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Big 12 Notes – TCU Week
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October 3rd
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Big Ten discussing $2 billion private capital deal
From ESPN … The Big Ten is in discussions about a private capital deal that would infuse at least $2 billion into the league and its schools, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.
The discussions include a 10-year extension of the league’s grant of rights until 2046, sources told ESPN, which would ensure long-term stability in the Big Ten.
According to sources, the private capital deal and grant of rights extension have been discussed for months and presented in multiple forms. A deal and the grant of rights extension would also be a distinct blow to the outside entities attempting to form super leagues around college sports.
While there is support from nearly the entire league, according to sources, a few of the league’s biggest brands — including Ohio State and Michigan — are still in discussions with the league. The aim is to have unanimous support before a vote, sources told ESPN.
A decision on the private capital deal is expected in the upcoming weeks from the schools in the Big Ten, sources said, and nothing is considered imminent or certain. There are three different private capital entities being considered by the Big Ten, sources told ESPN, and the league has not taken a vote on any plan.
Like most businesses, athletic departments can always use more money to cover ever-increasing costs. The need is particularly acute now for schools with middle and lower revenues within the league after the NCAA’s recent settlement of legal cases that has led to direct revenue sharing with athletes.
The setup being discussed, sources said, is that this will essentially be the formation of a new commercial entity within the Big Ten that would house all revenue generation such as media rights, sponsorships and league revenue streams.
The working title for the new entity is Big Ten Enterprises, sources told ESPN.
The private capital company would get money back through the new entity through annual distribution in proportion to its financial stake. The Big Ten will essentially have 20 equity shares, comprising the 18 schools, the league and this investor.
Sources told ESPN that this setup eliminates the need to give an outside investor a specific portion of control over decisions or board seats, something that college presidents have generally been uncomfortable with.
“Think of it this way — the conference is not selling a piece of the conference,” a league source told ESPN. “Traditional conference functions would remain 100 percent with the conference office — scheduling, officiating and championships. The new entity being created would focus on business development, and it would include an outside investor with a small financial stake.”
… Continue reading story here …
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October 2nd
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Iowa State loses both starting cornerbacks for the season to injury
From ESPN … No. 14 Iowa State’s secondary will be without longtime starters Jontez Williams and Jeremiah Cooper for the rest of the season because of knee injuries.
Coach Matt Campbell announced Tuesday that Williams damaged the ACL in his right knee late in the Cyclones’ 39-14 win over Arizona on Saturday. Cooper tore his ACL in practice last week. The two have combined for 55 starts.
Williams, an Associated Press All-Big 12 second-team pick in 2024, had one interception and two pass breakups this season. He was hurt with three minutes left against Arizona as he dove in an attempt to knock a ball away from a receiver.
“So that’s a situation that really stinks for the kid,” Campbell said. “But man, just how he’s handled it has been uber impressive. And a great human. He’ll be back ready to rock and roll next year.”
Cooper has made 36 starts since 2022 and was an AP All-Big 12 first-team pick at safety in 2023. He switched to cornerback full time this season and had an interception and three pass breakups through four games.
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October 1st
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Big 12 announces Arizona State/Kansas game to be played at Wembley Stadium (September 19, 2026)
Press release from the Big 12 … The Big 12 Conference today announced that Arizona State and Kansas will square off in the first-ever Union Jack Classic at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
“I’m thrilled that Big 12 football will be heading to London for the first-ever college football game at Wembley Stadium,” said Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. “I’ve often said my goal is for the Big 12 to be the most globally relevant conference in college athletics. Expanding our international presence will elevate our brand, create new opportunities for student-athletes, and open the door to meaningful commercial growth for the league.”
The Union Jack Classic will be the third Big 12 football game in two seasons played in Europe, which began with Iowa State’s and K-State’s 2025 season opener in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland. TCU will face North Carolina in the same event to open the 2026 season.
“This is the perfect moment in time for Kansas Football to blaze an uncharted trail to historic Wembley Stadium in London,” Kansas Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. “This opportunity is reflective of the growth and trajectory of our football program and the entire University, and will provide our fans and student-athletes an unprecedented experience. We’re excited that our season ticket holders and students will still have six opportunities to watch a game at The Booth next season as that project is being completed, while also having the chance to see the Jayhawks play international for the first time ever. Our commitment is to provide a first-class, generational experience for our program and supporters, while showcasing Jayhawk Football and the University of Kansas on a global stage.”
“The Big 12 is leading the charge to take college football global, and we’re proud to be part of it,” said Arizona State Athletics Director Graham Rossini. “College sports are about providing our student-athletes with life-changing experiences, and playing in the Union Jack Classic at Wembley Stadium will be an incredible one. With nearly 18,000 international students from 160 countries, ASU already thrives on a global stage, and we can’t wait to showcase Sun Devil Football and Arizona State University to fans across Europe.”
“We are proud to make history by bringing American College Football to London on a global stage”, said Brian Dubiski, Chairman/CEO of Union Jack Classic. “Hosting two elite Big 12 programs at Wembley Stadium positions this matchup as the premier international showcase for our sport, and we look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience for fans and partners worldwide.”
Wembley Stadium, one of the world’s most iconic sports venues, has been home to NFL’s International Series since 2007. London will host three NFL games this season, beginning with Minnesota Vikings and the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Oct. 5 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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How it gets done: Virginia Tech adds $229 million to athletics budget
… Coach Prime says it’s not about the money … But it’s about the money …
From ESPN … The Virginia Tech board of visitors overwhelmingly approved a plan to add $229 million to its athletics budget over the next four years.
The decision moves Virginia Tech among the top of its ACC peers in funding, at a time when the Hokies are searching for a new head football coach to replace Brent Pry, who was fired earlier this month.
School president Tim Sands said the decision “unlocks the door to future success.”
“We have the opportunity to reset the organization to align with the new realities at the conference and national levels. It’s never been clearer that the future of Hokie athletics will depend on the institutional commitments to compete in partnership with our alumni and supporters. Today, we are stepping up to compete, and we ask our loyal fans and generous donors to step forward with us.”
The decision will add $47.1 million to the budget in the current fiscal year, bringing the total athletics department budget to $190.1 million. That number would increase to $212.1 million for 2029-30.
Sands also announced he will be appointing an athletics investment oversight committee to monitor spending to “ensure that funds are spent wisely.”
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September 30th
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Big 12 issues public reprimand and fine for CU fans’ actions at BYU game
Statement from CU Athletic Director Rick George:
CU Athletics was notified by the Big 12 Conference of its decision to issue a fine to the University of Colorado for the actions of some CU fans at last Saturday’s game. We respect the conference’s decision, and we take responsibility for the behavior exhibited at the game. On behalf of our athletic department and the university, I want to apologize to BYU and the entire Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints community. Chancellor Schwartz and I also apologized personally to our counterparts at BYU on Saturday night and again on Sunday.
The behavior by those fans who chanted was appalling, is unacceptable, and is not indicative of the values we strive for at CU. We must do better and we will. In collaboration with our campus stakeholders, we are currently reviewing our policies with respect to fan behavior to ensure that Folsom Field is a welcoming place for every fan and that those who do not live up to our standards are held accountable. When we implement those changes, we will communicate them publicly. Any patron who is found to have violated our Fan Code of Conduct, including engaging in derogatory chants, will face a series of consequences up to and including a ban from future home games.
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Press Release from Big 12 Conference:
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September 29th
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One time (January 2nd-16th) Transfer Portal window one step closer to approval
From CBS Sports … The NCAA’s FBS Oversight Committee approved a modification Monday to its new January transfer window that will allow undergraduate and postgraduate players to enter the transfer portal from Jan. 2-16. This new 15-day time period will replace the initial Jan. 2-11 window proposed by the committee, allowing athletes more time to make their decision.
The new guidance also states that players participating in a postseason game on or after Jan. 12 will have an opportunity to initiate the notification process to enter the transfer portal during a consecutive five-day period beginning the day after the player’s final postseason contest. That’s especially relevant given the 12-team College Football Playoff schedule, which often extends deep into January.
For instance, this season’s College Football Playoff National Championship will be played on Jan. 19, 2026.
This modification still has to be approved by the Division I Administrative Committee, which next meets during the second week in October.
Here’s a quick rundown of all the transfer portal changes approved over the last month:
- The Jan. 2-16 window will replace the December transfer window.
- The NCAA is also doing away with the spring transfer period, which means that January will be the only time that undergraduate athletes can enter the transfer portal. More than 1,000 FBS players used the post-spring portal window this year, according to CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer.
- Players only need to enter their name into the portal from Jan. 2-16. They can still take more time beyond that window to make a decision on their transfer destination.
- As of now, there is still a 30-day transfer window that immediately triggers whenever an institution fires a head coach. The Oversight Committee is still discussing how it wants to handle that process.
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September 28th
… Foe Pause …
CU opens as a two-touchdown underdog to TCU
From DraftKings …
The Big 12 …
Friday, October 3rd
- West Virginia at No. 23 BYU … 8:30 p.m., MT, ESPN … BYU is a 19.5-point home favorite …
Saturday, October 4th
- No. 14 Iowa State at Cincinnati … 10:00 a.m., MT, ESPN2 … Cincinnati is a 1.5-point home favorite …
- Kansas State at Baylor … 10:00 a.m. MT, ESPN+ … Baylor is a 6.0-point home favorite …
- Oklahoma State at Arizona … 1:00 p.m., MT, TNT … Arizona is a 19.5-point home favorite …
- No. 11 Texas Tech at Houston … 5:00 p.m., MT, ESPN … Houston is a 10.5-point home underdog …
- Colorado at TCU … 5:30 p.m., MT, Fox … TCU is a 14.5-point home favorite …
- Kansas at UCF … 5:30 p.m., MT, ESPN2 … UCF is a 3.5-point home underdog …
- … Idle … Arizona State … Utah …
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TCU drops out of the Top 25 with CU coming to Ft. Worth; Arizona State reenters poll
From ESPN … Oregon moved up to No. 2 in the Associated Press college football poll Sunday, while Ole Miss jumped nine rungs to No. 4 for its highest ranking since 2015 in the wake of a volatile weekend in which four top-10 teams lost.
Alabama also jumped back into the top 10, and Virginia entered the Top 25 for the first time in six years.
Ohio State, which won at Washington, remains No. 1 for the fifth straight week. The Buckeyes received 46 first-place votes, six fewer than a week ago, and their 30-point lead over Oregon is the closest margin between the top two teams since the preseason poll in mid-August.
Texas A&M, Penn State, Indiana, Texas and Alabama round out the top 10.
Indiana has been the fastest riser over the past month, moving up 15 rungs since Week 1. Over that span, Oklahoma and Texas A&M have each risen 13 spots.
The losses by Penn State, LSU and Georgia marked the first time since 2016 that three top-five teams lost the same week in the regular season.
Week 5 marked the second time this season that four top-10 teams lost. It also happened in Week 1, but three of the four top-10 teams had to lose that week because there were three top-10 matchups.
No. 25 Arizona State’s come-from-behind victory over then-No. 24 TCU returned the Sun Devils to the Top 25 after a three-week absence. The Horned Frogs, meanwhile, dropped out, as did USC (21st).
| 1. Ohio State (46) | 4-0 | 1 |
| 2. Oregon (16) | 5-0 | 6 |
| 3. Miami (4) | 4-0 | 2 |
| 4. Ole Miss | 5-0 | 13 |
| 5. Oklahoma | 4-0 | 7 |
| 6. Texas A&M | 4-0 | 9 |
| 7. Penn State | 3-1 | 3 |
| 8. Indiana | 5-0 | 11 |
| 9. Texas | 3-1 | 10 |
| 10. Alabama | 3-1 | 17 |
| 11. Texas Tech | 4-0 | 12 |
| 12. Georgia | 3-1 | 5 |
| 13. LSU | 4-1 | 4 |
| 14. Iowa State | 5-0 | 14 |
| 15. Tennessee | 4-1 | 15 |
| 16. Vanderbilt | 5-0 | 18 |
| 17. Georgia Tech | 5-0 | 16 |
| 18. Florida State | 3-1 | 8 |
| 19. Missouri | 5-0 | 20 |
| 20. Michigan | 3-1 | 19 |
| 21. Notre Dame | 2-2 | 22 |
| 22. Illinois | 4-1 | 23 |
| 23. BYU | 4-0 | 25 |
| 24. Virginia | 4-1 | NR |
| 25. Arizona State | 4-1 | NR |
Others receiving votes … South Florida 53, Utah 52, Mississippi State 46, Memphis 38, Louisville 36, USC 22, North Texas 7, Maryland 7, TCU 6, UNLV 3
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