Big 12 Notes – Utah Week

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Big 12 Notes – Utah Week

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October 25th

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Surprise! Utah quarterback Devon Dampier upgraded to “Probable”

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October 22nd

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Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark: “I’m all ears” on giving each Power Four conference an equal number of CFP spots

From Yahoo Sports … From College Football Playoff and NCAA Tournament expansion to the College Sports Commission and private equity, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark touched on a variety of subjects during his commissioner address at men’s basketball Big 12 media days.

Here’s a look at some of what Yormark said about several topics that are pertinent in the current college athletics landscape.

On College Football Playoff expansion

Already, the College Football Playoff has expanded from four teams to 12, beginning last season. Arizona State was the Big 12’s representative in the playoff last year, losing to Texas in the quarterfinals.

There’s already been reports about expanding the CFP further, to potentially 16 teams. In May, ESPN reported that a 5+11 model — with five conference champions and 11 at-large teams — is “gaining traction.”

Yormark said there haven’t been any recent talks about alternative formats but added if discussions arise, “We’ll do our due diligence to ensure that the Big 12 is positioned for postseason success.”

The Big 12 currently has four teams ranked in the Associated Press top-25 rankings. That includes unbeaten BYU at No. 11, Texas Tech at No. 14, Cincinnati at No. 21 and Arizona State at No. 24.

The first CFP rankings of the 2025 season will be released Nov. 4.

“As the season progresses, I fully expect we’ll have multiple teams competing for a spot in this year’s College Football Playoff,” Yormark said.

When asked if he would be in favor of an expanded format that would include equal number of spots for each Power Four conference, including the SEC, Big Ten and ACC along with the Big 12, he said, “I’d be up for that.”

“I’ve always said you got to earn it on the field. Nothing should be predetermined come the beginning of the season. So if there was a conversation about a format that gave the four power conferences the same amount of a chance, I’m all ears,” Yormark said.

“We’ve got to be thoughtful about whatever format change. The 12-team format worked. Last year it was dramatic. I mean, it was great football. You had the right teams in and that’s all I want. I want to give our schools a chance each and every year to compete at the highest levels in the college football playoff. And if we’re on equal footing with our colleagues. I’m all-in on that conversation.”

On the College Sports Commission

With revenue sharing now a reality in college athletics, allowing schools to pay up to $20.5 million per year to student-athletes, the College Sports Commission was created as an independent organization to help regulate name, image and likeness deals as well as revenue sharing.

Yormark shared why he’s in favor of having the CSC in place to help enforce regulations in a new college sports era.

“As I’ve said before, this is about progress over perfection and we’ve made great progress. I meet weekly with (CSC chief executive officer) Bryan Seeley and my fellow commissioners and while some have expressed concern about how long it’s taking some NIL deals to get approved, I’ll say this. That’s not a glitch. That’s a feature,” Yormark said.

“The CSC is doing the critical work to ensure there’s no pay for play in our industry. Deals that aren’t above board are getting the scrutiny they deserve. This is a new era of enforcement. Complying with these new rules is not optional. Bryan and his team are in the process of hiring ahead of investigations, and once all of our schools have signed the participation agreements, I expect the CSC’s enforcement efforts to be strong and robust”.

… Continue reading story here …

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October 20th

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Utah starting quarterback Devon Dampier “beat up”, may miss CU game

From the Salt Lake City Tribune … Utah quarterback Devon Dampier’s status could be up in the air for this weekend’s game against Colorado.

Dampier appeared to be dealing with a leg injury in the third quarter of Utah’s loss to BYU. Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said the junior got “beat up” during the contest. The injury clearly limited his mobility as the game went on, which forced offensive coordinator Jason Beck to play freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin on designed runs.

Ficklin could have a chance to be the starter this week with Dampier ailing from an injury.

“Just check the availability report that comes out Wednesday,” Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said when asked about Dampier’s health. “We have to wait a few days to see how these guys are healing up from the game, and so that’s a distinct possibility, I can tell you that. But on Wednesday, you’ll start getting the availability report and the likelihood of who’s playing [and] who’s not.”

This season Ficklin has passed nine times for 138 yards and one touchdown. The freshman also has 17 carries for 111 rushing yards and three additional touchdowns.

“Byrd Ficklin we have a ton of confidence in every time he’s entered a game,” Whittingham said. “So far this year, he’s done positive things. If we end up going that route based on health then we have the confidence he can get it done.”

… Continue reading story here …

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Texas Tech falls out of AP Top Ten; Arizona State returns to poll; Utah drops out

From CBS Sports … The college football world experienced quite the shakeup in Week 8, and perhaps no loss was more surprising than the one No. 2 Miami took to unranked Louisville. Onetime Heisman Trophy favorite Carson Beck threw four interceptions in the 24-21 defeat, which plummeted Miami seven spots down to No. 9.

Miami was one of four top 10 teams to lose, including Ole Miss and Texas Tech — both of whom were previously unbeaten like the Hurricanes. Ole Miss fell 43-35 to Georgia while Texas Tech lost to Arizona State in Tempe, 26-22. As a result, AP Poll voters dropped Ole Miss to No. 8 and Texas Tech to No. 14.

Elsewhere, Vanderbilt Commodores’s historic rise continued with its 31-24 win over LSU. With the win, the Commodores surged from No. 17 up to No. 10, marking the first time Vanderbilt is ranked in the top 10 of the AP poll since 1947.

Vanderbilt has now registered multiple wins over teams ranked in the top 15 of the AP poll for the first time in school history, and already surpassed its preseason win total, which was 5.5. LSU, meanwhile, dropped 10 spots from No. 10 to No. 20, the largest fall of the week.

Associate Press poll … 

1. Ohio State (60)
2. Indiana (6)
3. Texas A&M
4. Alabama
5. Georgia
6. Oregon
7. Georgia Tech
8. Ole Miss
9. Miami
10. Vanderbilt
11. BYU
12. Notre Dame
13. Oklahoma
14. Texas Tech
15. Missouri
16. Virginia
17. Tennessee
18. South Florida
19. Louisville
20. LSU
21. Cincinnati
22. Texas
23. Illinois
24. Arizona State
25. Michigan

Others receiving votes: USC 97, Utah 40, Tulane 37, Houston 34, Navy 28, San Diego St. 7, James Madison 6, Boise St. 4, TCU 2, Minnesota 1.

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October 18th

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CBS: CU’s Jordan Seaton one of the top 15 players in the nation

From CBS Sports … The 2025 college football season has brought plenty of surprises. Four of the five teams to receive first-place votes in the AP Preseason Top 25 have already loss. Three of those squads (Clemson, Texas and Penn State) have lost multiple times. Even more remarkably, Penn State fired coach James Franklin coming off a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance just a few months prior.

With all that movement, some of college football’s brightest stars have risen, while others have faded back into the pack. Alabama first-year starter Ty Simpson looks like the Heisman Trophy favorite after his recent tear. Meanwhile Rueben Bain Jr. is making a strong case for the No. 1 overall pick in next year’s draft.

With all the movement, CBS Sports expert Brockermeyer has put together a fresh list of his top 150 players.

Big 12 players in the Top 50 … 

6. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Tyson is exceptional at tracking the ball in the air and shows strong contact balance after the catch to maximize YAC. He has the speed to win against press coverage and the ability to thrive in the middle of the field and in the red zone.

9. Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor 

Robertson leads the country in multiple passing categories and has done an excellent job protecting the football. Poised and experienced, he has a strong arm, processes quickly, and throws with precision. Could be a Tyler Shough–type in this year’s draft, as NFL scouts are high on him.

13. David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech 

Bailey is a natural pass rusher off the edge, able to win with speed and showing exceptional quickness in tight spaces. A dynamic player who can wreck a game. Currently leads the country in sacks as Tech’s upgraded defense has made them one of the better teams in the country early this season.

14. Jordan Seaton, OT, Colorado 

The former No. 1 offensive tackle recruit in 2024 is playing like the best tackle in the country after a strong freshman campaign. Shows an excellent mix of athleticism, technique, and physicality in the trenches.

21. Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor 

Trigg has had a breakout season and often plays more like a jumbo receiver than a tight end. He has natural hands and is explosive after the catch, creating mismatches in the middle of the field for a Baylor offense unafraid to air it out with multiple weapons. Tough to bring down after the catch, he runs with a powerful lower half.

26. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Consistent, reliable leader. Fano plays with sound technique, excellent feet, and the ability to operate on the blindside. His best days are still ahead, but his power at the point of attack and ability to move defenders in the run game stand out.Consistent, reliable leader with good technique and footwork. Effective in the run game and poised for growth at the blindside position.

40. Brendan Sorsby, QB, Cincinnati

Veteran and savvy dual-threat who is seeing the field well, showing good accuracy and anticipation alongside a quick release. Sorsby is a weapon with his legs, able to extend plays and throw on the move with accuracy.

43. Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State 

Orange is off to a dominant start this season, playing at a high level for the Cyclones. He shows heavy hands at the point of attack and exceptional quickness for a big player. Physical and disruptive.

45. Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State

One of the most dynamic players in college football, he has taken a small step back as a passer but has elevated his play as a runner, extending plays and breaking defenses. I would buy a ticket to watch him play.

… Continue reading story here …

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October 16th 

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ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt upgraded to probable for showdown with No. 7 Texas Tech

From ESPN … Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt has been listed as probable on the Big 12’s availability report and is in line to play against No. 7 Texas Tech on Saturday.

Leavitt has looked improved in practice this week as he battles through a lower-body injury.

He missed ASU’s 42-10 loss to Utah on Saturday after initially injuring himself against Baylor on Sept. 20. Jeff Sims started against the Utes.

A sophomore, Leavitt has thrown for eight touchdowns and 1,039 yards this season, completing 63.1% of his passes. After struggling at Mississippi State, Leavitt had five touchdown passes and zero interceptions in the three subsequent games.

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October 15th

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Big 12: CU won’t be fined for fans rushing the field after Iowa State game 

From the Daily Camera … Colorado will not be fined for fans rushing the field following a 24-17 victory against No. 22 Iowa State on Saturday at Folsom Field.

The Big 12 Conference reviewed the situation and informed CU on Tuesday that there would be no fine.

CU spokesperson Steve Hurlbert told BuffZone, “According to the Big 12 Conference, CU executed its field storm management procedures.”

Athletic director Rick George told BuffZone that CU made public announcements within three minutes of the end of the game for fans to stay off the field.

“We did the protocol that we needed to do,” George said.

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Meanwhile … Texas Tech and Kansas are fined

Press release from the Big 12 … In accordance with the Big 12 Conference Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship, the Conference has issued a public reprimand and fine of Texas Tech University and a fine of the University of Kansas following their football game on Saturday.

Texas Tech and Kansas are both fined $25,000. Tech’s fine is for repeated instances of objects being thrown onto the playing surface, while Kansas has been fined for disparaging comments about the Conference and a member institution, and an inaccurate statement regarding a pocketknife by head coach Lance Leipold.

“After a formal review, Texas Tech did not take sufficient steps to prevent and deter the repeated throwing of objects onto the field and team bench areas,” said Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. “Coach Leipold’s comments questioned the integrity and professionalism of both the Conference and a member institution. Both actions warranted a financial penalty. The Big 12 Conference prioritizes integrity and will have no further comment on the matter.”

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October 14th 

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Big 12 Betting Lines: No. 23 Utah a 3.5-point road favorite over No. 15 BYU

From DraftKings.com …

The Big 12 schedule … Saturday, October 18th

• Arizona at Houston … 10:00 a.m., MT, FS1 … Houston is a 1.5-point home favorite …
• Baylor at TCU … 10:00 a.m., MT, ESPN2 … TCU is a 2.5-point home favorite …
• West Virginia at UCF … 11:00 a.m., MT, TNT … UCF is a 7.5-point home favorite …
• No. 7 Texas Tech at Arizona State … 2:00 p.m., MT, Fox … Arizona State is a 7.5-point home underdog … (down from 11.5 before Sam Leavitt was announced as “probable” for the game …
• No. 24 Cincinnati at Oklahoma State … 6:00 p.m., MT, ESPN2 … Oklahoma State is a 22.5-point home underdog …
• No. 23 Utah at No. 15 BYU … 6:00 p.m., MT, Fox … BYU is a 3.5-point home underdog …
• Idle … Colorado … Iowa State … Kansas … Kansas State …

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October 13th 

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Three Big 12 teams in preseason AP men’s basketball poll

From ESPN … Purdue is No. 1 in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 college basketball poll for the first time.

The Boilermakers earned 35 of 61 first-place votes to top Monday’s poll to begin the 2025-26 season. That put Matt Painter’s squad ahead of the two teams that played in last year’s NCAA title game, with runner-up Houston at No. 2 and reigning champion Florida at No. 3.

“We are obviously excited to get the season going and being ranked No. 1 in the preseason is a great indicator of what we feel this team can accomplish,” Painter said. “But the goal is to be No. 1 at the end of the year. We’re thrilled that people think this highly of our team, but there is a long ways to go and a lot of work to do to reach that goal in April.”

Kansas checked in at No. 19, the lowest preseason rank for Bill Self’s Jayhawks since starting at No. 24 in the 2008-09 season as the reigning national champion. Kansas had been ranked outside the top 10 only once since that year (No. 13 in 2011-12) while starting at No. 1 in 2019-20 as well as each of the last two seasons in that stretch.

The Southeastern Conference, Big Ten and Big 12 each had six ranked teams to make up 72% of the field. The Atlantic Coast Conference and Big East were next with three each, while the West Coast Conference had one with No. 21 Gonzaga. The Big 12 was the only league of that group to have three top-10 teams.

Others receiving votes: NC State 101, Oregon 98, San Diego State 74, Texas 35, Ohio State 23, Kansas State 13, Ole Miss 11, USC 10, Missouri 8, Washington 7, Vanderbilt 7, Iowa 6, Boise State 4, Mississippi State 3, VCU 2, Saint Mary’s 2, Virginia 2, Baylor 1, Oklahoma 1, Indiana 1

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October 12th 

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Associated Press poll: Texas Tech up to No. 7; Utah and Cincinnati replace Arizona State and Iowa State

From ESPN … Indiana moved up to No. 3 in the Associated Press college football poll Sunday for its highest ranking in program history, while Texas and USC were among five teams entering the Top 25 after eight ranked teams — three of them previously unbeaten — lost over the weekend.

Ohio State and Miami remained the top two teams while the Hoosiers earned a four-spot promotion for their 10-point win at then-No. 3 Oregon. No. 4 Texas A&M and No. 5 Ole Miss traded places after the Aggies’ 17-point home win over Florida and the Rebels’ three-point home win over Washington State.

The Buckeyes strengthened their hold on No. 1 with a solid road win against then-No. 17 Illinois and received 50 first-place votes, 10 more than last week. Miami, which was idle, earned 13 first-place votes, and Indiana got the other three.

Texas A&M has its highest ranking in a regular season since it was No. 3 in September 1995.

No. 20 USC, ranked twice in September, returned to the rankings on the strength of its 18-point home win over Michigan.

No. 23 Utah is back after a three-week absence following a 32-point win over Arizona State.

No. 24 Cincinnati beat Central Florida at home for its fifth straight win and is ranked for the first time since 2022.

No. 25 Nebraska came from behind to beat Maryland on the road and has its first ranking of the season. It is the first time since the 2013 and 2014 seasons that the Cornhuskers have been ranked in consecutive seasons.

Others receiving votes: Illinois 113, Michigan 73, Washington 36, UNLV 30, Navy 11, Mississippi State 8, Tulane 2, San Diego State 2

Dropped from rankings: Michigan 15, Illinois 17, Arizona State 21, Iowa State 22, Florida State 25

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Penn State fires James Franklin after three-game losing streak

From CBS Sports … Penn State has fired coach James Franklin six games into his 12th season with the Nittany Lions, the university announced Sunday amid a disastrous three-game slide.

The No. 2 team in the preseason AP Top 25 just two months ago, the Nittany Lions slipped to 0-3 in Big Ten play following a stunning 22-21 home loss to Northwestern in Week 7 — a game in which they were a three-touchdown favorite. The massive upset was Penn State’s second in a row after falling at previously winless UCLA on Oct. 4, making it the first FBS team since 1978 to lose back-to-back games as favorites of at least 20 points.

Associate head coach and cornerbacks coach Terry Smith will serve as interim for the remainder of the 2025 season.

“Penn State owes an enormous amount of gratitude to Coach Franklin who rebuilt our football program into a national power,” Penn State athletic director Patrick Kraft said in a statement. “He won a Big Ten Championship, led us to seven New Year’s Six bowl games and a College Football Playoff appearance last year. However, we hold our athletics programs to the highest of standards, and we believe this is the right moment for new leadership at the helm of our football program to advance us toward Big Ten and national championships.”

… Continue reading story here …

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Oregon State fires head coach Trent Bray after 0-7 start (and one win in last 14 games)

From CBS Sports … Oregon State has fired coach Trent Bray seven games into his winless second season leading the program, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz confirms. The Beavers dropped to 0-7 with Saturday’s Week 7 39-14 loss to Wake Forest, which marked their fourth double-digit defeat of the year.

“I’m frustrated. I’m disappointed,” Bray said following the loss. “I look at myself, and I’ve got to fix it. It’s unacceptable to me where we’re at. That’s just how I look at it. What can I do? I’ve got to look at it. What can I do different to get these guys going?”

Bray departs Corvallis with a 5-14 overall record. That includes a 1-13 mark in his last 14 games.

He was initially promoted to full-time coach in the wake of former boss Jonathan Smith’s departure to Michigan State ahead of the 2024 season.

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