Big 12 media days ignite fierce discussions on NIL deals and conference realignment, prompting the question: Are these recent changes fundamentally altering college football's landscape? Parker Ainsworth and JT Wistrcill take a deep dive into the far-reaching impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) on recruitment strategies. They explore the diverse and often conflicting viewpoints of coaches, highlighting the growing need for comprehensive regulation in this new era of college athletics. The hosts meticulously analyze the Big 12's ambitious expansion plans, focusing on the integration of new powerhouses like the Houston Cougars and Utah Utes. They examine how these additions will reshape the conference's competitive balance and overall standing in the college football hierarchy. Ainsworth and Wistrcill offer an in-depth breakdown of the proposed changes to the College Football Playoff format, discussing the potential implications for the Big 12's championship aspirations. They weigh the pros and cons of the new system and speculate on how it might alter team strategies and fan experiences. In a compelling segment, the duo presents a hypothetical championship matchup between Utah and Houston, dissecting the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. They spotlight key players who could make a difference, including the dynamic Devin Dampier and the promising Conner Weigman, offering listeners a tantalizing preview of potential future clashes. The episode also features expert analysis on the shifting power dynamics within the Big 12, exploring how traditional powerhouses are adapting to the influx of new talent and the changing financial landscape of college sports. Listeners can expect insider perspectives, bold predictions, and thought-provoking discussions on how these seismic shifts in college football will affect their favorite teams, rivalries, and the overall fan experience in the coming seasons. Tune in for an episode packed with insider knowledge, spirited debate, and unparalleled insight into the evolving world of Big 12 football. 0:00 Intro: NIL dominates Big 12 media days 3:45 Coaches call for NIL regulation and tampering rules 7:16 Debate over playoff format and conference parity 10:48 Big 12 pushes for 5+11 playoff model 14:25 Importance of brand power in college football 18:29 Big 12's competitive potential in expanded playoff 22:33 Analyzing potential Houston vs Utah matchup 26:20 Closing thoughts on Big 12 media days Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts!

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Big 12 Media Days Shake Up College Football Landscape. Is a new era of NIL deals and conference realignment on the horizon?

Parker Ainsworth, Jake Hatch, and JT Worcestershill break down the biggest stories from Frisco, Texas. The hosts analyze Joey Maguire's call for player contracts, Brett Yormark's firm stance on playoff formats, and the debate over Big 12's depth. Key topics include the enforcement of NIL rules, the 5+11 format's impact on conference standing, and the pros and cons of parity vs. dominant teams.

Don't miss this insider look at college football's future. Will the Big 12 emerge as the deepest conference in the nation?

The HOUSTON COUGARS are gearing up for their inaugural Big 12 season, and head coach Willie Fritz is brimming with confidence. In this episode, Fritz offers an in-depth look at the program's readiness to compete at the highest level, emphasizing improved depth and intense competition across all positions. Fritz provides a detailed breakdown of the quarterback battle, drawing intriguing comparisons between Conner Weigman and Tulane's standout Michael Pratt. He also sheds light on the COUGARS' stacked running back room, featuring the dynamic duo of Re'Shaun Sanford and Dean Connor. The conversation shifts to the defensive side of the ball, where Fritz discusses new coordinator Austin Armstrong's adaptable scheme and its potential impact on the team's performance. He delves into the evolving landscape of college football, touching on the effects of NIL on recruiting strategies and the program's approach to balancing high school talent acquisition with transfer portal additions. Fritz shares his perspective on the increasing parity within the conference and the implications of playoff expansion for programs like HOUSTON. He offers candid insights into his coaching philosophy, discussing how he plans to tailor the offense to maximize his quarterback's strengths while maintaining a balanced attack. Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the COUGARS' outlook as they prepare to make their mark in the Big 12. From strategic roster management to on-field tactics, Fritz provides a coach's-eye view of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for HOUSTON football. This episode is a must-listen for COUGARS fans and college football enthusiasts alike, offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a program on the cusp of a new era in a power conference. 0:00 Intro: Willie Fritz at Big 12 Media Days 3:11 Depth and competition in offensive positions 6:36 Running back room competition and talent 10:21 Austin Armstrong's defensive transition and approach 15:56 Shasta's thumbs up/down segment at media day 18:00 NIL stories dominating Big 12 Media Days 22:35 Parity in the Big 12 Conference 27:11 Playoff models and regular season importance Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts!

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Houston's defense sets its sights on dominance in 2025. The Cougars face the challenge of maintaining their fierce reputation despite key losses. Can they rise to the occasion? In this episode, Parker Answorth sits down with cornerback Latrell McCutchin and defensive lineman Carlos Allen at Big 12 media days. The players offer an in-depth look at Houston's evolving defensive culture under the guidance of new coordinator Austin Armstrong. They discuss the nuances of schematic changes and share personal stories of growth and adaptation. McCutchin opens up about his expanding leadership role within the team, detailing how he's stepping up to fill the void left by departing veterans. Allen, meanwhile, provides fascinating insights into his journey transitioning from Kennesaw State to the high-stakes world of Big 12 football. The conversation takes a deep dive into the expectations for Houston's defensive line and secondary in the upcoming season. Both players offer their perspectives on how these units are preparing to face the challenges of a competitive conference. Listeners will gain an insider's perspective on the Cougars' defensive strategy, including how they plan to unleash their fast, physical style of play for four full quarters in 2025. The episode also touches on the mental and physical preparation required to compete at the highest level of college football. This engaging discussion provides fans and football enthusiasts alike with a comprehensive look at the Houston Cougars' defensive aspirations, player development, and team dynamics as they gear up for what promises to be an exciting 2025 season. 0:00 Intro: Big 12 media days and Houston's defense 3:24 Latrell McCutchin on leadership and defensive changes 11:08 Carlos Allen on journey from Kennesaw State 14:51 Defensive line talent and expectations for season 17:45 Comparing defensive coordinators Wood and Armstrong 20:25 Keith Cooper's mentorship and impact 23:40 Outro and locked on podcast network Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts!

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The Houston Cougars football program stands on the brink of a transformative season as they prepare to enter the Big 12 conference. This episode dives deep into the team's offensive overhaul, spearheaded by new quarterback Conner Weigman and offensive coordinator Slade Nagle. Can this dynamic duo revolutionize the Cougars' attack and propel them to success in their inaugural Power 5 season? Joining us are two key players, Stephon "Boogie" Johnson and Mekhi Mews, who offer exclusive insights into the team's preparation and mindset. They discuss Weigman's impressive skill set, his leadership qualities, and how he's adapting to the new system. The conversation also explores Nagle's innovative offensive schemes and how they're designed to exploit Big 12 defenses. Johnson and Mews share their enthusiasm about the Cougars' deep and talented receiving corps, explaining how this group could become a nightmare for opposing secondaries. They also provide a candid look at how Head Coach Willie Fritz is reshaping the program's culture, instilling a winning mentality, and preparing the team for the heightened competition in the Power 5. The players open up about their personal growth philosophies, discussing how they've evolved as athletes and individuals under the new coaching regime. They offer fascinating perspectives on the challenges and opportunities that come with the move to the Big 12, and how the team is embracing this historic transition. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the Cougars' offensive strategies, player development, and team dynamics. Johnson and Mews also share their bold predictions for the upcoming season, setting expectations high for Houston's debut in the Big 12. This episode provides an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at Houston's football program as it embarks on its most ambitious season yet. From tactical analysis to personal anecdotes, it's a must-listen for Cougars fans and college football enthusiasts alike. 0:00 Intro: Houston Cougars at Big 12 media days 3:34 Stephon "Boogie" Johnson on relationship with Conner Weigman 7:05 Mekhi Mews discusses receiver role and mindset 10:55 Mews on being face of Houston's receiver program 14:38 Mews's unique perspective as a wide receiver 18:26 Mews on jersey number change and season outlook 21:17 Expectations for Houston's offense this season 25:50 Players' potential for success after football careers Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts!

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Big 12 media days spark heated discussions on NIL deals, playoff structures, and conference dominance. Is the Big 12 truly the most competitive conference in college football? Parker Ainsworth, Jake Hatch, and JT Wistrcill dive deep into the contrasting perspectives of coaches Joey McGuire and Kalani Sitake regarding player contracts and the concept of amateurism in college sports. The hosts meticulously analyze Commissioner Brett Yormark's unwavering support for the 5+11 playoff format, exploring its potential ramifications on the Big 12's representation in future championships. The episode takes a comprehensive look at the Big 12's depth, drawing comparisons with powerhouse conferences like the SEC. The hosts engage in a thought-provoking debate on the merits of parity versus having dominant programs, weighing the pros and cons for fan engagement, national recognition, and overall conference strength. Listeners will gain exclusive insights into the Big 12's future trajectory, including in-depth discussions on the evolving landscape of NIL deals and their impact on recruiting and team dynamics. The hosts also examine the conference's strategic positioning in the ever-changing world of college football, considering factors such as media rights, expansion possibilities, and inter-conference rivalries. This episode offers a balanced mix of expert analysis, insider information, and spirited debate, providing fans with a comprehensive understanding of the Big 12's current status and future prospects. Whether you're a die-hard Big 12 supporter or a casual college football enthusiast, this podcast delivers valuable insights into the conference's role in shaping the future of collegiate athletics. Don't miss this captivating exploration of the Big 12's position in college football, featuring frank discussions on NIL deals, playoff strategies, and the conference's ongoing quest for national prominence. 0:00 Intro: Live from Big 12 media days 3:00 Coaches debate NIL and college football's future 7:13 Brett Yormark adamant about 5+11 playoff model 11:13 Debate over fairness of 5+11 vs auto-bids 15:22 Big 12 as deepest conference in football 19:13 Comparing Big 12 depth to other conferences 23:18 Importance of brand recognition for conferences 27:01 Strength of schedule vs wins debate Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts!

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Big 12 football recruiting is reaching new heights as Texas Tech secures a 5-star offensive tackle for 2026, signaling a potential shift in the conference's talent acquisition. This episode dives deep into the latest recruiting developments, exploring whether the Big 12 is finally closing the talent gap with the SEC. Parker Ainsworth provides a comprehensive breakdown of recent commitments and targets, with a special focus on the Houston Cougars' recruiting efforts. Listeners will get an in-depth look at high-profile recruits like Felix Ojo, Keisean Henderson, Ryder Lyons, Javen Holmes, and Mudassir Abdullah, understanding how these players could impact their respective programs and the conference as a whole. The discussion extends to the growing influence of NIL deals on conference dynamics, examining how this relatively new factor is reshaping recruitment strategies and player decisions across the Big 12. Looking ahead, the episode previews the upcoming Big 12 media days, offering listeners a sneak peek into what to expect from key figures like Willie Fritz and Deion Sanders. Their presence and potential announcements could set the tone for the conference's future direction. Throughout the episode, expert analysis sheds light on how these recruiting moves might reshape the Big 12's competitive landscape. The podcast explores the potential for the conference to challenge SEC dominance, considering both short-term impacts and long-term implications for college football's power structure. Fans of college football recruiting, Big 12 enthusiasts, and those interested in the evolving dynamics of collegiate athletics will find this episode packed with insider information, expert opinions, and thought-provoking discussions on the future of the Big 12 conference. 0:00 Intro: Big 12 school lands five-star recruit 2:03 Texas Tech adds top-ranked offensive tackle 4:36 Agent's perspective on recruiting deals 7:13 Big 12 schools competing with SEC recruiting 9:47 Houston's recent recruiting commitments 11:51 Keisean Henderson hints at future commits 13:53 Big 12 Media Days preview 15:57 Questions for Houston representatives at Media Days Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts!

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The Houston Cougars are set to take Sin City by storm at the Players Era Nil Invitational. This high-stakes tournament in Las Vegas pits the Cougars against formidable opponents Syracuse and Tennessee, with substantial cash prizes up for grabs. Parker Ainsworth delivers an in-depth analysis of Houston's upcoming battles, focusing on the key players who could make or break these crucial matchups. He spotlights Syracuse's dynamic duo of Nathan George and JJ Starling, while also examining the potential impact of Tennessee's standout Nate Ament. Ainsworth explores how the Cougars' renowned depth and versatility might give them a significant advantage in this pressure-cooker environment. But the excitement doesn't stop with the current roster. The episode also shines a light on former Houston stars making waves in the NBA Summer League. Listeners will get the latest on Jamal Shead, J'Wan Roberts, and LJ Cryer as they fight to secure their places in the big leagues. From strategic breakdowns of the tournament games to updates on Cougar alumni in the pros, this episode offers a comprehensive look at all things Houston basketball. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, Ainsworth's expert insights and analysis promise to elevate your understanding and appreciation of the Cougars' journey in Vegas and beyond. 0:00 Intro: Players Air Nil Invitational schedule released 3:05 Syracuse's roster and matchup analysis 6:38 Houston's potential lineup against Syracuse 9:43 Tennessee matchup and key players 13:49 Ja'Koby Gillespie: Tennessee's new point guard 17:25 Tournament format and potential prize money 19:28 Houston Cougars in NBA Summer League 22:32 Jamal Shead's potential in Toronto Raptors Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts!

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