Donald Trump's proposed college football commission, co-chaired by Nick Saban, presents a potential avenue for Iowa State Athletics to address the growing disparity in competitive advantages among states. Saban's vocal concerns regarding the uneven playing field created by varying state legislation, particularly concerning Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and transfer portal rules, align directly with the challenges faced by programs like Iowa State.

Iowa State, operating within the constraints of Iowa's state laws, often finds itself at a disadvantage compared to institutions in states with more permissive regulations. This discrepancy can hinder their ability to attract and retain top talent, impacting their overall competitiveness. The commission, if implemented effectively, could provide a platform to standardize these regulations across state lines.

By advocating for a uniform set of rules, the commission could level the playing field, ensuring that all institutions, regardless of their state's legislative environment, operate under similar guidelines. This standardization would allow programs like Iowa State to compete on a more equitable basis, focusing on athletic prowess and academic excellence rather than navigating a patchwork of state-specific advantages. The commission's potential influence could lead to a more balanced and fair college football landscape, benefiting programs that are currently disadvantaged by the current legislative variations.

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Can the Big 12's quarterback talent redefine college football's competitive landscape? With standout players like Sam Levitt and Sawyer Robertson leading the charge, the Big 12 is poised to challenge the dominance of other conferences. Dive into the dynamics of Utah's passionate fan base and its pivotal role in the Big 12, drawing parallels to Texas's historical influence. The episode also explores the polarizing impact of Deion Sanders and Colorado, where "hate-watching" has become a phenomenon. Featuring insights from Drake Toll and other experts, this discussion promises a fresh perspective on the evolving college football scene.

Tune in for an engaging analysis that uncovers the hidden narratives shaping the Big 12's future.

Hunter Dekkers, a former quarterback for the Iowa State Cyclones, has recently signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent following a rookie minicamp tryout. This signing comes on the heels of the unexpected retirement of veteran Saints quarterback Derek Carr due to a shoulder injury. While Dekkers faces an uphill battle as an undrafted rookie, his addition to the Saints' quarterback room, which currently includes Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener, creates an intriguing scenario for Iowa State football.

In recent years, Iowa State has seen one of its former quarterbacks achieve notable success in the NFL. Brock Purdy, who preceded Dekkers as the Cyclones' starting quarterback, has become the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers after being drafted as "Mr. Irrelevant" in 2022. Purdy has led the 49ers to significant success, showcasing his talent and resilience.

Dekkers' signing sparks the possibility of having two starting quarterbacks from Iowa State in the NFL within a relatively short timeframe. While Shough, a rookie himself, is currently the favorite to take over Carr's starting role, and Rattler and Haener will compete, Dekkers' arm talent and collegiate experience at Iowa State, followed by a successful season at Iowa Western Community College, provide him with a chance to impress the Saints' coaching staff. If Dekkers were to eventually earn a starting role in the NFL, it would be a remarkable achievement for the Iowa State football program, highlighting its ability to develop quarterbacks for the professional level. This potential duo of former Cyclones leading NFL offenses would undoubtedly be a point of pride for the university and its fans.

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The recent successes of the Big 12 Conference in bowl game matchups and the notable talent it has produced in the NFL Draft are undeniably shifting the prevailing narrative surrounding the league. This podcast episode delves into the critical question of whether this newfound momentum can propel the conference to a level where it consistently competes with the traditionally dominant SEC and Big Ten. The discussion navigates the complexities of the evolving college football landscape, acknowledging the historical influence and resource advantages held by these powerhouse conferences.

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the transformative power of the transfer portal and its specific impact on teams within the Big 12. The analysis highlights how various programs are strategically utilizing the portal to acquire key personnel, address positional weaknesses, and ultimately enhance their overall competitiveness. The episode examines the innovative approaches and player acquisitions that are shaping the strategies of teams aiming to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.

Furthermore, the podcast explores the intriguing dynamic of the expanded College Football Playoff and the potential influence of television ratings on its structure and outcomes. This adds a layer of intrigue and underscores the heightened stakes for ambitious programs striving for national recognition and playoff contention. The discussion contemplates whether teams within the Big 12 can capitalize on this evolving landscape, seize opportunities, and translate their potential into tangible on-field achievements. Ultimately, this engaging exploration seeks to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the future trajectory of college football and the crucial role the Big 12 Conference is poised to play within it. Tune in for an in-depth analysis of these pivotal trends and the potential for significant shifts in the collegiate football hierarchy.

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The potential move by the Southeastern Conference (SEC) to a nine-game conference schedule could have significant implications for college football scheduling, including the future of the Cy-Hawk game between Iowa and Iowa State. Currently, the SEC plays eight conference games, which allows for four non-conference matchups. A shift to nine conference games would reduce that number to three.

The Cy-Hawk game is an annual rivalry game that holds immense importance for both universities and the state of Iowa. It's a game that generates substantial revenue, fan engagement, and national attention. However, with one less non-conference slot available, SEC teams might prioritize Power Five opponents or maintain traditional rivalries, potentially squeezing out regional matchups like the Cy-Hawk game.

Many SEC schools already have long-standing rivalries with other SEC schools that are played as non-conference games, and some have traditional ACC opponents. With the increased pressure of a nine-game conference schedule, these schools may choose to maintain those rivalries, as they often carry significant weight and financial benefits. This could leave less room on the schedule for other non-conference games, including those against schools from other conferences like Iowa State.

While the Cy-Hawk game is a priority for Iowa and Iowa State, it may become a lower priority for SEC schools if they are forced to make difficult choices about their non-conference schedules. The game's future could depend on the scheduling philosophies of individual SEC programs and their willingness to continue playing non-conference games against teams outside their conference.

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The sting of being left out of the Women's College World Series can be a harsh blow, especially when a team feels they've earned a spot. For Iowa State softball, a perceived snub could ignite a powerful fire within the program. While the immediate disappointment is undeniable, the long-term impact on a young team can be transformative.

Iowa State's roster is likely filled with players who haven't yet reached their full potential. This "snub" can serve as a potent motivator, fueling their off-season training and sharpening their focus. Every practice, every game, will carry the weight of proving the selectors wrong. The experience of being so close, yet denied, can forge an unbreakable bond among teammates, united by a common goal and a shared sense of injustice.

The return of a largely intact, youthful squad means that this isn't a one-year phenomenon. This team has the potential for sustained success. The lessons learned from this setback, the late-night film sessions, the grueling practices, will pay dividends in the years to come.

Instead of dwelling on what might have been, the Cyclones can channel their energy into building an even stronger foundation. They can use this experience to identify weaknesses, refine their strategies, and develop a relentless, never-give-up mentality. The snub, while painful now, could be the catalyst that propels Iowa State softball to unprecedented heights, driven by a hunger to prove themselves on the biggest stage.

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Is the ACC's potential division restructuring a game-changer or a misstep? As the Big 12 Squad dives into the latest college football buzz, they explore the implications of North Carolina's rumored Big Ten move and the ripple effects on the college sports landscape. With insights from Drake, Cameron, and other panelists, the discussion covers player transfers, tampering allegations, and the impact of NIL deals on athlete loyalty. The conversation also touches on the role of agents in shaping college athletics, with Paul sharing firsthand experiences. Join the debate and discover how these developments could reshape the future of college football. Listen now for exclusive insights and expert analysis.

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Iowa State University has been a program on the rise in recent years, demonstrating consistent improvement and challenging traditional powerhouses. However, breaking into the current College Football Playoff (CFP) system has proven difficult, largely due to playing in the Big 12, which doesn't have the same perceived power as the SEC or Big Ten.

If the Big Ten and SEC were to expand the CFP and implement play-in games, Iowa State would stand to benefit significantly. Expansion, especially to a 16-team format, would likely include more automatic bids for conferences like the Big 12, or more at-large bids. This would create more opportunities for teams like Iowa State, who have consistently been among the next-best teams.

The implementation of play-in games would further level the playing field. It would allow teams that might have narrowly missed out on automatic bids or higher rankings to compete for a spot in the main CFP bracket. For Iowa State, this could mean a chance to prove themselves against teams from other conferences, potentially overcoming the perception that the Big 12 is weaker.

In essence, a system with expansion and play-in games would reward consistent performance and allow teams like Iowa State to control their own destiny to a greater extent.

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