Big 12 Eyes Bold Private Equity Play as Utah, Whittingham Head into New Era
The Big 12 is exploring a game-changing move off the field-and it’s not just about realignment or TV rights this time. Following Utah’s recent groundbreaking partnership with Otro Capital, the conference is now deep in talks for a private equity deal of its own. If finalized, this could inject up to $500 million into the Big 12 ecosystem, offering schools a financial lifeline-and a strategic edge-as the college athletics arms race heats up.
Here’s the play: The Big 12 is working on a potential deal with RedBird Capital and Weatherford Capital. The structure would allow each member school to opt in and access up to $30 million in capital. That’s not pocket change in today’s college football economy, where media rights, NIL collectives, and facilities upgrades are driving the competitive balance.
For schools that choose to participate, the funds could be a game-changer. But there’s a catch: we don’t yet know how repayment would work or what the long-term implications would be. And in a world where financial flexibility is key, some schools might opt out, preferring to avoid the unknowns of private equity involvement.
Still, the broader vision here is clear. RedBird wouldn’t just be writing checks-they’d also play a role in helping the Big 12 expand its commercial reach, build new business opportunities, and potentially professionalize its operations at the conference level. That last point is a bit vague, but the intent seems to be about modernizing how the conference office operates and engages with the business side of college sports.
The concept of a line of credit tied to private equity is new territory for a Power Five conference, and it’s a bold step. Commissioner Brett Yormark has shown time and again that he’s not afraid to think outside the box. Whether it was bringing in four new schools to stabilize the league after Texas and Oklahoma’s exit, or now exploring creative financial partnerships, Yormark continues to push the Big 12 into uncharted waters.
Let’s be honest: the Big 12 is still playing catch-up to the SEC and Big Ten in terms of revenue. This deal, if executed smartly, could help narrow that gap.
But it’s not a silver bullet. Thirty million per school might sound like a lot, but in the current college football economy, that’s barely enough to cover two years of revenue-sharing costs.
Still, it’s a start-and more importantly, it’s a sign that the Big 12 isn’t sitting still.
Whittingham Bows Out After Legendary Utah Run
Another coaching era has come to a close in the Big 12-sort of. Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham announced he’s stepping down after the Utes’ upcoming bowl game, ending a remarkable 30-year run in Salt Lake City, including 20 seasons as head coach.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the body of work. Whittingham leaves with a 177-88 record, 11 bowl wins, three conference championships across the Mountain West and Pac-12, and a reputation as one of the most respected program-builders in college football. He didn’t just win-he built a culture, a brand, and a level of consistency that’s rare in today’s coaching carousel.
Whittingham’s longevity is almost unheard of in this era. He took over in 2005 and never looked back, guiding Utah through its transition from the Mountain West to the Pac-12 and, most recently, into the Big 12. His teams were always tough, disciplined, and physical-an extension of the man himself.
The next chapter belongs to Morgan Scalley, Utah’s longtime defensive coordinator and the clear heir apparent. Scalley has been part of the program for years and was named head coach-in-waiting well before this announcement. He’ll officially take the reins after the bowl game, and while following a legend is never easy, he’s had a front-row seat to one of the best coaching clinics in the country for more than a decade.
With Whittingham and Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy both stepping away this season, the Big 12 is losing two of its longest-tenured and most recognizable sideline generals. That’s going to feel strange, no doubt. But it also marks a turning point for the conference, as a new generation of coaches steps into the spotlight.
Jimmy Rogers and the Cy-Hawk Mic Drop
Let’s talk about Jimmy Rogers, South Dakota State’s head football coach, and his now-infamous halftime moment during the Cy-Hawk basketball game. Introduced to a raucous home crowd, Rogers grabbed the mic and delivered a line that echoed far beyond the arena: “Let’s cheer on Coach Otz and beat the f---ing Hawks!”
The crowd erupted. The internet lit up. And, of course, the takes started flying.
Was it over the top? Maybe.
Was it calculated? Probably not.
But it was raw, passionate, and very much in the spirit of college sports-especially during a heated in-state rivalry like Iowa vs. Iowa State.
Rogers wasn’t giving a press conference. He was hyping up a crowd that lives and breathes this rivalry.
And in that moment, he spoke the language of the fans.
Let’s not pretend this kind of language is rare in sports arenas. Whether you’re on the sidelines, in the locker room, or sitting in the stands, you’re going to hear a few F-bombs.
It’s part of the atmosphere. Rogers just happened to say it into a microphone.
At the end of the day, this wasn’t about decorum-it was about energy. And Rogers brought plenty of it.
Whether or not you loved the delivery, it’s hard to argue with the passion. College sports are built on emotion, and if you’re going to get fired up, a rivalry game is the time to do it.
Looking Ahead
Between the Big 12’s financial maneuvering, the end of an era at Utah, and the unfiltered energy of a young coach like Rogers, this week offered a snapshot of where college sports are headed. It’s a mix of tradition and transformation-legacy programs making big moves, conference leaders thinking like CEOs, and coaches embracing the spotlight in new ways.
The Big 12 is evolving. And while we don’t know exactly how this next chapter will play out, one thing’s clear: it won’t be boring.