First and 16 Podcast - Big 12 College Football and College Basketball
Your daily podcast for Big 12 Football, Big 12 Basketball, and all other Big 12 Sports. First and 16 delivers sharp analysis, insider rumors, and in-depth breakdowns for all 16 Big 12 teams — from Texas Tech and BYU to Kansas State and UCF. Whether it’s Big 12 football Saturdays or March Madness runs, we cover every story, every angle, every time.Stay updated with Big 12 news, game previews and recaps, transfer portal moves, coaching updates, and more. Fast-paced and info-packed, First and 12 is your go-to source for everything Big 12 sports.
info_outline
Is BYU Falling Apart? Kalani Sitake Sends a Clear Message
08/11/2026
Is BYU Falling Apart? Kalani Sitake Sends a Clear Message
There may be more going on at BYU than fans realize. In this episode of First & 16, Adam Gibby breaks down the rumors surrounding BYU Athletic Director Brian Santiago, Kalani Sitake's surprisingly candid comments about resources within the football program, and why those comments could signal larger issues inside BYU athletics. Adam examines the timing of recent reports, what Sitake's frustration could mean for the future of BYU football, and how any instability in Provo could impact the Big 12 Conference as a whole. Could BYU be facing a major turning point? Is this simply offseason speculation, or is there something bigger happening behind the scenes? Let us know what you think in the comments. #BYU #BYUFootball #KalaniSitake #Big12 #CollegeFootball #BrianSantiago #BYUCougars #CFB #TexasTech #UtahFootball
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/42386355
info_outline
College Football RESTART? Rebuilding the Power Conferences Into 5 Regional Super Leagues
08/10/2026
College Football RESTART? Rebuilding the Power Conferences Into 5 Regional Super Leagues
What if college football hit the reset button? After thousands of views and hundreds of fan reactions, Adam Gibby breaks down a bold proposal that would completely reshape the sport. Instead of nationwide conferences stretching coast-to-coast, this plan creates five regional 19-team conferences featuring the ACC, Big 12, SEC, Big Ten, and a revived Pac-12. In this episode, Adam explains: Why regional conferences make more sense than coast-to-coast leagues A proposed 95-team top division The return of historic rivalries A rebuilt Big 12 featuring Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, and more A revived Pac-12 loaded with western brands A new playoff format with guaranteed conference representation How NIL, transfer portal changes, and future regulations could create more balance across the sport Would fans rather watch Texas vs. Texas Tech, BYU vs. Boise State, and Pitt vs. West Virginia than many of today's cross-country conference matchups? Adam makes the case for bringing geography back to college football. Drop your thoughts in the comments. Would this fix college football, or is the current system better? #CollegeFootball #Big12 #SEC #BigTen #Pac12 #CollegeFootballPlayoff #Realignment #CFB
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/42367065
info_outline
College Football Expansion is COMING! Save College Sports Act is Forcing Teams to Leave Now
08/08/2026
College Football Expansion is COMING! Save College Sports Act is Forcing Teams to Leave Now
The Save College Sports Act could be the biggest college football story of the decade. In this episode of First & 16, Adam Gibby breaks down the proposed legislation that could dramatically reshape conference realignment, NIL, the transfer portal, roster management, and the future of the Power Four. Most importantly, a proposed 180-day grace period could create a final realignment frenzy before new restrictions take effect. Could Notre Dame finally join the Big Ten? Would Florida State, Clemson, Miami, or North Carolina make a move to the SEC? Could the Big 12 capitalize by adding ACC programs? Or could college football take a completely unexpected path and return to a more regional model? Topics Covered: • Save College Sports Act explained • NIL caps and revenue-sharing changes • Transfer portal restrictions • Conference expansion limits • Notre Dame and the Big Ten • SEC expansion possibilities • Big 12 expansion targets • ACC survival scenarios • The future of college football realignment Subscribe for daily Big 12 football coverage, conference realignment analysis, rankings, recruiting news, and college football commentary.
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/42362255
info_outline
Ranking All 16 Big 12 Starting Quarterbacks for 2026 | Big 12 QB Tier List
08/07/2026
Ranking All 16 Big 12 Starting Quarterbacks for 2026 | Big 12 QB Tier List
Who has the best quarterback in the Big 12 heading into the 2026 college football season? In this episode of First and 16, Adam Gibby ranks all 16 projected starting quarterbacks in the Big 12 using a tier list system that includes Heisman Contenders, Great Quarterbacks, Win Some/Lose Some, Hold Their Team Back, and Wait & See categories. From Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker and Utah's Devin Dampier to BYU's Bear Bachmeier, Texas Tech's Will Hammond, Arizona's Noah Fifita, and Kansas State's Avery Johnson, we break down every projected starter and discuss who could lead their team to a conference championship and who still has major questions to answer.
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/42352520
info_outline
College Football Top 25: The Big 12 is Disrespected...AGAIN
08/05/2026
College Football Top 25: The Big 12 is Disrespected...AGAIN
The preseason Coaches Poll is officially here, and there are some rankings that simply don't add up. In this episode of First and 16, Adam Gibby breaks down the biggest surprises, snubs, and questionable decisions in the latest Top 25. Why is BYU ranked outside the Top 12 despite returning most of its production? Why did Houston fall after finishing ranked? Why are Texas Tech and Indiana being treated differently than traditional power brands? We also examine how ESPN's FPI rankings may influence preseason narratives, AP voters, and national perception long before games are actually played. Topics include: Coaches Poll reaction ESPN FPI influence Big 12 disrespect BYU football Houston football Texas Tech football Indiana football Miami football SEC bias debate College Football Playoff implications Subscribe for more Big 12 football coverage, rankings analysis, transfer portal news, and college football discussion. Source discussion includes your argument that preseason rankings create narratives that influence later voting and public perception.
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/42321015
info_outline
College Football Chaos: NCAA's New Rule Could Bring Players Back
08/04/2026
College Football Chaos: NCAA's New Rule Could Bring Players Back
Adam Gibby (00:01) Next on first and sixteen, new legislation and another injunction. Plug your ears, Texas Tech fans, as players now appear to have a fifth year of eligibility, including those who just graduated. boy, this is gonna be a big one. We're gonna talk about that on today's show. Hello and welcome to today's episode of First 16. I'm your host, Adam Gibby. Thank you for joining us today. We are being listened to in all 50 states, 63 countries around the world. So however you're joining us. Thank you so much. If you could do me a huge favor and like and subscribe to the channel, allows us to be able to reach more people, grow this community, and talk about what matters most around college football, of course, with the emphasis being on the Big 12 conference. All right, so let's get right into it. It was released yesterday that the NCAA will now have to, well, unless they are able to figure this all out. is going to to allow players who graduated in the year 2022 a fifth year of eligibility. Yeah. That's not going to create a mess at all. Let me give a little bit of a backstory. So the Save College Sports Act, which is something that is actually really, really good for college sports. It's going to do a lot of really great things. There are some things that are still questionable and we're to be talking about that the next couple of days. Yeah, I know. We're we're almost to football season. We can actually almost talk about games soon. I cannot wait for that. And we'll be talking about games until hopefully early April between football and basketball. Point's still the same. The Save College Sports Act, one of the things that it's going to do is it's going to change eligibility. Right now, you get four years and then a potential redshirt, equaling five. But under the new law, what would happen is you would just get five years. And it doesn't matter what happens in those five years. You can play all five. You can get injured for one of them, you can get injured for three of them. You could play for two years, lead the sport for a year, come back and play two more. And once you start, that's when your clock starts. Or you turn 19. Mostly referring to you know your international players. you see it mostly in basketball. You get international players to come over maybe when they're 22, 23. So if they were to do that, they would only have two or three years of eligibility as opposed to mean and will come in as a freshman. You don't see that in football as much, sometimes maybe with kickers. but really, really, it's more of a basketball thing. There are exceptions and and for BYU fans and and some Utah fans, maybe Arizona, Arizona State, there are exceptions if you serve in the military, if you serve a church mission, then those years don't count against you. But outside of that, it's just very clear. You cannot play past five years after turning nineteen or starting your playing time as, you know, an eighteen year old. Is this good though? I think on the surface, the actual change is great. I think the whole idea of redshirting is kind of dumb anyways. You get to come in, you can play four, I think it was actually moved up to six games this year in football. But then you have to sit out the rest and that encounters your redshirt. But then if you get injured, you kinda wanna save that redshirt. And what ends up happening is you get to the end of your fourth year and it's like, I haven't used a redshirt. Well, I don't want to come back and only play part of a year, so I guess I'm just done. In basketball, you don't get to play really at all. And so, you know, that red shirt's not really a thing in college basketball. You don't really see it anymore, especially with the transfer portal. It's better for a guy to go and play at you know, Colorado of the Mines or or, you know, whatever. go play at UMass for a year, get that experience, and then transfer into the Big Twelve or, you know, ACC, whatever conference. You you very, very rarely see red shirts now taken in college basketball outside of medical redshirts, which happened with injuries. And so I think it's a good overall change. I think this is gonna be great for the game. However, this new injunction that's basically saying that players who have graduated Now get an extra year. that's a little bit dangerous. And it's it's gonna cause some issues. Because what's happening now is you're getting guys maybe like a KBK at BYU, like a Jackson Kohler at Michigan State. That's been a big one. Few guys at Michigan have talked about it. You're gonna get these guys coming back, and those roster spots. that other players were taking that were expecting to be able to, you know, play and have a lot of success in, they're now going to be on the bench. So if you're a let's just say the starting point guard for Oklahoma State, right? And that's your role. That's what you're expecting. You've gone through summer practices. You've been running with the ones. All of a sudden, fifth year senior, maybe from Oklahoma State, maybe somewhere else, he now transfer in Now he's the point guard. Well, that's not really fair to you. Because you've been promised, you've been guaranteed, you've been practicing as if you're the starter. I mean, I understand that happens in professional sports all the time. And if you're not better, then be better. But at the same time, I mean, this is unprecedented. Okay, it's almost not fair. It's not right. For a player who, especially in basketball, is trying to be a one and done. Maybe for a senior quarterback in football who's transferring for their last season as a last hope for the NFL. Well, now they're the second string. That's a tough call for those guys. And I can see both sides of the argument. If you're a fifth-year senior guy, and I don't know what we're gonna call a fifth-year senior, fifth-year player, whatever, if you're that player, And you just saw this new rule come out where you get five year and five, then you you're you're looking at it saying, Hey, I just finished my fourth year. I should get a fifth. Because I've only done four. On the flip side, I can also see the other side of the argument where it's, well, yeah, you did four, but under those rules, you're done. So no, you don't get to just retroactively go back and then you get a fifth year. I see both sides of the argument, but it looks like these players are going to get to play. So the big question I've been getting, I've and I've had a few of you reach out, is is this going to affect football? We got football coming up in less than a month. We got football this month, guys. my gosh. I am so I I've said it over and over. I am so excited just to get football going, as opposed to having to talk about talking about football. Yeah, we're not even talking about football. We're talking about talking about football. You know, expansion, Lada, whatever. So the question I've been getting is we've got football this month. Are we gonna see any players join their teams or join a team? And the short answer is probably probably yes, but not very many. and I think we're probably gonna see it more at the G6 level. And here's why. Typically You're not going to get four year players in college that don't use a red shirt that aren't going to be already in the NFL. The reason for that is Well, if you're good enough to play as a freshman, you're probably gonna be good enough for the NFL by the time you're senior. Also, so many players in football just get injured. it's almost an I I don't want to say a rarity, but it's becoming more and more rare to find players that do make it all four years without suffering some kind of injury and having to use that red shirt, which again no longer exists, but all of these players did exist in that system. And so there's just not Very many of those guys. you will get some. particularly you might get those G6 guys who maybe start as, you know, offensive guard, play their freshman season, transfer as a junior, play two years at Cincinnati or whatever. Then they're at their fourth year, and it's like, well, I'm not good enough for the NFL yet. But I also, I never used my redshirt. I'm not gonna go do that now. And so you're just kind of done. Those guys exist, but it's far and few between. And at this point in the game, again, you're not you're not dealing with your all-star players. You're not dealing with your Fernando Mendozas. Okay, you're not dealing with those guys. You're you're dealing with rotational guys. And so I'm not sure how many teams this late in the game are gonna say, yeah, yeah, yeah, please come back, especially if they're gonna be transfers. Please come back or come over here. We'll get you in our system, we'll get you going, and we'd love to have you. Again, it could happen, but I don't know. I I don't see it happening too much. Maybe at the G6 level, you know, again, you get a guy from TCU, rotational guy, played all four years. Ran out of eligibility, now's looking for a fifth year, and says, okay, I'll go play for Rice, I'll go play for North Texas, whatever. It gets to start immediately just because that talent is already so much higher than the current players they have, where it's better to have higher talent than to have like perfect knowledge of the scheme or whatever. So I don't think we're gonna see it very much in football. Basketball is a whole nother thing though. I think in basketball we're gonna see a lot. Of players return. And we're already seeing large lists of players that are wanting to return. And the reason for that is basketball is different. First off, you don't have as many injuries. Second, unless you're a really elite player, after four years, you're probably not getting drafted. And even if you are drafted, you may not decide, or you may not even make the team. Typically, if you're not in the top 20, the odds of you actually making the final roster are about 50-50. So when you look at that, and then you also consider the international game. I mean, there's there's what 62, 64 overall picks, 10, 15 of those come from international players. I mean, you're looking at about 50 guys a year that are getting picked up by the NBA versus 300 and whatever by the NFL. And so when you look at that, you consider that you're gonna have a lot of four-year guys. Also, like I mentioned, you don't get that red shirt. You don't see the same red shirt that you see in college football. Okay, I I was getting messages. I I host another show, Cougar's Daily. If you want to check that out on YouTube, I was getting messages about Chase Roberts. He was a receiver for BYU last year. And people were asking me, hey, can he come back? And at first I thought, yeah, maybe, maybe. I mean, he was a great receiver. He'd be great. He only played, you know, he's he was a four-year senior. He graduated. But then I looked back, he had a red shirt. And so he he did have that fifth year. And so for him, it wouldn't apply. Basketball, on the other hand, you don't get that redshirt. You get a lot of guys who are four and done. Because again, that that redshirt as a fifth year just doesn't make sense. So it's going to make a huge impact. And it's going to drastically change rosters, especially, especially for the younger guys. And it's going to be very interesting how that all, you know, shakes out. And I do feel for those guys, especially the freshmen who are coming in, or maybe the seniors, the fourth years, or whatever we're calling them now, who are coming into their new teams, and they're expected to be the starters. And this is either their first chance to really show off or their last. And now they're being told we understand that this has never happened before. This is unprecedented. But we're going to bring in this guy. We're going to bring in this guy who was a fringe NBA pick. He's going to start over you. And and it's and it is hard. That's tough because, you know, maybe, you know, let's say I wanted to be the point guard for UCF. I go to UCF and now some new guy comes in. Well, maybe I could have gone to USF or I could have gone to Florida, you know, Atlanta, Florida International, and been the starter, gotten those reps and worked myself onto a better roster next year. It's it's on it's on president and territory. And I I don't know what the reaction is going to be with this, but it is very, very interesting. And I think it's actually gonna booster some Big Twelve resumes and just res just rosters overall. Because right now the Big Twelve kind of is down a little bit. Last year was just such a good year for the league. You had Darren Peterson, you A.J. DeBonsa, you had you had Flemings, you I mean you had guys all bury Burries, you had guys all over the league that all went into the NBA and what was it, fourteen, fifteen overall picks? It was insane. And I'm not saying any of those guys are coming back, but if you can get some of those upper p you know, upper echelon players from the Big Ten, the ACC, the SEC, who are looking for one more opportunity they can go to a Big Twelve school, I think it's gonna help. But let me know what think. Drop a comment. I appreciate everybody who's been commenting lately. I've been trying to respond to everyone. We've been hitting thousands of views on every single video. So thank guys. Really do appreciate it. I will catch you on the next one. Have a good day. Bye.
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/42309725
info_outline
Predicting Every Big 12 Team's Record for 2026
07/31/2026
Predicting Every Big 12 Team's Record for 2026
Who will win the Big 12 in 2026? Which teams are legitimate College Football Playoff contenders, and which programs could be in for a long season? In this episode of First & 16, Adam Gibby breaks down every Big 12 team's schedule and predicts where they'll finish in the standings. From Texas Tech, BYU, and Houston to Oklahoma State, Utah, Kansas State, and Arizona State, every team is placed into tiers based on projected wins and postseason expectations. 🏈 Big 12 schedule analysis 🏈 College Football Playoff contenders 🏈 Bowl game projections 🏈 Surprise teams and disappointments 🏈 Texas Tech, BYU, Houston, Utah, Oklahoma State & more Do you agree with these predictions? Which team is being overrated and which team is being overlooked? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe for Big 12 football analysis, rankings, predictions, transfer portal news, recruiting updates, and College Football Playoff coverage all season long. #Big12 #CollegeFootball #TexasTech #BYUFootball #HoustonCougars #OklahomaState #CFB
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/42272350
info_outline
Big 12 Brand Values REVEALED: BYU Surges, Texas Tech Rises & Colorado's Deion Effect
07/29/2026
Big 12 Brand Values REVEALED: BYU Surges, Texas Tech Rises & Colorado's Deion Effect
The Athletic recently released its latest valuation rankings for all Power 4 football programs, and the results could have major implications for the future of the Big 12. In this episode of First & 16, Adam Gibby breaks down why Utah, Texas Tech, BYU, and TCU sit atop the conference rankings, what BYU's massive rise says about the future of the Cougars, and why Colorado continues to benefit from the Deion Sanders effect. Adam also examines concerning trends for Kansas State, discusses why Cincinnati and Houston rank near the bottom nationally, and explores what these valuations could mean for future conference expansion, realignment, and the possibility of a future college football super league. Are these rankings a meaningful measure of brand strength, or just another preseason metric like ESPN's FPI? Tune in and decide for yourself. #Big12 #CollegeFootball #BYUFootball #TexasTech #UtahFootball #ColoradoBuffs #DeionSanders #TCUFootball #ConferenceRealignment #CFB
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/42249290
info_outline
Why Some Big 12 Teams NEED to Lose for the Conference to Win
07/23/2026
Why Some Big 12 Teams NEED to Lose for the Conference to Win
The Big 12 has a perception problem—and the solution may surprise you. In this episode of First & 16, Adam Gibby breaks down why the Big 12 doesn't need parity in 2026. Instead, the conference may need a handful of elite teams to separate themselves from the pack if it wants to earn multiple College Football Playoff bids. Can BYU, Utah, Texas Tech, and Houston become the conference's playoff standard-bearers? What happens when middle-of-the-pack teams pull off upset wins that hurt the league's national perception? And is there actually a realistic path for the Big 12 to send multiple teams to the CFP? Topics Include: • Big 12 College Football Playoff scenarios • Texas Tech's favorable 2026 schedule • BYU's path to an undefeated season • Utah's playoff ceiling • Houston as a potential dark horse • Why conference perception matters • The Big 12 vs ACC debate • How the Big 12 can earn multiple CFP bids Subscribe for daily Big 12 football coverage, rankings, predictions, recruiting news, conference realignment discussion, and College Football Playoff analysis. #Big12 #CollegeFootball #CFP #TexasTech #BYU #UtahFootball #HoustonFootball #Big12Football #CFBPlayoff #FirstAnd16
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/42198735
info_outline
SEC Leaving the NCAA: Could it Happen and What it Means for College Football
07/21/2026
SEC Leaving the NCAA: Could it Happen and What it Means for College Football
The SEC is making headlines after comments at SEC Media Days sparked discussion about the conference potentially breaking away from the current college football structure. But what would actually happen if the SEC left? In this episode of First & 16, Adam Gibby breaks down the growing tensions between the SEC, the NCAA, the College Football Playoff, and other Power Four conferences. We discuss whether fans across the country would continue watching SEC football, the role ESPN plays in shaping the college football conversation, and why regional interest may matter more than many realize. We also dive into the surprising head-to-head results between the SEC and Big 12 over the last several seasons and examine whether the perception of SEC dominance matches reality. Topics Include: ✅ SEC breakup rumors ✅ SEC Media Days reaction ✅ ESPN and college football rankings ✅ Big 12 vs SEC comparison ✅ College Football Playoff expansion ✅ NCAA power struggles ✅ Texas Tech and the Brendan Sorsby controversy ✅ Future of college football conferences ✅ SEC vs Big Ten debate ✅ Realignment news and analysis Subscribe for Big 12 football coverage, college football analysis, conference realignment news, rankings, transfer portal updates, recruiting, and playoff discussions. #CollegeFootball #SEC #Big12 #CFB #ESPN #TexasTech #BYUFootball #CollegeFootballPlayoff #ConferenceRealignment #FirstAnd16
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/42174865
info_outline
Will the Big Ten Add Notre Dame? Congress Proposes 19-Team Conferences
07/21/2026
Will the Big Ten Add Notre Dame? Congress Proposes 19-Team Conferences
A new proposal being discussed in Congress could dramatically reshape college football. The Protect College Sports Act includes provisions that could cap conferences at 19 teams and require Power Conference schools to spend five years as independents before changing leagues. Adam Gibby breaks down what this could mean for the Big Ten, SEC, ACC, and Big 12, including the possibility of Notre Dame joining the Big Ten and predictions for which programs could be added to each conference. In this episode of First & 16: Why 19-team conferences are being discussed Notre Dame's future and Big Ten expansion SEC expansion candidates ACC expansion predictions Big 12 realignment possibilities Oregon State, UConn, San Diego State, Memphis, Tulane, Army, Navy, and more The future of conference realignment and college football Will college football eventually move to 19-team super conferences? Which schools deserve a Power Conference invitation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. #CollegeFootball #ConferenceRealignment #BigTen #Big12 #SEC #ACC #NotreDame #CollegeFootballPlayoff #NIL #TransferPortal
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/42158315
info_outline
ACC vs Big 12: Which Conference Is Better in 2026? Ranking All 33 Teams by Brand Power
07/17/2026
ACC vs Big 12: Which Conference Is Better in 2026? Ranking All 33 Teams by Brand Power
Is the ACC really stronger than the Big 12 in 2026? In this episode of First & 16, Adam Gibby ranks all 33 ACC and Big 12 football programs based on brand strength, national perception, conference value, and long-term relevance. From Clemson, Miami, and Florida State to BYU, Texas Tech, Utah, Kansas State, and Colorado, every team is placed into tiers and evaluated against its conference rivals. Which conference has the stronger top brands? Which league has the better depth? And when you look at the entire conference from top to bottom, does the ACC or Big 12 come out on top? In this episode we discuss: 🏈 The programs most likely to attract SEC or Big Ten interest 🏈 Why Miami and Clemson lead the ACC brand rankings 🏈 Whether BYU and Texas Tech are becoming national brands 🏈 The rise of Georgia Tech, SMU, and Arizona State 🏈 Where Colorado, Utah, Baylor, and UCF fit in the hierarchy 🏈 Which conference has the stronger middle class and overall depth 🏈 The biggest winners and losers in the ACC vs Big 12 debate Whether you're a fan of the Big 12, ACC, conference realignment, the College Football Playoff, or simply love debating college football rankings, this episode breaks down every program and answers one of the biggest questions in the sport: Who is the better conference: the ACC or the Big 12? Subscribe for daily Big 12 football coverage, conference realignment news, rankings, transfer portal analysis, predictions, and college football discussions. #Big12 #ACC #CollegeFootball #ConferenceRealignment #BYUFootball #TexasTech #MiamiHurricanes #ClemsonFootball #FloridaState #CFBPodcast #CollegeFootballPlayoff #FirstAnd16Podcast
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/42132595
info_outline
BIG 12 vs ACC: Jim Phillips Sends Message to the Big 12 | Conference Realignment Update
07/16/2026
BIG 12 vs ACC: Jim Phillips Sends Message to the Big 12 | Conference Realignment Update
The ACC and Big 12 continue to battle for position as college football's third-best conference, but comments from ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips during ACC Media Days have raised new questions about conference realignment, conference unity, and the future of the Power Four. In this episode of First & 16, Adam Gibby breaks down Jim Phillips' comments about building a conference where schools "want to be, not have to be" and examines whether the statement was directed at Florida State, Clemson, North Carolina, or even the Big 12. We also discuss: 🏈 ACC Media Days takeaways 🏈 Big 12 vs ACC comparison entering the 2026 season 🏈 Texas Tech's growing tension with the Big 12 🏈 Florida State, Clemson, and North Carolina realignment rumors 🏈 Brett Yormark's biggest challenge heading into 2027 🏈 Whether the Big 12 should expand with Oregon State, Washington State, Boise State, or UNLV 🏈 The future of conference realignment and the Power Four structure Can the Big 12 re-establish itself as the clear No. 3 conference in college football? Or has the ACC quietly regained momentum after reaching the national championship game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. 🎙️ Subscribe for Big 12 football, conference realignment news, college football analysis, rankings, recruiting, and media day coverage. #Big12 #ACC #CollegeFootball #ConferenceRealignment #TexasTech #FloridaState #Clemson #BrettYormark #JimPhillips #CFB
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/42120970
info_outline
BYU and Utah to the Big 10? Top Big 12 Expansion Candidates
07/14/2026
BYU and Utah to the Big 10? Top Big 12 Expansion Candidates
Reports of BYU and Utah going to the Big 10 are once again ramping up, which brings up the question, what G6 teams would be best for expansion if the Big 12 ever was looking to add teams.
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/42093880
info_outline
ESPN FPI EXPOSED? Why the SEC Gets 12 Top 25 Teams and the Big 12 Gets Ignored
07/10/2026
ESPN FPI EXPOSED? Why the SEC Gets 12 Top 25 Teams and the Big 12 Gets Ignored
Did ESPN's Football Power Index just hand the SEC a massive head start in the 2026 College Football Playoff race? In this episode of First and 16, Adam Gibby breaks down the latest ESPN FPI rankings and explains why the SEC landed 12 teams in the Top 25 while the Big 12 received just two. Are these rankings truly data-driven, or are they creating narratives that benefit ESPN's biggest television partner? We dive into: 🏈 ESPN FPI methodology explained 🏈 Why SEC teams dominate the rankings every year 🏈 How preseason rankings influence AP Poll voters 🏈 The playoff implications for BYU, Utah, Arizona State, TCU, Houston, and the rest of the Big 12 🏈 Why Florida, Auburn, South Carolina, and Missouri are ranked ahead of proven Big 12 programs 🏈 The transparency problem with ESPN's ranking system 🏈 How strength of schedule and "quality wins" are created before games are even played If you're a Big 12 fan, BYU fan, Utah fan, Arizona State fan, Houston fan, TCU fan, Texas Tech fan, or simply a college football fan tired of conference bias, this is a conversation you need to hear. Subscribe for daily Big 12 football coverage, conference realignment news, rankings analysis, playoff discussions, recruiting updates, and everything happening across the Big 12 Conference. #Big12 #CollegeFootball #ESPNFPI #BYUFootball #TexasTech #UtahFootball #CollegeFootballPlayoff #SECFootball #CFB
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/42031010
info_outline
Big 12 Media Days 2026 Recap: Brett Yormark, BYU, Texas Tech Drama, CFP Expansion, Monster Energy Deal & Every Major Takeaway
07/08/2026
Big 12 Media Days 2026 Recap: Brett Yormark, BYU, Texas Tech Drama, CFP Expansion, Monster Energy Deal & Every Major Takeaway
The 2026 Big 12 Media Days delivered no shortage of headlines. In this episode of First and 16, Adam Gibby breaks down everything that happened in Frisco, Texas, including Commissioner Brett Yormark addressing College Football Playoff expansion, the conference's international growth plans, the fallout from Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby's gambling-related departure, BYU's preseason expectations, Arizona's Heisman hopes with Noah Fifita, Utah's championship aspirations behind Devon Dampier, and the latest storylines from every corner of the Big 12. We also dive into the Monster Energy partnership, conference branding, recruiting momentum, quarterback battles, preseason award winners, and what it all means for the 2026 Big 12 title race. If you missed Day 1 of Big 12 Media Days, this is your complete recap featuring every major quote, controversy, prediction, and storyline shaping the upcoming season.
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/42016300
info_outline
NIL 5 Year Anniversary: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly PLUS Thank you BYU
07/03/2026
NIL 5 Year Anniversary: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly PLUS Thank you BYU
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.
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/41952530
info_outline
Utah to Join the Big 10? 3 Reasons They Won't and One Reason They Will
06/29/2026
Utah to Join the Big 10? 3 Reasons They Won't and One Reason They Will
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.
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/41898685
info_outline
Big 12 DOMINATES NBA Draft + Eligibility Changes
06/26/2026
Big 12 DOMINATES NBA Draft + Eligibility Changes
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!
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/41830535
info_outline
NBA Draft Preview: AJ Dybansta or Darryn Peterson as Number 1 Pick? Big 12 will Dominate Draft Night
06/23/2026
NBA Draft Preview: AJ Dybansta or Darryn Peterson as Number 1 Pick? Big 12 will Dominate Draft Night
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.
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/41746445
info_outline
Texas Tech Going Independent?! How it Could Actually Happen
06/15/2026
Texas Tech Going Independent?! How it Could Actually Happen
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.
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/41654725
info_outline
Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 Rankings for 2026 | BYU, Texas Tech & TCU Early Favorites
06/11/2026
Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 Rankings for 2026 | BYU, Texas Tech & TCU Early Favorites
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.
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/41617665
info_outline
Big 12 Boycott Brewing? Texas Tech Facing Backlash Over Brendan Sorsby Decision
06/09/2026
Big 12 Boycott Brewing? Texas Tech Facing Backlash Over Brendan Sorsby Decision
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
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/41590255
info_outline
NCAA is DEAD: Brendan Sorsby Granted Eligibility
06/08/2026
NCAA is DEAD: Brendan Sorsby Granted Eligibility
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.
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/41574040
info_outline
Nick Saban's Plan Could Change College Football Forever | The Future of Conferences, NIL
06/06/2026
Nick Saban's Plan Could Change College Football Forever | The Future of Conferences, NIL
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
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/41560080
info_outline
Big 12 Football Power Rankings 2026: Texas Tech, BYU & Houston Lead the Pack | College Baseball & Softball Upsets
06/01/2026
Big 12 Football Power Rankings 2026: Texas Tech, BYU & Houston Lead the Pack | College Baseball & Softball Upsets
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
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/41499680
info_outline
Big 12 TV Schedule Reaction: FOX, ESPN & CBS Give the Big 12 Major Respect in 2026
05/28/2026
Big 12 TV Schedule Reaction: FOX, ESPN & CBS Give the Big 12 Major Respect in 2026
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.
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/41459960
info_outline
Why ESPN & the SEC Don’t Want a 24-Team College Football Playoff | Big 12, ACC & CFP Expansion
05/26/2026
Why ESPN & the SEC Don’t Want a 24-Team College Football Playoff | Big 12, ACC & CFP Expansion
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.
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/41420940
info_outline
Steve Sarkisian Says Texas BACKUPS Would Go Undefeated in the Big 12?! + The Brendan Sorsby Debate
05/21/2026
Steve Sarkisian Says Texas BACKUPS Would Go Undefeated in the Big 12?! + The Brendan Sorsby Debate
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.
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/41385525
info_outline
Another TERRIBLE 24-Team Playoff Take?! | College Football Playoff Expansion Debate | First & 16
05/15/2026
Another TERRIBLE 24-Team Playoff Take?! | College Football Playoff Expansion Debate | First & 16
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.
/episode/index/show/6bdd7fe5-3df5-477a-a27a-5f3e5fb38e2b/id/41310820