Baylor Bears’ inability to develop NFL-caliber talent emerges as the most troubling aspect of Dave Aranda’s tenure—can new changes at defensive coordinator finally spark a turnaround? Cam Stuart unpacks Baylor’s shocking player development fails, highlighting missed opportunities with stars like Siaki Ika, Richard Reese, and Kyron Drones, and questions whether a single NFL draft pick under Aranda spells deeper program issues.

New defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman arrives from Kansas State with a proven record and a bold promise to revamp Baylor’s defense—will his fresh approach and potential to bring key players make the difference? Plus, the transfer portal heats up with five-star quarterback DJ Lagway, a Baylor legacy, now linked to the Bears. Could his addition rewrite Baylor’s narrative? Tune in for expert analysis on recruiting gaps, coaching dynamics, and what the future holds for Baylor football.

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Power conferences threaten to freeze out Notre Dame football—can the Fighting Irish survive without marquee matchups? Drake Toll and Cam Stuart debate the shifting balance of power in college football, questioning Notre Dame’s TV draw and legacy as schools consider canceling future games. They spotlight Brett Yormark and the Big 12’s role in challenging long-standing traditions, and ask if joining a conference is now non-negotiable for national brands.

On the coaching carousel, Kenny Dillingham’s potential jump from Arizona State to Michigan raises questions about loyalty versus legacy. The hosts break down the most “saddest” programs in the Big 12—Is Baylor headed toward disaster, or could Colorado or Kansas claim that title? Listener favorites like Michigan, BYU, and Utah all enter the debate, while the episode wraps with college football banter, Christmas spirit, and a playful look at what keeps certain fanbases up at night.

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Baylor Bears shake up their defense with the hiring of Joe Clanderman from Kansas State—can his turnover-hungry scheme reignite Baylor football? Cam Stuart scrutinizes Klanderman’s track record, highlighting his knack for developing NFL-caliber defensive backs and producing top turnover margins. The episode asks whether Klanderman, known for blitz-heavy tactics and innovation, will get full play-calling control amid Dave Aranda’s history of micromanaging the defense.

Roster intrigue intensifies as rising stars Zashon Rich and Logan Bartley emerge as potential transfers, while DJ Coleman’s exit leaves questions for Baylor’s secondary. Cam Stuart spotlights two surprising All-Americans, Palmer Williams and Michael Trigg, celebrating Baylor’s individual triumphs despite a 5-7 season. Will Klanderman’s arrival reverse the Bears’ fortunes—and which Wildcats might join him in Waco? Get essential insights into Baylor’s rebuilding strategy and the latest transfer portal rumblings.

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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.

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Baylor Bears football faces a turning point after landing their lowest-ranked recruiting class in over two decades—but could this surprise setback spark a new path forward? Cam Stuart explores how missing out on top high school commits might empower Baylor to reallocate vital NIL funds toward proven talent in the transfer portal, raising the stakes for head coach Dave Aranda’s 2026 trajectory. Discover which positions command the biggest price tags, the hidden advantages of roster resets, and why Baylor must outmaneuver powerhouse programs with deeper pockets.

The conversation heats up as Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark publicly calls out Notre Dame’s leadership, potentially ending any rumors of the Irish joining the Big 12. Plus, Michigan’s shocking firing of Sherrone Moore could send transfer shockwaves through college football, possibly opening the door for coveted recruit Jamarion Vincent to reconsider the Bears. Can Baylor capitalize on chaos across the college landscape? Don’t miss Cam Stuart’s unfiltered analysis and fan Q&A.

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Did Mack Rhoades sabotage Baylor Bears football and derail BYU’s College Football Playoff hopes? Cam Stuart and Sydney Wicker break down the controversy rocking the Big 12 after BYU was snubbed from the College Football Playoff, dissecting the ripple effects of Rhoades’ CFP committee departure and raising tough questions about Utah AD Mark Harlan’s new role. The debate heats up over power shifts, conference respect, and whether fans’ conspiracy theories actually hold water.

Baylor’s offseason shakeup continues with defensive coordinator Matt Powledge’s exit to UNT, sparking speculation about Dave Aranda’s future and the search for new leadership on defense. On the hardwood, assistant coach Jared Nuness steps away for health reasons, and Cam Stuart and Sydney Wicker weigh how these moves impact Baylor basketball’s chemistry. Plus, new AD Doug McNamee’s top priorities—can he steady the ship and reinvigorate Baylor’s athletic direction as the transfer portal looms?

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Texas Tech capture their first-ever Big 12 championship with help from familiar faces—Baylor’s own coaching talent. Can Joey McGuire lead the Red Raiders on a historic College Football Playoff run, and what does Baylor’s role in their rise say about the Bears’ current trajectory?

Cam Stuart unpacks Texas Tech’s unprecedented success, spotlighting the wave of former Baylor staff who built the Red Raiders into a top-five powerhouse. The show tackles Baylor’s controversial bowl game decline, the ripple effect of player and coach departures under Dave Aranda, and the introduction of new athletic director Doug McNamee. Key topics include the strategic rebuilding challenges at Baylor, the impact of staff loyalty shifts, and whether revenue-boosting moves—like alcohol sales—can help reset the Bears’ footing in the Big 12 landscape. Which program is truly poised for long-term success, and can Baylor reclaim its competitive edge?

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College football faces a crisis as Big 12 contenders are snubbed and bowl apathy sweeps through powerhouse programs. Has ESPN’s playoff monopoly killed the sport’s competitive spirit? Drake Toll exposes rampant bias in playoff selections, unraveling how BYU’s strong record and Texas Tech’s loaded roster are neglected while Notre Dame and Miami coast into top spots without playing. Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler’s commentary comes under fire, raising questions about the integrity of “objective” coverage and the true influence of SEC favoritism.

Amid this chaos, Baylor stirs controversy by hiring Doug McNamee, CEO of Magnolia, as athletic director—despite his seven-year absence from college athletics. Was this a bold move or a desperate gamble? Explore the fallout from Iowa State and Kansas State opting out of bowl games, the fundraising-first mentality sweeping programs, and how fan apathy threatens America’s Conference. Is college football still worth watching, or has tradition been lost for good?

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