Episode Notes: Big 12 Media Days Roundup & Reaction | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #73 Hosts: Levi Stevenson & Carter Hanson Platform: IowaStateVOCFB Date/Context: Post-Big 12 Media Days episode (summer 2026 cycle, around EA Sports College Football 26 launch)

Casual, enthusiastic Iowa State fan podcast reacting to Big 12 Media Days. The show opens with a strong focus on a major recruiting win (Chuck Alexander flip), then shifts to broader conference media days coverage, standout moments (especially drama from Texas Tech/Brett Yormark), and light reactions to the new Monster Energy sponsorship. Hosts praise the new coaching staff's recruiting momentum while keeping expectations grounded.

• 0:00 - Intro: Hosts jump straight in (forgot intro video). Mention Big 12 Media Days as unofficial start to CFB season + CFB 26 game launch.
• ~1:40 - Chuck Alexander Recruiting Spotlight (major focus, ~15-20+ mins):
  • Iowa State flips 4-star WR Chuck Alexander (6'0", 190 lbs) from Louisville.
  • Strong offer list (Louisville, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Northwestern, etc.).
  • Film breakdown: Smooth strider, excellent YAC vision, elusive, good hands/routes, high-pointing ability. Hosts compare his style to CeeDee Lamb.
  • Context: Second recent Power 4 WR flip; positive sign for new staff (Jimmy Rogers) recruiting on "hopes and dreams" with no on-field results yet. Class currently ~40th nationally, ahead of typical Iowa State finishes.
  • Broader recruiting talk: In-state 2028 class talent, staff connections in Iowa radius.
• Media Days Iowa State Coverage:
  • Players featured: Jalen Rayner (confirmed starter at QB), Kyle Konradi, Isaac Thompson/Terrell?, David Coffey, Aiden Flora (fun offside interview about adding size for RB workload).
  • Jimmy Rogers' presser/ESPN desk appearance: Standard answers on family ties to Iowa, tough/hard-nosed team identity. No major fireworks from ISU side.
• Broader Big 12 Highlights/Drama:
  • Deion Sanders/Colorado: Julian Lewis comments on starting to watch film (vs. prior "high school ball" approach); Lewis not in CFB 27 game (business reasons).
  • Texas Tech/Brett Yormark fireworks (biggest talking point): Reporter asks provocative question tying tortilla ban, OSU paddles, Cincinnati/Sorsby situation, and conference credibility. Yormark pushes back strongly ("16 strong"). Hosts call question absurd/stupid but note Yormark's handling/dodging of Sorsby issue wasn't ideal. Texas Tech's summer of bad press discussed.
  • New Monster Energy Big 12 title sponsorship (football/basketball): Schools net ~$885k each. Mixed reactions (jersey patches, field/court logos). Hosts pragmatic—money helps competitiveness; better than some alternatives (e.g., crypto). Speculation on Iowa State sponsor fits (Casey's, Pioneer, Sukup, etc.).
• Wrap-up: Positive outlook on recruiting floor under new staff; upcoming season previews/depth charts teased for future episodes.

• Recruiting Optimism: New staff (esp. Jimmy Rogers) exceeding expectations in Year 1 despite limited resources/proof. Developmental focus emphasized over pure portal reliance.
• Conference Vibes: Big 12 Media Days relatively quiet for ISU; league drama and sponsorships signal evolving (and commercializing) landscape.
• Tone: Fan-oriented, analytical but fun/humorous. Strong film talk on recruits; candid on conference politics.

Overall: Solid mid-summer episode blending timely recruiting hype with conference news. Great for Iowa State fans wanting unfiltered reactions. Runtime appears ~45-50+ minutes.

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