texas Tech independence rumors Big 12 conference realignment implications College Football Playoff impact SEC and Big Ten expansion possibilities Revenue and scheduling concerns Future of college athletics governance Is Texas Tech standing up for athlete rights—or threatening the future structure of college sports? Let's break it all down.

Is it finally time for a way-too-early Top 25? On this episode of First and 16, Adam Gibby builds his own preseason college football Top 25 from scratch—and it's nothing like the polls you'll see from ESPN, CBS, or the AP voters. From Indiana claiming the No. 1 spot to BYU cracking the Top 10 and Texas Tech landing inside the Top 10 as well, these rankings challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding the 2026 college football season. Adam breaks down why programs like Miami, Notre Dame, Oregon, Georgia, Oklahoma, Houston, and SMU deserve more respect, while traditional powers such as Alabama, Penn State, LSU, and Tennessee may be getting too much preseason hype. Topics include: Way-too-early 2026 College Football Top 25 Why Indiana is ranked No. 1 BYU's College Football Playoff potential Texas Tech's rise as a Big 12 contender Houston as a dark-horse CFP candidate Big 12 vs SEC bias in preseason rankings Notre Dame's favorable path Miami's championship ceiling Which Group of Six teams could crash the CFP race Teams just missing the Top 25 Do you agree with these rankings? Which teams are too high, too low, or completely missing? Drop your Top 25 in the comments and join the debate. Subscribe to First and 16 for year-round Big 12 football coverage, College Football Playoff discussions, rankings, recruiting news, conference realignment updates, and more.

The Brendan Sorsby controversy continues to send shockwaves through college football. After receiving an injunction that allows him to remain eligible while his NCAA case plays out, reports suggest some programs may be reconsidering future matchups with Texas Tech. If schools begin refusing to play the Red Raiders, the fallout could reshape not only the Big 12, but the entire future of NCAA governance. In this episode of First & Sixteen, Adam Gibby breaks down: 🏈 Why the Sorsby injunction could create a dangerous precedent for college football 🏈 Reports of schools refusing to schedule Texas Tech 🏈 The potential impact on the Big 12 Conference 🏈 Why conference members may be forced to take a stand 🏈 How NIL, transfers, eligibility rules, and court injunctions are changing the sport 🏈 Whether Texas Tech could face pressure to move forward without Sorsby 🏈 Why this situation could further weaken the NCAA's authority As legal battles continue to collide with college athletics, the question becomes increasingly important: Who actually governs college football anymore? Could the Big 12 intervene? Should schools refuse to play Texas Tech? And what happens if courts continue overriding NCAA eligibility decisions? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments. Do you support a potential Texas Tech boycott? #CollegeFootball #TexasTech #Big12 #NCAA #BrendanSorsby #CFB

The NCAA has spent years losing power through NIL lawsuits, transfer portal battles, antitrust rulings, and challenges from state governments. But the latest ruling involving Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Storesby may be the clearest sign yet that NCAA enforcement is effectively dead. After a Texas judge granted an injunction allowing Storesby to remain eligible despite NCAA penalties related to gambling violations, a major question now hangs over college sports: If the NCAA cannot enforce one of the most fundamental rules in sports, what rules can it actually enforce? In this episode of First & 16, Adam Gibby breaks down why the Storesby decision could be a turning point for college football, how courts are increasingly overriding NCAA authority, and why the future of governance in college athletics may be headed toward complete chaos.

Has college football realignment gone too far? On this episode of First & 16, Adam Gibby breaks down Nick Saban's recent comments advocating for a return to regional conferences and explains why college football may be headed toward a major restructuring. After years of conference expansion that stretched leagues from coast to coast, many are questioning whether the current model is financially sustainable for schools, student-athletes, and Olympic sports. Adam examines the growing concerns surrounding NIL spending, transfer portal chaos, travel costs, and the financial challenges facing athletic departments across the country. He also presents a bold conference realignment proposal featuring eight geographically based leagues designed to restore rivalries, reduce travel, improve competitive balance, and create a more sustainable future for college athletics. Topics discussed include: Nick Saban's call for regional conferences SEC and Big Ten expansion Future College Football Playoff formats NIL and salary cap discussions Geographic realignment proposals The future of the Big 12 College football super conferences Saving Olympic sports programs Restoring historic rivalries The long-term future of college athletics Could college football eventually abandon the current conference structure and return to a more regional model? Adam explains why that conversation is becoming more important than ever. 📌 Subscribe for more Big 12 football, college football realignment, conference expansion, playoff, NIL, and college sports analysis. #CollegeFootball #Big12 #NickSaban #ConferenceRealignment #CollegeFootballPlayoff #SEC #BigTen #NIL #CollegeSports #CFB

In this episode of First and 16, Adam Gibby breaks down his complete 2026 Big 12 Football Power Rankings, ranking all 16 teams from top to bottom based on a neutral-field, round-robin format where every team plays every other team. Before diving into football, Adam discusses one of the biggest surprises of the spring sports season: why college baseball and softball have become home to the Cinderella stories that once defined March Madness. From Texas Tech's Women's College World Series run to Kansas, West Virginia, Milwaukee, Cal Poly, and St. Mary's making noise in NCAA Baseball Regionals, there has been no shortage of drama. Then it's time for the rankings. Can Texas Tech live up to the preseason hype? Is BYU the biggest threat to win the conference? Can Houston's elite defense carry the Cougars into title contention? And which teams are being overlooked heading into the season? Topics Covered Texas Tech softball's run to the Women's College World Series NCAA Baseball Regional upsets and Cinderella stories Why college basketball has lost some of its underdog magic Full Big 12 preseason football rankings (1–16) Texas Tech's championship expectations BYU vs. Texas Tech debate Houston's rise as a conference contender Arizona and Utah's championship potential Oklahoma State as the conference wild card Questions surrounding Colorado, Cincinnati, Iowa State, and UCF Which teams could surprise during the 2026 season

The 2026 college football TV schedule is officially here, and the Big 12 is getting more national attention than ever before. In this episode of First and 16, Adam Gibby breaks down every major Big 12 matchup from Weeks 1-3, including huge games like Baylor vs Auburn, Arizona at BYU, Utah vs Arkansas, Texas Tech vs Oregon State, Kansas vs Missouri, and Oregon vs Oklahoma State. Which programs got the biggest TV boosts from FOX, ESPN, ABC, CBS, and TNT? Which schools were underrated? And which matchups could define the College Football Playoff race? Adam also dives into: Why FOX is investing heavily in the Big 12 TNT's growing role in college football coverage Why Texas Tech and BYU continue to gain national respect Concerns about Colorado losing national momentum Why Utah vs Arkansas says a lot about SEC scheduling hypocrisy The best opportunities for the Big 12 to make national statements against the SEC and Big Ten If you love Big 12 football, conference realignment, TV ratings, College Football Playoff talk, and national media coverage analysis, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more college football coverage, Big 12 analysis, CFP expansion discussion, and weekly reactions all season long.

Is a 24-team College Football Playoff actually coming? On this episode of First and 16, Adam Gibby breaks down why momentum is growing behind CFP expansion — and why ESPN and the SEC may be fighting against it behind the scenes. From television rights and scheduling conflicts to conference power dynamics and playoff access, this episode dives deep into the real reasons college football's biggest power brokers could oppose a larger playoff format. Adam explains how a 24-team bracket could completely reshape the future of the Big 12, ACC, Notre Dame, and even the SEC itself. Would teams like BYU, Utah, Texas Tech, Miami, Iowa, Vanderbilt, or Georgia Tech suddenly become national contenders with expanded access? Could ESPN lose control of the College Football Playoff TV rights? And why are SEC media personalities already pushing back against the idea? Plus, Adam walks through a hypothetical 2024-style 24-team playoff bracket featuring Alabama, Texas, Ohio State, Oregon, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, BYU, Utah, Miami, and more — showing why the matchups would be incredible for fans, even if the SEC and ESPN don't love the idea. If you love college football realignment, playoff expansion debates, Big 12 football, SEC football, and the future of the CFP, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Subscribe to First and 16 for more college football analysis, Big 12 coverage, CFP expansion news, conference realignment updates, and hot takes from around the sport.

On this episode of First and 16, we react to the viral comments from Steve Sarkisian after he claimed Texas could potentially go undefeated in the Big 12 with its backups. Is that confidence… or straight-up SEC arrogance? We break down what Sark really meant, why Big 12 fans are furious, and whether he's completely underestimating the conference. We also dive into the complicated Brendan Sorsby conversation. Should fans actually want him to play? What gives the team the best chance to win moving forward? We discuss the upside, concerns, and what this situation means for the future of the program. If you love college football takes, conference drama, quarterback debates, and unfiltered reactions, this episode is for you.

On this episode of First & 16, we break down one of the hottest debates in college football right now: the proposed 24-team College Football Playoff—and why Paul Finebaum might be completely off base. Finebaum recently shared his thoughts on expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams, and let's just say… we've got some strong reactions. Is a 24-team playoff actually good for the sport, or does it water down the regular season and hurt what makes college football great? We dive deep into: The pros and cons of CFP expansion Why a 24-team format could change the sport forever How it impacts the SEC, Big Ten, and the rest of the Power conferences What fans, media, and analysts are getting wrong If you're a die-hard college football fan, this is a conversation you don't want to miss. 🎙 First & 16 brings you weekly breakdowns, bold takes, and in-depth analysis on the biggest stories in college football.

In this episode of First & 16, we break down the growing tension between ESPN, the SEC, and the future of the College Football Playoff. Why are ESPN and the SEC reportedly pushing back against a 24-team playoff format? Is it about money, television control, conference power, scheduling, or preserving the value of the regular season? We dive into the politics behind college football expansion, the battle between the SEC and Big Ten, media rights negotiations, playoff revenue, and what a larger playoff could mean for fans, players, and the future of the sport. From CFP expansion debates to the business side of college football, this episode uncovers what's really happening behind the scenes. If you follow SEC football, ESPN, College Football Playoff expansion, NCAA news, or college football realignment, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Subscribe to First & 16 for weekly college football analysis, SEC news, CFP updates, recruiting talk, and behind-the-scenes coverage of the biggest stories shaping the sport.

This episode of First & 16 takes a deep dive into why expanding the NCAA Tournament to 76 teams could completely water down college basketball's biggest event. What made March Madness special was exclusivity, urgency, and the idea that every regular season game mattered. But now? The tournament risks turning into participation trophy basketball. We break down how expansion hurts bubble drama, rewards mediocre teams, damages conference tournaments, and stretches the tournament format beyond what fans actually want. Is this really about "opportunity" — or just more TV money? From Cinderella stories to Selection Sunday politics, we examine how college basketball could lose what made the tournament iconic in the first place. If you love college hoops, this is the conversation you need to hear.

On this episode of First and 16, we break down why college football should move to a 24-team playoff format. From Cinderella runs to powerhouse rematches, we look at the incredible matchups fans were robbed of last season and how an expanded playoff would make every week matter even more. We dive into seeding, home playoff games, Group of Five opportunities, and the chaos a true postseason bracket could bring. Would a 24-team playoff actually fix college football—or just create more controversy?  

The future of college football may finally have its answer. In this episode of First and 16, we break down why the AFCA's proposed 24-team College Football Playoff is exactly what the sport needs. From fixing conference imbalance and giving Group of Five programs a real path to compete, to protecting rivalries and making the regular season matter even more, this format could completely reshape the postseason landscape. We dive into: Why the current playoff model still leaves too many teams out How a 24-team bracket would increase fairness and excitement The financial impact for conferences and schools Why fan interest would explode with on-campus playoff games How automatic bids and at-large spots could work What this means for the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, and Group of Five Why expanding the playoff may actually save college football from itself Is the AFCA proposal the future of the sport — or is college football headed toward complete chaos? We break it all down.

In this episode of First and 16, we dive headfirst into the newly released preseason spring rankings and unpack the growing narrative working against the Big 12. Are these rankings based on real analysis—or recycled bias? We break down where Big 12 teams are being undervalued, which programs are flying under the radar, and how early media perception could shape the entire 2026 college football season. From strength of schedule debates to playoff implications, this is a must-listen for fans who think the Big 12 deserves more respect.  

The Big 12 just made one of the most aggressive financial moves in college sports history—and it's not what you think. On this episode of First and 16, we break down the conference's newly approved partnership with RedBird Capital and what it really means for the future of college athletics. While it's being labeled a "private equity" move, the details tell a much more strategic story: no ownership stake, no revenue control—but a massive push toward commercialization, investment, and new money streams. We dive into the three pillars of the deal approved yesterday: A $12.5 million capital infusion to the league office Access to up to $30 million per school (essentially a credit line) A business partnership designed to unlock new revenue opportunities But the real story? This is about positioning for the next media rights war. With RedBird's ties to major media players, the Big 12 may be quietly setting itself up for a post-2030 TV deal that could reshape the entire landscape. We also zoom out and ask the bigger question: Is this the moment college athletics officially entered its "capital era"—where conferences act more like investment firms than governing bodies? Plus: Which schools will actually take the money—and which won't The hidden risks of turning college programs into leveraged assets Why this could widen the gap inside the Big 12 itself This isn't just a deal. It's a signal. And it might be the beginning of a completely new model for college sports.

On this episode of First and 16, we break down the Brendan Sorsby gambling scandal and the potential fallout for the Big 12, Texas Tech, and college football as a whole. What does this controversy reveal about compliance, player accountability, and the growing tension between gambling, NIL, and college athletics? We examine what this could mean for conference integrity, whether Texas Tech faces bigger consequences, and how the Big 12 could respond moving forward. Is this an isolated incident—or a warning sign of a larger problem in modern college sports?  

On this episode of First and 16, we tackle one of the biggest structural questions in college sports: why it may be time for the Group of Five and Power Four to officially split. From revenue gaps and playoff access to scheduling inequities and governance chaos, we break down why the current model may no longer be sustainable. Plus, we react to the shocking decision by the Arkansas Razorbacks to cancel its tennis program and what it signals about the future of Olympic sports, non-revenue programs, and the broader unraveling of college athletics as we know it. Is this reform—or the beginning of the end?  

This episode of First and 16 dives into the growing buzz around a potential 24-team College Football Playoff—this time with pressure and influence coming from the government side of things. What would expansion mean for the sport, the players, and the power structure of college athletics? Then, we pivot to college basketball, where the transfer portal has turned into pure chaos. With players moving at unprecedented rates, is this freedom empowering athletes or destabilizing the game? We break down the implications, winners, losers, and what it all means for the future of college sports.  

The future of college football is at a crossroads—and the current playoff system isn't cutting it. In this episode of First and 16, we break down exactly why the sport should expand to a 24-team playoff and how it would completely transform the postseason. From fairness and access to preserving the regular season's intensity, we dive into the biggest arguments for expansion. Plus, we design the ideal 24-team format—how bids should be allocated, which teams get byes, and how to balance power conferences with deserving Group of Five programs. If you care about the future of the sport, this is a conversation you can't miss.

The college basketball landscape is changing fast—and not necessarily for the better. In this episode of First & 16, we break down how the NCAA transfer portal is reshaping the sport, from constant roster turnover to the loss of team identity and long-term player development. Is the transfer portal ruining college basketball? Or is it simply exposing deeper issues within the NCAA system? We dive into the unintended consequences of player freedom, NIL influence, and year-to-year instability that coaches, programs, and fans are now facing. Plus, we explore why many believe this model is completely unsustainable—and what changes could be coming next. If you care about the future of college hoops, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.

The Big 12 is at a crossroads. After Arizona's shocking Final Four loss, what's next for the conference? Could UConn be the perfect addition to shake up college basketball? And is the SEC losing its dominance in both football and basketball? Join Adam Gibby on First and 16 as we break down conference realignment, championship implications, and the future of Big 12 supremacy.

The madness as the NCAA Final Four takes center stage—with a heavy spotlight on the surging Arizona Wildcats. How did Arizona get here, and do they have what it takes to cut down the nets? Plus, we shift gears to the gridiron and dive into our early Spring Football Power Rankings for the Big 12 Conference. Who's rising, who's falling, and which teams are poised to dominate heading into the 2026 season? 🏀 Arizona Final Four analysis 🏈 Big 12 spring power rankings 🔥 Sleepers, contenders, and bold takes Don't miss one of our most loaded episodes yet.

The Sweet 16 is set, and the Big 12 still has three teams dancing. In this episode of First & 16, Adam Gibby breaks down which Big 12 team has the best path to the Final Four, why the Big Ten may be the real winner of March Madness, and how NIL and the transfer portal are changing the NCAA Tournament forever. We also dive into the growing debate around officiating, TV money, and whether big teams get favorable calls, plus a full look at the remaining matchups including Houston, Iowa State, Arizona, Purdue, Michigan, Tennessee, Arkansas, and more.

In this episode of First and 16, we take a hard look at what happened to the magic of March. The Cinderella stories that once defined the Tournament feel fewer and farther between, replaced by a system that's starting to look a lot like Black Friday—fast, transactional, and dominated by the biggest brands. We dive into how NIL, the transfer portal, and shifting power structures have reshaped the landscape, and why the nostalgia still hits… even if the experience isn't quite the same. Is the madness still magical, or just another market?

Today we dive deep into the Big 12 teams in the NCAA Tournament, breaking down every bracket draw and predicting how far each team can go. We grade each Big 12 team's path, analyze potential March Madness matchups, and explain what it will take for each squad to survive and advance. Which Big 12 teams have the easiest path? Who got the toughest draw? And which teams have a realistic shot at the Final Four or a national championship run? In this episode, we cover: Full Big 12 NCAA Tournament bracket breakdown Draw grades for every Big 12 team Key matchups and upset alerts Paths to the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, and Final Four Our March Madness predictions If you're filling out your March Madness bracket or want expert insight into the Big 12's tournament chances, this episode has you covered.

The Big 12 basketball regular season is complete, and it's time for final grades for all 16 teams. In this episode of First & 16, we break down every Big 12 team's performance, hand out season report cards, and project where each NCAA Tournament team will land on the bracket seed line. From championship contenders to bubble teams, we take a deep dive into the toughest conference in college basketball and give our final thoughts on the Big 12 season, including surprises, disappointments, and which teams can make a run in March Madness. We also look ahead to Selection Sunday with NCAA Tournament projections, Big 12 power rankings, and how the conference stacks up nationally. If you love Big 12 basketball, March Madness predictions, and college basketball analysis, this is the episode for you. Subscribe to First & 16 for weekly Big 12 coverage, college basketball talk, and college football analysis all year long.

The Big 12 Tournament is here, and we break down the full bracket, make our predictions, and talk about who will cut down the nets in Kansas City. With the 16-team format and a loaded conference featuring national contenders, this year's tournament could have huge implications for March Madness seeding. We also dive into the national story shaking college athletics right now, as the President meets with NCAA leaders, conference commissioners, and lawmakers to discuss possible federal action on NIL, athlete compensation, and the future of college sports. Reports suggest new legislation and even executive action could be coming as leaders try to bring stability to a system many believe is out of control. From Big 12 basketball to the future of the NCAA, we cover everything you need to know on this episode of First & 16. The 2026 Big 12 Tournament runs March 10–14 in Kansas City, with all 16 teams competing and the winner earning the automatic NCAA Tournament bid. Meanwhile, national leaders are discussing federal rules for NIL and college athletics, with proposals that could give the NCAA antitrust protection and create one national system for player compensation.

On this episode of First and 16, we wrap up the Big 12 regular season, talk about the conference fixing the court situation, and preview the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City. We go through the bracket, biggest matchups, dark horse teams, and who could make a run heading into March Madness. The Big 12 might be the best conference in college basketball again, and the tournament should be loaded.

On this episode of First and 16, we dive into the Big 12's much-hyped LED basketball court—and why the reality ended up being incredibly underwhelming. After all the buildup, did the conference miss an opportunity to create something truly special for college basketball fans? Then we turn our attention to the biggest storylines heading into Selection Sunday. Which Big 12 teams are firmly in the NCAA Tournament field, and which ones are still fighting for their lives? We break down the bubble picture and discuss which programs must make a run in their conference tournament to lock up a spot in the Big Dance. From disappointing tech experiments to March Madness pressure, we cover everything Big 12 fans need to know as tournament season heats up.

Is Senior Night losing its meaning in modern college basketball? In this episode of First & 16, we break down how the transfer portal, NIL deals, and early NBA Draft declarations are reshaping Senior Night traditions across college hoops. Plus, with March Madness around the corner, we analyze which teams are built for a deep NCAA Tournament run. From veteran leadership and guard play to defensive efficiency and coaching experience, we evaluate the true contenders and potential bracket busters heading into March. If you're a college basketball fan looking for insights on Senior Night culture, March Madness predictions, tournament sleepers, and championship favorites, this episode delivers in-depth analysis you won't want to miss. Subscribe for weekly college basketball breakdowns, March Madness previews, bracket strategy, and NCAA Tournament predictions.

On this episode of First and 16, we break down which college basketball teams look truly ready to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament—from dominant No. 1 seeds to dangerous mid-major sleepers that could bust your bracket. We analyze roster experience, guard play, coaching, and momentum heading into March. Then we shift to the football world and ask a big question: Is the NFL Combine losing its relevance? With players skipping drills, prioritizing Pro Days, and protecting draft stock, we examine how the path to the NFL Draft is evolving—and whether the Combine still matters to teams. College hoops heat. Draft drama. Let's get into it.

On this episode of First and 16, we break down the controversy surrounding officiating in the Big 12 Conference and why fans, players, and coaches are frustrated. Are inconsistent calls impacting outcomes? Is the physical style of the Big 12 creating confusion for officials? And what does this mean heading into March? We also recap the biggest moments from the Big 12 weekend — statement wins, bubble movement, standout performances, and how the conference race is shaping up. If the Big 12 is the toughest league in the country, the margins matter — and right now, those margins are under the microscope.

On this episode of First and 16, we break down why expanding the NCAA Tournament would be a mistake. With March Madness already delivering the best postseason in sports, would adding more teams actually dilute what makes it special? We dive into the history of the 68-team format, the impact of the First Four, the Cinderella factor, TV money pressures, and whether expansion would hurt the regular season's importance. Is bigger really better — or is the current structure exactly why the tournament works? If it isn't broken, why fix it?

Last night delivered high-level drama across the Big 12 Conference, with statement wins, bubble implications, and tournament seeding ripple effects that could shape March. We break down the biggest performances, key turning points, and what it all means for the conference race and NCAA Tournament positioning. Then we dive headfirst into the chaos of Joe Lunardi's latest bracketology update. Is there real SEC favoritism in the projections? Are Big 12 teams being undervalued despite metrics and head-to-head results? We analyze the numbers, strength of schedule, NET rankings, and whether the Southeastern Conference is truly deserving of the love — or if the bracket bias conversation has real legs. Metrics vs. eye test. Résumé vs. reputation. Let's sort it out.

Is the sky falling in the Big 12? Not even close. In this episode, we break down why the so-called "tough losses" talk around the Big 12 Conference is way overblown. A few early losses don't suddenly erase one of the deepest, most competitive leagues in college basketball. We dive into the metrics, strength of schedule realities, and why fan bases across the conference need to take a breath. The season is long — and this league always cannibalizes itself. Plus, we preview and react to Tuesday night's slate of games, key matchups to watch, and what they mean moving forward in conference play. If you're panicking about your team… this episode is for you.

This episode of First & 16 breaks down a massive weekend in the Big 12 that reshaped the conference race and the NCAA Tournament picture. From statement wins at the top to bubble-shifting results in the middle of the pack, we unpack what it all means heading into the final stretch. Plus, I issue a formal apology to Cincinnati Bearcats and head coach Wes Miller. After looking left for dead just weeks ago, Cincinnati is suddenly back on the bubble with real momentum. We dive into what changed and whether the Bearcats can finish the job. We also cover key performances from contenders like Kansas Jayhawks, Houston Cougars, and Iowa State Cyclones, and take a big-picture look at what's next for the Big 12 Conference as March approaches. Who's rising? Who's sweating on Selection Sunday? And how many bids is the Big 12 really getting?

This week could define the Big 12 basketball season. With conference standings tightening, tournament seeding on the line, and résumé-shaping matchups across the league, the next few days may determine who earns a protected seed, who lands on the bubble, and who plays their way out of March entirely. In a conference as deep and unforgiving as the Big 12, one week can swing everything. At the same time, momentum is building behind the idea of expanding the NCAA Tournament. But is that really good for the sport? In this episode, we break down why this week is a turning point for the Big 12 — and why expanding the NCAA Tournament would water down the regular season, reward mediocrity, and damage what makes March special in the first place. High stakes. Real consequences. And a debate that could reshape college basketball.

This week on 1st and 16, we break down why the conference is starting to crack under the weight of mounting injuries and what it means for the rest of the season. With key starters sidelined across multiple programs, depth charts are thinning, playoff hopes are shifting, and the competitive balance is hanging by a thread. We also zoom out to the bigger picture: why FCS programs are increasingly desperate to jump to the FBS. From media rights money and NIL opportunities to conference realignment chaos and long-term survival, the gap between subdivisions is becoming impossible to ignore. Is moving up a smart investment—or a financial gamble that could backfire? In this episode, we connect the dots between roster attrition, conference instability, and the evolving economics of college football.

Description: The Big 12 is running college athletics. With three No. 1 seeds in March Madness, the conference has officially planted its flag as a basketball powerhouse. We break down what this means for the national landscape and how the Big 12 separated itself from the pack. Plus, the rise of TCU — how the Horned Frogs built a legit NCAA Tourney team, what's fueling their momentum, and whether they're here to stay among the top half of the conference. And in college football, FCS programs are desperately pushing for the jump to FBS. Why now? We dive into the financial stakes, conference realignment pressures, playoff access, and the risks that come with chasing the big stage. All that and more on this episode of First and 16.

This weekend in the Big 12 was absolute madness. On this episode of First & 16, we break down the most shocking upsets, buzzer-beaters, blown leads, and statement wins that completely reshaped the Big 12 basketball race. From ranked teams going down to unexpected breakout performances, the conference proved once again why it's the toughest league in college basketball. We dive into: The biggest upset of the weekend How the conference standings were shaken up Which contenders are legit — and which ones are on upset alert Key players who took over when it mattered most What this means heading toward March If you thought Big 12 basketball couldn't get any crazier… think again.

College football is on the brink of another massive change — and not necessarily for the better. With the Big Ten Conference pushing momentum toward an expanded 24-team postseason format following the shift to the 12-team College Football Playoff model, we ask the hard question: is bigger really better? In this episode, we break down what a 24-team playoff could look like, how automatic bids might reshape conference power, and why expansion risks watering down the regular season — the very thing that makes college football special. We also examine the growing influence of superconferences and whether this model further sidelines programs outside the power structure. Finally, we argue that the real issue isn't just size — it's governance. Is the current playoff selection committee equipped to fairly evaluate a 24-team field? Or is it time to rethink the entire system and move toward a more transparent, performance-based format? If you care about tradition, competitive balance, and the integrity of the sport, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In this episode of First and 16, we break down one of the biggest upsets of the college basketball season — No. 9 Kansas stunning No. 1 Arizona 82-78 in Lawrence to snap the Wildcats' undefeated run and leave the AP Top 25 landscape shaking. We'll talk about how this game reshapes the national picture in the poll, what it means for March hopes, and the wider implications for teams jockeying in a crowded top 25. Then we pivot to college football and tackle a growing scheduling controversy: why non-conference games slated a decade in advance are hurting the sport and how moving toward a nearer-term scheduling model could improve competitive balance, fan interest, and flexibility around conference realignment. This episode blends high-stakes hoops with big-picture gridiron strategy.

This week's show breaks down the latest college football expansion news — including the Pac-12's rebuild with Texas State and the wider realignment landscape that could impact future playoff structures — followed by a Big 12 hoops roundup. We highlight key weekend games such as Arizona's historic 84-47 win and Iowa State's narrow excape at home,  then analyze how those results are shaping the NCAA Tournament bubble and bracket projections. Stay tuned for expert insight and a closer look at what these developments mean for fans of both football and basketball

This episode of First and 16 tackles a rare point of agreement with the SEC and Greg Sankey on player eligibility, breaks down the fallout from the anti-BYU chants and what it says about fan behavior, and wraps with a preview of this weekend's college basketball slate and where things stand across the state. Plenty of opinions, context, and a look ahead at what to watch.

In this episode of First and 16, we break down one of the most talked-about high school basketball matchups in the country: AJ Dybantsa vs Darryn Peterson. Who won the head-to-head battle, what stood out on the court, and what it means for the future of college basketball recruiting? We also take a step back to discuss a growing concern in the sport — why college athletics must remain separate from professional sports, even in the NIL and transfer portal era. Where should the line be drawn, and what happens if it disappears completely? Plus, we close the show with updated Big 12 basketball rankings, breaking down which teams are rising, which are slipping, and how the conference is shaping up as the season continues. If you care about elite basketball prospects, the future of college sports, and Big 12 hoops, this episode has you covered.