Oklahoma and Alabama squared off in Norman with the Sooners looking for their third win in the last 2 seasons against the Crimson Tide. What statement was made?

Penn State is reportedly targeting USC defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn for the same job in Happy Valley. Meanwhile, former QB Beau Pribula is leaving Missouri.

Arizona State's Sam Leavitt is leaving Tempe, and could consider joining Lane Kiffin at LSU. That would be a great idea for him--what about Brendan Sorsby?

Which teams are going to make a push to the second round of the College Football Playoff?

Kenny Dillingham is correctly seen as one of the brightest young coaches in all of college football. His comments about the Michigan job should cause concern.

Florida QB DJ Lagway, a former 5-star recruit who is coming off a miserable season with 14 interceptions, is surprisingly in the portal. Where could he end up?

Michigan's coaching vacancy after Sherrone Moore's firing is running out of options with Kenny Dillingham reportedly staying at Arizona State. Who is left?

Utah HC Kyle Whittingham has announced his retirement, a move long expected by one of the longest tenured coaches in the country. Will Michigan call him?

Michigan needs a head coach, and also has to try and keep 5-star QB Bryce Underwood out of the transfer portal. Lane Kiffin at LSU should pick up the phone.

The Big 12 Conference has been nothing short of a whirlwind over the past week, marked by a major championship, postseason selection drama, and a groundbreaking business announcement that reinforces its "New Look" identity. 1. Championship and CFP Breakthrough The week started with the Big 12 Championship Game where Texas Tech defeated BYU in a commanding fashion (34-7). This victory propelled the Red Raiders to a 12-1 record, securing the Big 12's automatic bid to the expanded College Football Playoff. The subsequent CFP rankings confirmed Texas Tech as the No. 4 seed, earning them a crucial first-round bye straight to the Orange Bowl Quarterfinal—a massive statement for the restructured league. 2. Bowl and Political Fallout While the Big 12 celebrated Tech's CFP inclusion and the bowl selections for seven other teams, drama erupted over the bubble. Commissioner Brett Yormark publicly backed the CFP committee's decision, despite BYU's exclusion, and notably criticized Notre Dame's Athletic Director for his "egregious" outrage over the Irish being left out. This positioned the Big 12 as a stable, unified partner in the new CFP ecosystem, contrasting sharply with the ACC's turmoil. Adding to the controversy, the conference levied $500,000 fines on Iowa State and Kansas State for opting to skip bowl games, underscoring the conference's commitment to fulfilling its postseason obligations. 3. NFL Partnership Announcement Perhaps the most significant long-term news was the conference's announcement of a strategic partnership with the NFL. This collaboration aims to align the two organizations on everything from officiating development and emerging technology to global growth initiatives. This unprecedented move further showcases the Big 12's innovative, business-forward approach under Yormark, establishing a distinct brand identity separate from the traditionalist SEC/Big Ten dynamic.

Five SEC teams charge into the College Football Playoff, but which squad holds the clearest path to glory? Heated expansion rumors swirl as the SEC hosts debate the possibility of Notre Dame and Kansas joining the conference, while Texas A&M’s electrifying fan base readies Kyle Field for a statement win over Miami. Could Carson Beck’s first trip to College Station turn into an interception frenzy? Alabama vs. Oklahoma emerges as a must-watch rematch—will Ty Simpson and a battered Tide offense bounce back, or does Oklahoma’s relentless defense have the secret sauce? The squad also breaks down Tulane vs. Ole Miss and the impact of Lane Kiffin’s absence, evaluates Heisman hopeful Diego Pavia’s odds against Fernando Mendoza, and dissects the blue chip ratio chatter. With passionate analysis, insider takes on playoff matchups, and candid SEC pride, this preview sets the stage for a playoff race full of rivalry and redemption.

Discussing the latest in as Michigan needs a new head coach after Sherrone Moore was fired for an inappropriate relationship with a staffer.

Sherrone Moore has been fired from Michigan after reportedly having an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer. Can the Wolverines get Kalen DeBoer?

BYU was left out of the College Football Playoff (incorrectly) and will play Georgia Tech in the Pop Tarts Bowl. Their approach is refreshing contrasted to Notre Dame.

Notre Dame was left out of the Playoff field (correctly) and opted to skip a potential bowl game as a result. The Irish are also getting an absurd perk in 2026.

Matt Campbell is going to be the next head coach at Penn State after a 10-year run with Iowa State in Ames. Should the Nittany Lions feel good?

The College Football Playoff Committee released its final 12-team Playoff rankings with BYU and NOTRE DAME being left out. Did Miami deserve it?!

BYU should make the College Football Playoff after going 11-1 in the Big 12 this year. The Committee isn't likely to reward that after Texas Tech dominated them.

Penn State is reportedly targeting Iowa State's Matt Campbell for their head coaching vacancy. That would be as good of an outcome as seems possible.

SEC shakeup: blockbuster coaching hires and playoff drama headline championship week. With Lane Kiffin joining LSU, Alex Golesh on board at Auburn, and Jon Sumrall taking the helm at Florida, the conference landscape is primed for surprises—are these bold moves enough to shift power in the SEC? Brandon Olsen and the Locked On Podcast Network squad debate the intrigue behind every new hire, break down Alabama vs. Georgia in the SEC Championship, and preview the playoff race as heavyweights like Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt jockey for position. Key topics include the pressure on rising stars like Will Stein at Kentucky, coaches on the hot seat, and playoff selection chaos—will head-to-head records even matter? Get the inside scoop on SEC playoff implications, Heisman frontrunners, and which teams could play spoiler down the stretch.