Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast

Big 12 Roundup: Dominance in the Sunshine and the Gateway City

The second day of the NCAA Tournament’s opening round has been a clinical display of why the Big 12 is the nation's premier basketball gauntlet. While Thursday provided the drama of TCU’s buzzer-beater and the end of the Dybantsa era at BYU, Friday has been about the league's giants flexing their muscles. From Tampa to San Diego, the Big 12 is making a loud case for a deep tournament run.

The "Next Man Up" Red Raiders

In Tampa, No. 5 seed Texas Tech delivered one of the most efficient offensive performances of the tournament so far. Despite playing without All-American JT Toppin, who was sidelined with a season-ending ACL injury, the Red Raiders dismantled Akron 91–71. Jaylen Petty stepped into the spotlight, erupting for 24 points and leading a shooting barrage that saw Tech hit 64% from the field. Grant McCasland’s squad proved they have the depth to remain a second-weekend threat despite their recent personnel losses.

Arizona and Iowa State: Championship Composure

Arizona (No. 1 seed): In San Diego, the Wildcats looked every bit the title favorite. Behind 18 points from freshman standout Brayden Burries, Arizona crushed Long Island 92–58. Tommy Lloyd was able to empty his bench early, preserving his starters for a massive Sunday clash against the winner of Utah State and Villanova.

Iowa State (No. 2 seed): Meanwhile, in St. Louis, the Cyclones turned the Enterprise Center into "Ames East." Iowa State scorched Tennessee State 108–74, led by Killyan Toure’s masterful 25-point, 11-rebound double-double. The 108-point explosion was a statement to the rest of the Midwest region that T.J. Otzelberger’s group is more than just a defensive juggernaut.

With Kansas set to tip off tonight in the nightcap against Cal Baptist, the Big 12 is currently on track to send a massive contingent into the Round of 32.

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The first day of the 2026 NCAA Tournament was a whirlwind of "Big 12 brilliance" and heartbreaking goodbyes. While the conference saw dominant performances from its top seeds, it also witnessed the end of one of the most prolific individual seasons in recent history.

The Dybantsa Finale

In Portland, the AJ Dybantsa era at BYU likely came to a close in spectacular, albeit bittersweet, fashion. Despite Dybantsa pouring in a staggering 35 points and 10 rebounds, the No. 6 seed Cougars fell to No. 11 seed Texas, 79–71. The Longhorns, fresh off a First Four win, jumped out to a 17-point lead and fended off a furious second-half rally led by the nation's leading scorer. Dybantsa leaves college basketball having surpassed Kevin Durant’s tournament records, essentially clinching his status as the presumptive No. 1 overall pick.

The Survival of the Giants

While BYU stumbled, other Big 12 powers asserted their dominance:

Houston (No. 2 seed) looked every bit the title contender in Oklahoma City, dismantling Idaho 78–47. The Cougars' defense was suffocating, holding the Vandals to just 24 points in the first half. Kingston Flemings led the way with 18 points, while Chris Cenac Jr. dominated the glass with 18 rebounds.

TCU (No. 9 seed) provided the day's biggest thrill in Greenville. The Horned Frogs erased an early deficit to stun No. 8 seed Ohio State, 66–64. Xavier Edmonds proved to be the hero, sinking a clutch layup with just 4.3 seconds remaining to seal the upset.

With Arizona, Kansas, and Texas Tech all set to tip off on Friday, the Big 12's quest for a national title remains very much alive, even as it bids farewell to its brightest star.

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The 2026 Selection Sunday show has left a bitter taste in the mouths of Big 12 fans, as the "logo bias" in favor of the SEC reached an all-time high. Despite the Big 12 spending the last four months as the most statistically dominant "meat grinder" in college basketball, the committee seemingly prioritized "brand" over "body of work."

The SEC "Subsidies" vs. Big 12 Snubs

The most glaring disrespect was the sheer volume of bids handed to the SEC—a staggering ten teams—compared to the Big 12’s record-tying eight. The most controversial inclusion was Texas (18–14), who was gifted an 11-seed in the First Four despite a middle-of-the-pack SEC finish and a mediocre non-conference resume.

Meanwhile, the committee completely ignored the depth of the Big 12 by leaving Cincinnati and West Virginia at home.

Cincinnati (No. 46 in NET): The Bearcats boasted multiple Quad 1 wins in the nation’s toughest conference but were relegated to the NIT.

West Virginia: Despite twice defeating Cincinnati and securing a win over Baylor, the Mountaineers were shut out entirely.

Narrative Over Numbers

Critics argue that the "Four-Letter Bias" played a significant role. Throughout the season, SEC losses were often framed as a testament to "unrivaled depth," while Big 12 losses were characterized as "volatility" or "collapses." Even with the Big 12 holding a dominant 11–6 head-to-head record against the SEC this year, the committee favored SEC teams like Auburn and Oklahoma in the "First Four Out" discussion over the Big 12's bubble.

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Thursday’s opening round of the NCAA Tournament serves as a massive litmus test for the Big 12’s redefined hierarchy. With the conference successfully landing eight teams in the field, the first 24 hours in the pods will determine if the league’s "meat grinder" reputation translates to postseason advancement. Three specific matchups in the West and Midwest regions stand out as the definitive games to watch.

BYU vs. McNeese (West Region)

In Salt Lake City, No. 6 seed BYU faces a "home game" environment against a dangerous No. 11 seed McNeese. This is the most anticipated offensive track meet of the first round. While the Cowboys enter with a 30-win season and a top-20 scoring defense, they haven't seen a weapon like AJ Dybantsa. Fresh off his record-breaking performance in Kansas City, Dybantsa’s ability to score at all three levels should be the difference-maker. If BYU’s perimeter shooters can find their rhythm in the familiar mountain air, the Cougars should cruise into a high-stakes second-round clash.

TCU vs. Florida (East Region)

The most physical matchup of the day features No. 9 seed TCU against No. 8 seed Florida. This is a clash of identities: the Horned Frogs' "down-hill" transition offense against the Gators' elite rim protection. For TCU to advance, they must turn this into a low-possession "street fight." Look for David Punch to be the X-factor in the paint; if he can neutralize Florida’s size early, the Horned Frogs' veteran backcourt has the poise to pull off the 8/9 upset in what Vegas has essentially labeled a pick 'em.

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Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.

There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you. 

TurboTax

This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Robinhood

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The 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket is out, and it carries the unmistakable stench of "logo bias." While the Big 12 spent four months as a nightly meat grinder, the Selection Committee seemingly looked at the SEC’s expansion and decided that "brand" mattered more than "body of work." By handing the SEC ten bids—including a controversial lifeline to 14-loss Texas—while leaving Big 12 stalwarts like Cincinnati and West Virginia at home, the committee has officially signaled that the "NET era" is over and the "Power Two" era is here.

The SEC Subsidy

The most egregious takeaway is the inclusion of Texas (18–14) as an 11-seed in the First Four. Despite finishing middle-of-the-pack in the SEC and boasting an uninspiring non-conference resume, the Longhorns were gifted a spot over more deserving Big 12 resumes. Meanwhile, the SEC’s "First Four Out" included Oklahoma and Auburn, suggesting the committee was looking for any excuse to flood the bracket with South-based programs.

The Big 12 Snubs

The disrespect toward the Big 12’s depth is staggering. Cincinnati, ranked 46th in the NET with a winning record in the nation’s toughest conference, was relegated to the NIT despite multiple Quad 1 wins. Similarly, West Virginia—who defeated both Cincinnati and Baylor—found themselves completely shut out of the 68-team field. The message to the Big 12 was clear: your 16-team gauntlet is so difficult that your middle-tier teams will be punished for the losses they suffer against the nation's elite.

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If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub  

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at https://5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

Mazda

Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.

There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you. 

TurboTax

This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Robinhood

You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

Wayfair

Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.

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Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 

SupplyHouse

Visit https://SupplyHouse.com/tm to learn more about becoming a Trade Master.

Use promo code S-H Five College for 5% off your first order at https://supplyhouse.com. 

SupplyHouse. Real people. Real service.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

 

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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