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Minus everyone but the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners, both of whom are leaving the Big 12 for the SEC sooner rather than later, Big 12 coaches are stoked for the league’s new arrivals, which is assumed to take place as soon as 2023, per multiple outlets.
KSL Sports was kind enough to compile this. So credit where credit is due.
Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Mike Gundy: “We hit a home run. The presidents, ADs, Big 12 office, whoever was involved in this, there couldn’t be a better scenario, in my opinion. You pick up four very good football programs, big colleges, big television markets located in populated areas across the country that have been very competitive from a football standpoint. And you’ve solidified this league until things start to change after the 2024 season with media rights across the country.”
Kansas State Wildcats head coach Chris Klieman: “I appreciate what Commissioner Bowlsby did in acting quickly. We got four really good programs that are a couple of top 10 teams that football is really important—a couple of really good markets in Florida and Houston. I’m excited to have BYU join because I’ve played out there when I was at another school, and it’s a great environment and venue. I think it solidifies the Big 12 as a power conference that is here to stay for the long haul.”
Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Matt Wells: “Going into LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo will be a great atmosphere. They are always close to a sellout. I played there, coached there quite a bit. It’s a good atmosphere. They’re good fans,” Wells said when asked how BYU fans will receive the new Big 12 setup. “I think the fan base is very comparable, you know, to here in the Big 12. And I think it’s a great atmosphere to play in and I think it’ll be very well received.”
Baylor Bears head coach Dave Aranda: “A lot of respect for their head coaches, a lot of them I know personally. A lot of respect for the brand of football that they play; it’s physical. It’s, you know, simple can be sophisticated. It’s execution-oriented. I think the brands with all of those teams that are coming in all exude toughness and execution. So I’m excited about it and I know our recruits are as well.”
TCU Horned Frogs head coach Gary Patterson: “You got Cincinnati which has a great recruiting base up where they’re at; a hard place to go play. Houston is always going to have speed and skill. And then you know, BYU, they’ve got a big group and they’re really throwing the football. Central Florida’s got one of the largest universities in the United States. They have a great recruiting base; you have a place with the transfer rule, you’re going to always end up playing against a great skill level. So all the places have their advantages and all of them have a media presence. I think it’s all a big positive.”
And last but not least, Kansas Jayhawks head coach Lance Leipold: “I think all of these teams, at least from a football perspective, have all been highly successful, you know, where they’ve been playing before and played in some big ball games. Nationally, you know, in the last few years, whether it be Coach Herman, Coach Sumlin back at Houston. At UCF, Coach Frost, Coach Heupel, and now Coach Malzahn. So you’ve got great pedigree there as head coaches and reputations. Coach Fickell is an outstanding coach. We’ve had chances through our time at Buffalo to be around them and during some of the summer camp circuits. So I have great respect for them. BYU is one that I don’t have as much familiarity with, but their name and brand speak for itself. So you’re bringing in some quality programs.”
WHAT THE WISE MEN ARE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS
Austin American-Statesman: Bohls: Longhorns oozing with running back speed and depth
Austin American-Statesman: Thompson reveals his study habits
Austin American-Statesman: Texas Tech has ample motivation for Texas week
Dallas Morning News: 5 things Texas fans need to know about Texas Tech: Shough-Ezukanma battery leads the charge
247Sports: Morning Brew: Are you sitting down? Texas Tech’s defense is the strength of the 3-0 Red Raiders
247Sports: What’s on their minds? Quick hitters with Longhorns’ players heading into Big 12 opener against Texas Tech
247Sports: Texas running back room on the verge of elite status
247Sports: Can Texas get the help it needs to improve trench play on both sides of the ball?
ICYMI IN BURNT ORANGE NATION
Can Xavier Worthy become a much-needed weapon at WR?
RECRUITING ROUNDUP
247Sports: Five-star David Hicks Jr. discusses busy recruitment since Sept. 1
247Sports: Mike at Night: More news and notes from out west
247Sports: On the rise: Duncanville linebacker Colin Simmons showing elite ability early
247Sports: Oregon commit Cameron Williams talks commitment, Texas push
Inside Texas: Lander Barton excited for first trip to see the Texas Longhorns
Inside Texas: JTEN: Rueben Owens, Colin Simmons, Tracy Revels
Inside Texas: Brenen Thompson’s official to Texas draws rave reviews
BIG 12 BREAKDOWN
Viva the Matadors: Tyler Shough has breakout performance against FIU
Viva the Matadors: Red Raiders take a huge step forward offensively as they cruise past Florida International
Viva the Matadors: Welcome to the party, Tyler Shough!
Frogs O’ War: SMU Football players trying to light a fire under the Iron Skillet
Frogs O’ War: TCU Football vs SMU: Battle (100) for the Iron Skillet
The Smoking Musket: 2021 West Virginia Football - OOC report card
The Smoking Musket: The Sober Mid-Week Stats Review: Taking a look at the numbers behind West Virginia’s win over Virginia Tech
Wide Right & Natty Lite: WRNL Insights: How 2021 has looked so far
Wide Right & Natty Lite: 3-Star safety D’Angelo Hutchinson commits to Iowa State
WHAT WE’RE READING
SB Nation: WNBA championship contenders, ranked
SB Nation: Nobody roasted the Jets better than this kid on TikTok
SB Nation: Tua Tagovailoa out with fractured ribs
NEWS ACROSS THE FORTY ACRES AND BEYOND
- Texas alum and cornerback Holton Hill just landed a spot on the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad.
The #DallasCowboys add cornerback depth, signing veteran Holton Hill to the practice squad.
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) September 22, 2021