Kansas State seeks redemption against Houston after a 2024 collapse that derailed their season—can Collin Klein and Avery Johnson ignite a resurgence in Manhattan? The upcoming conference home opener looms large as both programs look to prove last year’s turning point was more than a fluke.

Parker Ainsworth and Christian Rauh dissect Kansas State’s must-win matchup, spotlighting Avery Johnson’s growth under new head coach Collin Klein and Houston’s ambitions with veteran QB Conner Weigman. They discuss key returners, high-impact transfers, and how coaching continuity could fuel each team’s success. With schedules favoring fast Big 12 starts, the hosts break down pivotal stretches, quarterback duels, and the emerging rivalry that could shape both teams' postseason paths. Will Kansas State reclaim momentum, or will Houston solidify its Big 12 status? Don’t miss this high-stakes college football preview packed with insider analysis.

00:00 Intro & 2024 Recap
01:06 Kansas State’s Collapse
02:02 Coaching & Season Stakes
03:10 Importance of 2026 Matchup
04:14 Houston’s Early Schedule
05:28 Kansas State Home Advantage
06:06 Scheduling Gauntlet for Houston
07:10 Potential for Wheels Off Houston
08:01 Houston’s Expectations
09:19 QB Continuity Discussion
12:13 Avery Johnson’s Development
15:16 Big 12 QB Landscape
16:24 Houston’s QB Packages
18:03 Johnson’s Growth Path
19:57 Season Expectations for Both
21:01 Houston’s 2026 Schedule
21:12 Weigman’s Keys to Success

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Big 12 Basketball enters a new era as Brett Yormark unveils a state-of-the-art LED glass floor at the Phillips 66 Tournament in Kansas City—are cutting-edge innovations enough to keep the conference atop the college sports landscape?

Parker Ainsworth and Christian Rauh weigh the marketing push behind Big 12 basketball, spotlighting the league's expansion, Kansas State's struggles, and Houston's powerhouse status. The conversation features Jerome Tang’s future at Kansas State, PJ Haggerty’s potential for breakout performances, and whether event upgrades or roster building will define the Big 12's place among Power 3 conferences. Analysis extends to March Madness implications, Kelvin Sampson’s Houston model, and bold predictions for the Kansas State vs Houston matchup.

Will Kansas State find a path back to national prominence? Is the Big 12’s basketball-first strategy sustainable with football’s outsized influence? Tap in for expert insight and real-time reactions shaping college hoops.

00:00 Big 12 Glass Floor
05:33 Advertising & Event Experience
08:52 Basketball vs Football Focus
10:09 Houston vs Kansas State Preview
14:31 Game Blowout Concerns
17:14 Coaching Changes and Tang
22:07 Houston Model for K-State
28:14 Transfer Portal Challenges
29:54 Game Prediction & Odds

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FanDuel
Today’s episode is sponsored by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Big 12 basketball faces a national spotlight battle as top contenders like Houston, Texas Tech, BYU, and Oklahoma State chase March Madness glory. Is ESPN shortchanging the conference’s exposure in favor of SEC and ACC teams? The Big 12 Squad breaks down the league’s elite depth, impact freshmen, and which teams have the firepower to cut down the nets. From Power Poll shake-ups to rankings drama, they question whether the Big 12’s quality can overcome its quantity disadvantage this postseason.

The discussion shifts to football’s offseason storyline: Texas Tech atop way-too-early power rankings with BYU close behind. The hosts debate transfer portal moves, scheduling quirks, and whether Oklahoma State can parlay an all-star QB into a true dark horse run. The episode also takes on NIL, the transfer portal, and controversy over recent fan behavior—raising the stakes for the Big 12’s perception on and off the field.

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