The New Big 12 Era: 5 Ways 'Locked On Big 12' Is Redefining College Sports Coverage

The Big 12 Conference is currently undergoing one of the most seismic shifts in modern college athletics, transitioning from its historical identity to an entirely new, expanded powerhouse. As of late 2024 and heading into the 2025 season, the narrative is no longer about Texas and Oklahoma, but about the "New Big 12" and the exciting, chaotic depth it brings. Navigating this complex landscape requires expert, daily analysis, which is why the Locked On Big 12 podcast has become the indispensable daily listen for fans across the country, providing unique perspectives on the conference's expansion, coaching carousel, and competitive balance.

The show’s success lies in its commitment to a daily, deep-dive format, ensuring fans are the first to know the latest news, insider analysis, and expert opinion from every corner of the newly formed "Doce Grande." From the controversial scheduling decisions affecting teams like BYU and Baylor to the firm stance of Commissioner Brett Yormark on the College Football Playoff format, Locked On Big 12 is the definitive source for understanding the most volatile Power Four conference.

Host Profile: Drake C. Toll and the Locked On Big 12 Podcast

The daily pulse of the Big 12 Conference is expertly managed by its host, Drake C. Toll, a dynamic sports media personality whose roots in the Big 12 landscape run deep. Toll’s unique background and diverse media experience provide the show with both passion and professional insight.

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• Full Name: Drake C. Toll
• Hometown/Origin: Vilonia, Arkansas
• Education: Baylor University (Journalism)
• Broadcasting Start: Began broadcasting at the age of 16.
• Early Career: Found his passion for Big 12 athletics while attending Baylor University. He previously served as the host for the "Locked On Baylor" podcast.
• Current Roles:
  • Host of Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast.
  • Broadcaster for the Savannah Bananas organization (Savannah Party Animals).
  • Morning Show Host on Westwood One Sports Network, demonstrating his national reach and credibility in the sports media landscape.
• Podcast Focus: The show is a daily podcast providing expert opinions, interviews, recaps, local analysis, and coverage for both Big 12 football and basketball.
• Signature Style: Known for his energetic delivery and distinct analysis, Toll keeps listeners ahead of the games and the first to know the latest insider information.

The Big 12's Volatile New Landscape: Key Topics in 2025

The 2025 season marks a profound change for the Big 12, which has officially moved past the departure of Texas and Oklahoma. The conference is now defined by its depth and the influx of four new members: Arizona, Arizona State, Utah, and Colorado (rejoining). This massive realignment has created a volatile, unpredictable environment, making daily coverage essential. The Locked On Big 12 podcast has zeroed in on several critical, fresh topics that are shaping the conference’s future.

1. The "Doce Grande" Power Structure and Depth

With the addition of the new Pac-12 schools, the Big 12 has become a 16-team league known as the "Doce Grande." This depth means the conference championship game is more open than ever, potentially featuring eight unique teams over a four-year span. The podcast frequently debates who the "new guard" of the conference will be, with teams like Texas Tech and BYU often mentioned as potential contenders in this new era, replacing the traditional powerhouses.

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2. The Coaching Carousel and Transfer Portal Impact

Coaching rumors and the Transfer Portal dominate college sports discussions, and the Big 12 is no exception. Recent episodes have tackled major rumors, such as the potential departure of high-profile coaches like Kyle Whittingham from Utah to other major programs, or the future of Kenny Dillingham. Furthermore, the show analyzes the impact of the Transfer Portal on specific teams, determining which programs are best leveraging the portal to build immediate success in the competitive new league structure.

3. Commissioner Brett Yormark's Firm Stance

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Commissioner Brett Yormark has been a central figure in the Big 12's resurgence, taking a firm stance on the future of the conference and its role in the national landscape. The podcast has extensively covered his calls for innovation, his aggressive expansion strategy, and his position on the new College Football Playoff format. The debate over the Big 12's overall depth and competitiveness is a constant feature, often analyzing Yormark's vision for the conference's place among the Power Four.

5 Ways Locked On Big 12 is Redefining Daily Conference Coverage

The daily format of the Locked On Big 12 podcast is perfectly suited for the fast-paced, news-heavy environment of college athletics. Here are five key ways the show provides unmatched value and topical authority to its listeners:

1. Immediate Analysis on Realignment Fallout

The show provides minute-by-minute coverage of the ongoing consequences of conference realignment. This includes the controversial scheduling decisions that some feel have "sabotaged" fan-favorite matchups for new and existing members like BYU and Baylor. Toll and his guests dissect the politics and logistics of integrating 16 teams, offering local analysis that major national outlets often miss.

2. Deep Dives into the New Member Dynamics

A significant portion of the content is dedicated to the four new additions: Arizona, Arizona State, Utah, and Colorado. The podcast explores how these teams—and their star players and coaches—will immediately impact the standings. For instance, they analyze whether the Big 12's "old guard is gone" and if the league is now open for teams like Texas Tech and BYU to rise to prominence.

3. Coverage of Both Football and Basketball

Unlike many college sports podcasts that focus solely on football, Locked On Big 12 delivers daily content for both major sports. This dual focus is crucial, as the Big 12 is historically one of the nation's premier basketball conferences. The show covers everything from major upsets and tournament previews to recruiting news for both sports, ensuring comprehensive coverage year-round.

4. Localized, Insider Perspectives

As a long-time Texas media personality, Drake Toll brings a localized perspective that connects with the core Big 12 fanbase. The show’s ability to pull in expert opinions and local analysis from different markets across the conference—from Tucson to Waco—gives listeners an insider's view that goes beyond generic national sports commentary.

5. Addressing the Business of College Sports

The podcast doesn't shy away from the business and legal sides of college sports. Recent discussions have included analyzing calls for player contracts, the financial implications of conference expansion, and the legal battles over player eligibility, such as the federal judge's ruling on granting a fifth year to power-conference players.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords

• Drake C. Toll
• Big 12 Conference
• Conference Realignment
• College Football Playoff (CFP)
• Brett Yormark
• Texas Longhorns (Departure)
• Oklahoma Sooners (Departure)
• Arizona Wildcats (New Member)
• Arizona State Sun Devils (New Member)
• Utah Utes (New Member)
• Colorado Buffaloes (Rejoining)
• BYU Cougars
• Texas Tech Red Raiders
• Baylor Bears
• UCF Knights
• Joey Maguire (Coach)
• Kyle Whittingham (Coach)
• Kenny Dillingham (Coach)
• Transfer Portal
• Big 12 Media Days
• Doce Grande
• Westwood One Sports
• Locked On Podcast Network
• Big 12 Basketball
• Big 12 Championship Game