Tuesday Takes: Big 12 Storylines Heating Up as Bowl Season Rolls On
As we head into the heart of bowl season and the college football calendar flips toward a new year, the Big 12 is right in the thick of the action. From transfer portal chaos to coaching hires and playoff pressure, there’s no shortage of storylines to track. Let’s dive into four key developments that are shaping the Big 12 this week.
1. The Transfer Portal Floodgates Are Opening
The transfer portal is already buzzing, and things are about to hit another gear. While thousands of players have entered the portal, most are still in limbo. That starts to change this week, as announcements and commitments begin to roll in.
For the Big 12, quarterback turnover is front and center. With names like Josh Hoover, Brendan Sorsby, Rocco Becht, and Sam Leavitt on the move, several programs are heading into 2026 with question marks under center.
But remember - the portal is a two-way street. Departures create opportunities, and the Big 12 is expected to be active in bringing in new talent to fill those gaps.
This next wave of movement will shape not just the quarterback landscape, but the identity of several programs heading into spring ball. Expect a flurry of action in the coming days as rosters begin to take shape.
2. The Big 12 Is Off to a Hot Start in Bowl Season
So far, the Big 12 is making the most of bowl season - and doing it in dramatic fashion. The conference is 2-0, one of just two leagues still undefeated in postseason play. And both wins came with some flair.
BYU staged a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback to knock off Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, while Houston rallied past LSU in the Texas Bowl. Those are the kinds of wins that build momentum - not just for the teams involved, but for the conference as a whole.
And there’s more on the way. The Big 12 has a packed slate this week, starting with TCU taking on USC in the Alamo Bowl on Tuesday night. Arizona State and Utah hit the field on Wednesday, and Cincinnati caps things off Friday against Navy in the Liberty Bowl.
If you’re a fan of bowl season - and let’s be honest, who isn’t? - this is a week to circle. The Big 12 has a real chance to make a statement.
3. Michigan Lands Kyle Whittingham - And It’s the Right Move
After weeks of speculation, Michigan has made its move - and it’s a big one. Kyle Whittingham is heading to Ann Arbor as the new head coach, bringing a steady hand and proven leadership to a program that’s been searching for stability.
Whittingham might not be the flashiest hire, but he’s exactly what Michigan needs right now. Following the uncertainty around Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines needed someone who could command the locker room, build a strong culture, and win games - and Whittingham checks every box.
For Big 12 fans, it’s a notable departure. Whittingham has long been one of the most respected coaches in the conference landscape, and his move to the Big Ten will be felt.
But credit to Michigan for recognizing the value in experience and consistency. This hire isn’t about headlines - it’s about building a foundation that lasts.
4. Texas Tech Carries the Big 12’s Playoff Hopes
It’s a big ask, but the Red Raiders are built for the moment.
Texas Tech is the Big 12’s lone representative in the College Football Playoff, and with that comes the weight of the conference’s reputation. Fair or not, the memory of TCU’s lopsided title game loss still lingers, and there’s a sense that Tech has a chance to reset the narrative.
This team is different. They’ve got playmakers on both sides of the ball, depth in the trenches, and a coaching staff that knows how to scheme against elite competition. They’ll need all of that when they face Oregon on New Year’s Day - a program that’s been one of the most complete teams in the country this season.
But if Tech shows up and delivers, it won’t just be a win for Lubbock. It’ll be a win for the entire Big 12 - a conference that’s been fighting for national respect in the playoff era.
The Red Raiders don’t just have a shot to advance. They have a shot to change the conversation.
Final Word
From the chaos of the portal to the calm confidence of Kyle Whittingham, and from early bowl success to a playoff spotlight, the Big 12 is closing out 2025 with energy - and setting the stage for an even bigger 2026. Buckle up. This week’s going to be fun.