Advertise on podcast: Big 12 Today

BYU Defensive Tackle Keanu Tanavasa joined Big 12 Today to discuss the Cougars’ upcoming game against Notre Dame. Tanavasa reflected on his time at BYU since transferring from Utah and praised defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga for helping him play with more freedom this season. He said the Notre Dame game is especially meaningful for the program, alongside matchups against Arizona and Utah. To win, he believes BYU must control the line of scrimmage, stick to the fundamentals, and pressure quarterback CJ Carr. Asked whether he’d prefer a sack-fumble or an interception, Tanavasa chose the sack-fumble, saying it’s what nose tackles live for. He also said that although LJ Martin won’t be on the field, his mentality and physicality remain with the team. Tanavasa spoke warmly about transferring to BYU, his relationship with head coach Kalani Sitake, and the culture that he says has helped him grow as a person and husband. With his first child due in less than 30 days, he shared his excitement about becoming a father. TUNE IN!

Oklahoma State linebacker Ethan Wesloski joined Big 12 Today to discuss the Cowboys’ season ahead of their big matchup against Houston this weekend. Wesloski reflected on playing for head coach Eric Morris at North Texas and transferring to Oklahoma State when Morris took the Cowboys’ job. He also spoke about growing up in McKinney, Texas, and competing in both football and baseball. A former catcher, Wesloski compared the physical demands of that position with playing linebacker and explained why he chose football. He praised defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity and said Oklahoma State’s defense may be underrated. Though he’s pleased with the unit’s performance, he stressed the need to start games faster. Wesloski also discussed playing alongside Tate Romney and helping lead the defense. Looking back on the season-opening loss to Tulsa, he said the team learned a lot and was humbled by the result. He also shared his positive impression of quarterback Drew Mestemaker, describing him as a great person who was raised by a wonderful mother, and reflected on what the season has taught him about himself. TUNE IN!

Houston head coach Willie Fritz joins Big 12 Today to preview the Cougars’ matchup with Oklahoma State this weekend. He praises quarterback Conner Weigman’s command of the offense and reflects on Houston’s win over Kansas State, including how the Cougars limited the Wildcats’ offense. Fritz also discusses safety Myles Rowser’s positive impact and tight end Patrick Overmyer’s NFL-ready build and blocking ability. Looking ahead, he recognizes the challenges Oklahoma State will bring and compliments head coach Eric Morris for his success at each stop in his career.  Fritz closes by describing Houston’s team culture and the players who fit the program. TUNE IN!

Jaden Owens, the Big 12 women’s basketball, lifestyle and athlete content creator, joined Big 12 Today to discuss her college basketball journey and the Big 12 women’s basketball schedule release. She reflected on growing up in Texas, starting her career at UCLA, and later returning home to play at Baylor and TCU. Owens previewed two matchups: Arizona State vs. Oklahoma State on Sunday, February 7, 2027, and TCU vs. Baylor on Sunday, February 28, 2027.  She also shared her pick for the best-dressed coach between Molly Miller and Jacie Hoyt, discussed what makes the Big 12 unique—including the strength of its players and coaches—and previewed The Rotation, coming to Big 12 Studios. TUNE IN!

Arizona head coach Brent Brennan joined Big 12 Today to discuss the Wildcats’ win over Cincinnati and their preparation for West Virginia.Brennan praised the offense and quarterback Noah Fifita, while e mphasizing Arizona’s standard of playing well in all three phases. He said the team can improve schematically but likes how it is playing, and stressed the importance of being strong up front. He also reflected on the challenge of replacing players who are now in the NFL, saying the staff is confident in the current roster. Brennan discussed the competitiveness of the Big 12, lessons from the BYU and Cincinnati games, and the team’s approach to the early start in Morgantown: no excuses. He identified containing West Virginia quarterback Michael Hawkins as a key to victory and said Arizona must respond to injuries rather than make excuses. He closed by praising Fifita’s growth as a player and person, including his intense note-taking habits and how they help him prepare. TUNE IN!

Iowa State running back Aiden Flora joined Big 12 Today after the Cyclones’ big home victory over West Virginia, where he rushed for 212 yards and scored five total touchdowns—including two passing touchdowns. Flora discussed how the passing plays came together in the huddle, why he chose to walk on at Iowa State despite offers from other programs, and how his teammates have contributed to his success. He also shared his appreciation for head coach Jimmy Rogers’ intensity and honesty, and explained why he stayed at Iowa State while many teammates transferred to Penn State. Flora reflected on the support he received in messages after the game and described the recovery room as part of his daily routine to keep his body fresh. He closed by again crediting his teammates, especially the defense. TUNE IN!

West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito joins Big 12 Today to discuss the Senate’s passage of the Protect College Sports Act. She credits Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell with leading the effort and explains why she believes college athletics needs change to create a more competitive balance. Capito also addresses opposition to the bill, which she says is largely regional, and discusses the Senate vote, the outlook for a House vote, and the President’s influence. She notes that if the bill doesn’t pass the House before the new Congress is sworn in on January 3, it would need to pass the Senate again. She also reflects on her own experience as a college tennis player. TUNE IN!

Oklahoma State head coach Eric Morris joined Big 12 Today to discuss his team’s win over West Virginia in Morgantown—the Cowboys’ first game outside Oklahoma this season. Morris praised the team for handling a hostile environment, especially in the second half, and said the Cowboys are learning how to win as their physicality grows. After being humbled by a Week 1 loss to Tulsa, the team is learning to manage success and stay grounded as it prepares for UCF. Morris also discussed Drew Mestemaker’s season, crediting the offensive line and running backs coaches for creating variety in the offense, and praising the receivers for getting open, staying patient, and remaining poised. During the bye week, Morris plans to recruit and give prospects a fair opportunity to show what they can do. On defense, Morris called coordinator Skyler Cassity a “star in the making,” saying he has the qualities to become a great head coach and full autonomy over the unit. Morris also reflected on the attention he’s received in Stillwater and how his family is adjusting to it. He closed with a birthday shoutout to his 11-year-old son. TUNE IN!

Cincinnati football head coach Scott Satterfield joins Big 12 Today to discuss the Bearcats’ upset win over Kansas State and their 4–0 start. He credits the offensive line’s strong play with creating a ripple effect across the offense, helping the running backs make big plays. Satterfield also emphasizes the importance of winning the trenches on both sides of the ball and praises Cole Tabb and Gi’Bran Payne. Satterfield discusses Cincinnati’s strong second-half performances, attributing them to the team’s maturity and experience. He commends the defense’s game plan against Avery Johnson, which limited him to six rushing attempts and forced him to throw 50 times. He also praises quarterback JC French’s efficiency and poise, reflecting on what Cincinnati saw in the underrated transfer in the portal. Satterfield gives Antwan Peek Jr. high praise for his work with defensive coordinator Woody, which has helped fuel his impressive start to the season. He says the team is taking its challenging conference schedule one game at a time and closes by highlighting the strength of Cincinnati’s running game. TUNE IN!

The Voice of the Utes, Bill Riley, joins Big 12 Today to talk Utah football and preview this weekend’s matchup with Iowa State. Riley breaks down the Utes’ play so far and the keys to a Utah victory against the Cyclones.

West Virginia football beat writer Mike Casazza joins Big 12 Today to break down the Mountaineers following a big win last week and look ahead to their upcoming matchup with Oklahoma State. Casazza discusses what clicked for West Virginia in the victory, the biggest developments surrounding the Mountaineers, key players and matchups to watch against the Cowboys, and what WVU needs to carry forward as Big 12 play continues.

Orlando Sentinel UCF football beat writer Matt Murschel joins Big 12 Today to break down the latest surrounding the Knights and preview UCF’s upcoming matchup with TCU. Murschel discusses what he’s seen from UCF so far this season, the biggest questions facing the Knights, key players and matchups to watch against the Horned Frogs, and what this game could tell us about UCF moving forward in Big 12 play.

Big 12 soccer analyst Kendra Sheehan joins Big 12 Today to break down the latest around the conference as Big 12 play heats up. Sheehan discusses the teams making an early impression, players to watch, the biggest storylines across the league, and what she’s watching as the conference race begins to take shape.

Baylor’s Voice of the Bears John Morris joins Big 12 Today to break down the latest around Baylor football and look ahead to the Bears’ upcoming matchup with Colorado. Morris discusses what he’s seen from Baylor so far this season, the biggest storylines surrounding the Bears, and what could decide the game against Colorado as Big 12 play continues.

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt joins Big 12 Today to discuss the future of college athletics and the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act. Schmitt shares how his experience playing college football and baseball at Truman State shaped his perspective on college sports, why he believes Congress needs to establish new guardrails for the industry, and what the legislation is designed to address. We also discuss NIL, transfers, eligibility and enforcement, the bipartisan coalition behind the bill, and what comes next as the Protect College Sports Act moves through the Senate.