Kansas Jayhawks chase their first road win as transfer saga headlines showdown vs. NC State. Will Tre White or Darrion Williams prove their worth in a clash filled with what-ifs and postseason implications? Road struggles, tournament seeding fears, and the fallout over Williams’ last-minute move to the Wolfpack set the stage for a high-stakes, quad-one opportunity.

Derek Johnson breaks down the Williams vs. White debate, Kansas’s need to dominate in transition and at the rim, and key matchups like Darryn Peterson vs. Quadir Copeland. Plus, get a detailed NC State scouting report, strengths, weaknesses, and why Tre White is primed to soar. Can Kansas rediscover its road dominance and overcome NC State’s offensive firepower? Tune in for player insights, coaching strategy, and the biggest questions facing Bill Self’s squad as Big 12 play looms.

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Kansas Jayhawks reshape their defense as safety Lyrik Rawls exits via the transfer portal, but the return of standout edge rusher Leroy Harris could ignite Big 12 success in 2026. Can KU’s evolving safety room hold up, and will Harris become the next NFL-caliber talent from Lawrence?

Derek Johnson breaks down the significance of losing starting safety Lyrik Rawls, what Harris’ impressive pass rush productivity means for KU’s defensive line, and the impact of wide receiver Cam Pickett returning for another year. The episode spotlights key player performance metrics, the challenges and opportunities posed by secondary depth, and how the Jayhawks’ roster moves set the stage for new stars to emerge. What does the future hold for KU’s defense, and can a retooled offense support a new quarterback?

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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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