Tuesday Takes: Big 12 Buzz, Brennan’s Breakthrough, and Arizona’s Wake-Up Call
It’s been a busy week in the Big 12, and if you’ve been following the headlines, you know this conference isn’t sitting still. From bold moves in the boardroom to emotional moments on the hardwood, there’s plenty to unpack. Let’s dive into four key storylines that stood out across the league.
Big 12 Tournament Shake-Up: Yormark Teases Change in Kansas City
During the Baylor-Colorado game last week, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark dropped a teaser that’s got fans and insiders buzzing. He hinted at significant changes coming to the Big 12 men’s basketball tournament in Kansas City - and not just minor tweaks. We’re talking about moves that, in his words, “have never been done in the collegiate space.”
Now, Yormark’s reputation as a forward-thinking, aggressive leader is no secret. He’s made it clear from day one that the Big 12 isn’t content to follow trends - they want to set them. And while he didn’t go into specifics, the message was loud and clear: expect innovation.
That said, let’s address the elephant in the room - Kansas City. The tournament has deep roots there, and fans are understandably protective of that tradition.
But for now, it’s safe. The Big 12 is locked into KC through 2031, so there’s no immediate threat of relocation.
What Yormark seems to be chasing isn’t change for the sake of it, but a bigger spotlight. He wants more eyes on the Big 12, and he’s willing to push boundaries to make that happen.
Bottom line: The tournament isn’t going anywhere - yet. But expect it to look and feel different in the coming years.
And knowing Yormark, “different” could mean anything from format changes to entertainment upgrades to media innovations. Buckle up.
Hostile Environments Are Part of College Sports - But There’s a Line
Look, college sports thrive on passion. Packed student sections, rowdy crowds, and home-court advantages that shake the floorboards - that’s part of what makes this level of competition so electric. But there’s a difference between passionate and personal, and unfortunately, some fans have been crossing that line when it comes to BYU.
Religiously charged chants have surfaced again, and they’ve got no place in the game. Colorado got fined for it during football season.
Now Oklahoma State is in hot water after similar incidents during basketball. It’s not just bad optics - it’s flat-out wrong.
You can boo the opposing team. You can scream your lungs out for your squad.
But when the taunts turn into attacks on a player’s or school’s religion, it stops being about sports and starts becoming something ugly. BYU's players - like every other athlete in the conference - deserve respect, even in hostile environments.
The Big 12 has been proactive in addressing this, but ultimately, it’s on the fans to be better. Keep the energy, lose the hate.
Brent Brennan’s Extension Is a Win for Arizona - and the Big 12
When Brent Brennan took over at Arizona, the Wildcats were in transition - new conference, new expectations, and a roster that needed reshaping. His first season ended with a 4-8 record, and plenty of people were quick to question whether he was the right guy for the job.
Well, he answered that question loud and clear in Year Two.
Arizona flipped the script, going 9-3 and looking every bit like a Big 12 title contender. The offense found its rhythm, the defense tightened up, and Brennan showed he could build a program that competes fast. Now, with a contract extension through 2030, Arizona is betting big on its head coach - and it looks like a smart play.
Brennan’s not just building a team - he’s building a culture. And with quarterback Noah Fifita returning next season, the Wildcats have a real shot to make noise in 2026. The extension gives the program stability, and in today’s college football landscape, that’s gold.
Arizona’s Streak Ends, But the Message Is Clear: Kansas Is for Real
Arizona’s 23-game winning streak came to a screeching halt Monday night in Lawrence. And while the loss itself wasn’t shocking - it’s the Big 12, after all - the way it happened turned heads.
Kansas took down the No. 1 team in the country without their best player, Darryn Peterson, who was out with flu-like symptoms. That’s not just a good win - that’s a statement.
For Arizona, this was bound to happen eventually. You don’t run the table in this conference - it’s too deep, too tough, too relentless.
But don’t let one loss shake your confidence in the Wildcats. They’re still a powerhouse, still a likely 1-seed, and still a threat come March.
What this game really showed us is that Kansas might be even more dangerous than we thought. If they can beat the top team in the nation without their star, imagine what they look like at full strength. That’s a scary thought for the rest of the field.
Final Word
From the boardroom to the court, the Big 12 is making noise - and not just the kind that echoes through arenas. Whether it’s bold leadership, cultural accountability, rising coaching stars, or heavyweight matchups, this conference is delivering storylines that matter. And if this past week is any indication, the best is still to come.