Reports that North Carolina may be heading to the SEC and the news that Donald Trump has signed an executive order requiring revenue-sharing to pay college athletes. We break down how North Carolina bolting to the SEC would hurt the Big 12’s long-term playoff hopes, recruiting reach, and expansion plans. Then, we analyze how Trump’s executive order could completely reshape college football’s financial model and what it means for the Big 12 compared to the SEC and Big Ten. This might be the most important episode we’ve ever done.

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In this special 50th episode of First and 12, we deliver the ultimate 2025 Big 12 football preview—with predictions for all 193 conference matchups. Every team. Every game. Every outcome. We walk through the full Big 12 schedule week by week and reveal our picks for the Big 12 Championship Game and who we believe will represent the conference in the 2025 College Football Playoff. If you're a Big 12 fan, this is the can't-miss episode of the year—packed with analysis, upsets, bold predictions, and end-of-season projections.

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Just when we thought NIL collectives were on their way out, they’re back—and stronger than ever. In this episode of First and 12, we dive into the return of booster-backed NIL deals and what it means for the future of college football. With the Wild West fully reopened, the need for real rules—and possibly a national commissioner—has never been more urgent. Can college football survive without structure, or are we headed toward total chaos?

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The Big 12 isn't done growing—so who’s next? In this episode of First and 12, we break down the top candidates for Big 12 expansion moving forward. From schools like UConn and San Diego State to wild cards like UNLV or Louisville, we evaluate which programs bring value in terms of football, basketball, academics, market size, and media relevance. If Brett Yormark makes another move, who should be on the shortlist—and who’s a pipe dream?

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In this First and 12 bonus episode, we break down the latest report that Memphis has been denied entry into the Big 12—again. What does this mean for Memphis, and what does it reveal about the Big 12's strategy and long-term vision? With expansion always looming, this rejection sends a clear message about the conference’s priorities, brand, and what it takes to get in.

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It’s the end of an era in Provo. In this episode of First and 12, we react to the closing chapter of Jake Retzlaff's time at BYU and what it means for the Cougars moving forward. Did BYU ever fully tap into his potential? And what’s next at quarterback?

Then it's Top Five Tuesday, where we rank the five programs with the most potential to become the face of the Big 12 in the new era of college football. From recruiting power to brand strength and long-term upside — who’s best positioned to lead the conference into the future?

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What happens to programs like BYU and Texas Tech if NIL collectives disappear? In this episode of First and 12, we dig into the growing movement to regulate or outright eliminate NIL collectives — and why that could reshape the competitive balance in college football.

For Big 12 schools that don’t have the deep pockets of the SEC or Big Ten powers, collectives were a lifeline. Now, as the NCAA and lawmakers look to centralize athlete compensation, we explore how this shift could make the rich richer — and leave everyone else scrambling.

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The 2026 recruiting rankings are out—and the Big 12 is making serious moves. In this episode of First and 12, we break down how Big 12 programs are climbing the recruiting ladder and why this sudden momentum may be forcing the Big Ten’s hand in pushing for a playoff auto-bid deal. With powerhouse programs like Kansas State, UCF, and Arizona trending up, is the Big Ten scared of being left behind?

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