Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast

The relationship between Texas Tech and the Big 12 has reached an unprecedented nadir following the fallout from the Brendan Sorsby gambling saga. While the university officially remains a member of the conference, the internal atmosphere suggests that Lubbock no longer views the league as a "home," but rather as a hostile environment.

The friction intensified when Texas Tech supported Sorsby following a court-ordered injunction that allowed him to play, despite his admission of betting on football games. This move drew fierce condemnation from other Big 12 athletic departments. Many Red Raider fans now view this backlash as rank hypocrisy, noting that rivals who have aggressively utilized unregulated NIL collectives and roster tampering are now positioning themselves as guardians of "competitive integrity." The coordinated threats of boycotts from other league members did not intimidate the Texas Tech fan base; instead, it alienated them, fueling a growing sentiment that the university has outgrown the conference's administrative volatility.

Legal intervention further solidified this divide. When the conference considered sanctions, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a stern warning, noting that any coordinated effort to punish Texas Tech would violate federal antitrust laws and expose the league and its members to over $200 million in liability.

Despite this turmoil, the institution remains a powerhouse within the league’s ecosystem, recently boasting a conference-leading seven selections on the 2026 Preseason All-Big 12 team. However, the disconnect is palpable: while the Big 12 attempts to maintain a facade of "16 strong," Texas Tech appears ready to prioritize its own brand and survival over a conference that many in Lubbock now believe is actively rooting for their failure.

Everydayer Club
If 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!

 

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

 

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark’s vision of a modern, "globally relevant" conference has hit a period of intense turbulence in 2026, leaving segments of the fan base feeling increasingly disconnected from his leadership. While Yormark’s early tenure was defined by swift, decisive expansion and savvy media rights negotiations, this year’s strategic pivots have faced significant backlash for appearing either tone-deaf or overly corporate.

The most glaring point of friction has been Yormark’s handling of the Brendan Sorsby gambling saga involving Texas Tech. By refusing to address the controversy during the 2026 Media Days—even after being directly questioned—Yormark drew heavy criticism from both national analysts and local media. To many fans, the dismissal felt like a "corporate answer" that avoided the elephant in the room, creating an impression of a commissioner who is more focused on brand management than the realities of the schools he governs. His tense, public interaction with a Texas Tech reporter, during which he forced the reporter to stand and repeat a question before ultimately dodging it, was widely viewed as a poor look for the conference.

Furthermore, his recent commercial strategy has struck a nerve with traditionalists. The announcement of a multi-year "Monster Energy" entitlement partnership, which will see branding integrated across fields, courts, and jerseys, has been labeled by some as an "abomination" that turns college sports into a NASCAR-style product. For fans who value the tradition and regional identity of college athletics, these moves suggest a conference prioritized for its "almighty dollar" at the expense of its cultural roots. Whether it’s the failed push for games in Mexico or the logistical controversies of recent tournament events, a growing chorus of fans now perceives Yormark as a leader chasing global trends while drifting away from the core traditions of his member institutions.

Everydayer Club
If 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!

 

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

 

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The conversation surrounding BYU’s potential move to the Big Ten has evolved from a fringe realignment rumor into a subject of significant academic and media analysis. While the Big 12 currently offers BYU a stable environment, the allure of the Big Ten’s massive media rights distribution and its status as a perennial powerhouse in college athletics remains a compelling hypothetical for boosters and industry insiders.

Proponents of a potential jump point to BYU's national brand—which remains distinct from traditional state-school models due to its expansive, global alumni base—as a perfect cultural fit for the Big Ten’s geographic expansion. The university’s ability to draw large, non-local TV audiences could provide the Big Ten with valuable entry points into markets that the conference has struggled to capture. Furthermore, BYU’s consistently high-performing football and basketball programs are seen by some as assets that could help the Big Ten maintain its dominance in a landscape increasingly defined by top-heavy conference structures.

However, significant hurdles remain. First, BYU’s institutional values and religious affiliation present unique integration challenges that rarely arise with public land-grant universities. While the Big Ten has integrated diverse academic institutions, the logistical and cultural alignment required to merge BYU’s unique operational requirements with a league as sprawling as the Big Ten is a complex barrier.

Additionally, current internal messaging from BYU leadership suggests a strong preference for stability. Coach Kalani Sitake has publicly dismissed the notion of departing for traditional Big Ten powers, citing the program’s current trajectory and the cultural fit within the Big 12. For now, the "Big Ten expansion" narrative appears more like a symptom of the current realignment era's uncertainty than a concrete plan, as BYU focuses on solidifying its position as a marquee program in a revitalized Big 12.

Everydayer Club
If 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!

 

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

 

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The relationship between Texas Tech and the Big 12 has reached an unprecedented nadir following the fallout from the Brendan Sorsby gambling saga. While the university officially remains a member of the conference, the internal atmosphere suggests that Lubbock no longer views the league as a "home," but rather as a hostile environment.

The friction intensified when Texas Tech supported Sorsby following a court-ordered injunction that allowed him to play, despite his admission of betting on football games. This move drew fierce condemnation from other Big 12 athletic departments. Many Red Raider fans now view this backlash as rank hypocrisy, noting that rivals who have aggressively utilized unregulated NIL collectives and roster tampering are now positioning themselves as guardians of "competitive integrity." The coordinated threats of boycotts from other league members did not intimidate the Texas Tech fan base; instead, it alienated them, fueling a growing sentiment that the university has outgrown the conference's administrative volatility.

Legal intervention further solidified this divide. When the conference considered sanctions, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a stern warning, noting that any coordinated effort to punish Texas Tech would violate federal antitrust laws and expose the league and its members to over $200 million in liability.

Despite this turmoil, the institution remains a powerhouse within the league’s ecosystem, recently boasting a conference-leading seven selections on the 2026 Preseason All-Big 12 team. However, the disconnect is palpable: while the Big 12 attempts to maintain a facade of "16 strong," Texas Tech appears ready to prioritize its own brand and survival over a conference that many in Lubbock now believe is actively rooting for their failure.

Everydayer Club
If 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!

 

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

 

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At the 2026 Big 12 Football Media Days in Frisco, Texas, Commissioner Brett Yormark effectively stonewalled inquiries regarding the Brendan Sorsby gambling saga, prioritizing the league's public image over the controversy. When asked during the opening Q&A about the chaotic situation involving the former Texas Tech quarterback—whose self-admitted gambling on games, including his own, sparked a massive legal and ethical crisis—Yormark refused to engage.

"I appreciate the question. I appreciate other questions that are probably going to come forth today. Today is not the time to address that issue," Yormark stated. He pivoted immediately, framing the event as a celebration of the upcoming season and the conference's 16 member schools. When pressed further, he doubled down on a message of unity, declaring the conference was "moving ahead as 16 strong," effectively grouping Texas Tech back into the league's fold despite the intense friction the situation had caused among other athletic directors.

The "non-answer" served as a calculated deflection. The Big 12 had spent weeks in a high-stakes legal battle, including filing a federal complaint to preserve its right to sanction Texas Tech had Sorsby played. By dismissing the topic, Yormark successfully prevented the media days from becoming a referendum on the conference's internal disciplinary struggles or its broader relationship with the Red Raiders. Instead, he steered the narrative toward corporate partnerships, such as a new multiyear agreement with Monster Energy, ensuring the day remained focused on growth and brand alignment rather than the off-field instability that had dominated the off-season.

Everydayer Club
If 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!

 

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

 

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.