First and 12 Podcast

In this episode of First and 12, we break down the latest NCAA-approved rule changes set to impact college basketball in 2025 and beyond. From game pace adjustments to technical foul updates, these changes could reshape how the game is played. But are they enough? I also dive into three additional rule changes I believe the NCAA should consider to improve the sport for players, coaches, and fans alike. Don’t miss this deep dive int...

The 2025 preseason college football rankings are here! In this episode of the First and 12 Podcast, we break down the latest Top 25 rankings from six major outlets — including ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, Athlon, The Athletic, and Sporting News. We dive into where Big 12 teams land in each poll, who’s rising, who’s underrated, and what it all means heading into the new season. Whether it’s Kansas State cracking the top 20, or ques...

BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is reportedly facing potential suspension from the team following sexual assault allegations. We dive into how the BYU Honor Code plays a central role in this developing story and examine the broader implications for BYU Football heading into the season. What does this mean for the quarterback depth chart, team morale, and the university's public image? Get the full analysis and context right here...

Adam Gibby dives deep into the Top 5 Big 12 football stadiums and the unforgettable game day atmospheres that make each one a must-visit for college football fans. From deafening crowd noise to legendary tailgates, we break down what makes these venues elite. Whether you're a hardcore fan or planning your next road trip, this is your ultimate guide to the best stadium experiences in the Big 12 Conference. 

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In this episode of First and 12, we dive deep into the potential collapse of college athletics as we know it, following the monumental House v. NCAA settlement. With schools potentially facing $20 million annual payouts to athletes, programs across the Big 12, Group of Five (G5), and beyond are bracing for financial strain. We break down how this case could cripple athletic departments, force tough Title IX decisions, and even lead...

In this episode, we dive deep into ESPN’s updated Football Power Index (FPI) rankings for the reloaded Big 12. From Utah’s entrance to UCF’s rise and Kansas State’s consistency, we analyze what the numbers really mean — then reveal our own power rankings that take a few surprising turns. Don’t miss the insider analysis, team-by-team breakdowns, and hot takes that make First and 12 your go-to Big 12 College Football podcast.

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In this episode of First and 12, we tackle one of the biggest debates in college football: is the Big 12 or the ACC the stronger conference? With playoff bids, quarterback depth, and non-conference wins all on the table, we break down who’s rising and who’s riding reputation. From Florida State and Clemson to Kansas State and Utah, we compare talent, coaching, and performance to see which league is truly built for the new era of co...

In this episode of First and XII, we expose how media bias—especially from ESPN—shapes the college football landscape through flawed metrics like the FPI (Football Power Index). We dig into how the SEC benefits from inflated rankings, while conferences like the Big 12, ACC, and others are consistently undervalued. Is it analysis or just narrative control? We break down how this media favoritism impacts rankings, playoff seeding, an...

In this episode, we break down the Top 5 Group of Five (G5) programs the Big 12 Conference should consider for future expansion. With college football realignment shaking up the landscape, the Big 12 has an opportunity to strengthen its footprint and competitiveness. We analyze key factors like market size, athletic success, fan base, and institutional fit to determine which G5 schools are the best candidates to join the Power Five...

On this episode of First and 12, we break down the three major proposed College Football Playoff (CFP) expansion models — automatic qualifiers, at-large rankings, and hybrid formats. We dive into the pros and cons of each system and ask the big question: Which playoff model gives the Big 12 Conference the best path to the postseason?

With the college football landscape shifting rapidly, this discussion is critical for fans of Big 12...

In this Big 12 football deep dive, we rank the three easiest and three most difficult conference schedules based on home and away splits. Which Big 12 teams benefit from a friendly schedule—and who got the short end of the stick with brutal road games? We analyze the strength of schedule,  and key matchups that could make or break the 2025 season. 

A must-listen for Big 12 fans, college football bettors, and schedule breakdown junki...

Breaking SEC News: How It Could Boost Big 12 Playoff Hopes | Why the 5+11 Model Is the Future of CFB

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Major news just dropped out of the SEC—and it could have big implications for the Big 12's path to the College Football Playoff. In this episode, we break down how the latest developments might shift the CFP seeding conversation and why the proposed 5+11 format is the most balanced model for the futu...

In this episode of First and 12, we dive into the growing tension as the Big 12 and ACC challenge the SEC's grip on the new College Football Playoff format. Is real balance possible in the CFP era? We break down how these conferences are fighting for fairness—and what it means for the future of the game. Plus, we explore regular season scheduling changes that could elevate competition and fan engagement across college football...

In this episode of First and 12, we break down the 2025 Big 12 quarterback rankings and dive into why the quarterback position is the crown jewel of the Big 12 Conference this season. From rising stars to seasoned veterans, we analyze every QB’s strengths, supporting casts, and what sets the elite apart. Whether you're a fan, analyst, or just love college football, this deep dive into Big 12 quarterbacks for the 2025 season is...

In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the seismic shift in college football's future: the Big 12 and ACC effectively waving the white flag to the Big Ten and SEC. With the new College Football Playoff format on the horizon in 2026, the two conferences already seem to have conceded by giving up their auto-bids. 

We unpack how the Big 12 and ACC's decision to concede automatic bids signals a changing of the guard in the ...

In this episode, we break down the Top 5 non-conference games in the Big 12 for the 2025 season—from powerhouse matchups to critical playoff resume builders. Learn why these high-stakes games are crucial for the Big 12's College Football Playoff hopes and how they play a major role in shaping the future of conference realignment. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just watching the chessboard of college football evolve, thi...

In this episode, we dive into the proposed expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) to 16 teams — and the controversy surrounding automatic bids. With the SEC and Big Ten potentially locking down four auto-bids while the ACC and Big 12 only get two, is this an unfair power grab or a strategic necessity?

I break down why the Big 12 might be wise to accept the deal despite the imbalance, and why its long-term future could depen...

In this episode of First and XII, we dive deep into one of the biggest questions in college football today: Does college football need a commissioner? With the NCAA's rapidly evolving landscape, we explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of appointing a centralized leader to oversee the sport nationally.

We examine what this could mean specifically for the Big 12 Conference, especially as it navigates realignment, competit...