Big 12

Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire reported that major programs such as USC, Texas A&M, and NC State have refused to honor non-conference scheduling requests for the Red Raiders. This situation highlights a dispute over strength of schedule metrics, leading criticism regarding how these large schools critique smaller ones for perceived weak schedules. The article suggests this unwillingness to play Tech complicates their ability to criticize the program's scheduling choices.

The Big Ten Conference delays changes to its nonconference scheduling policy until a final decision on expanding the college football playoff is made. The conference supports a 24-team playoff format and currently remains the only major conference without a requirement for teams to play a Power Four opponent annually. Other conferences like the SEC and ACC have adopted nine-game league schedules and enforce nonconference games against Power Four teams.

College football leaders are considering expanding the playoff to 16 or 24 teams but require more time to resolve revenue and scheduling details. Discussions involve commissioners and focus on impacts to venues, conference title games, and potential market value for additional games. A decision is pending further analysis ahead of a September meeting.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond urged the Big 12 to sanction Texas Tech after quarterback Brendan Sorsby regained eligibility via a court order overturning an NCAA gambling ban. Texas AG Ken Paxton warned of potential legal action against the conference, while Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark noted the issue was discussed at an executive board meeting. Sorsby, who gambled over $90,000 on sports including bets on his own team, completed a treatment program and transferred to Texas Tech for a multimillion-dollar deal.

Nick Saban and other witnesses testified before the Senate Commerce Committee about the need for federal legislation to address challenges in college sports, including NIL and transfer portal issues. The bipartisan bill by Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell aims to stabilize the system as schools face financial strains and revenue disparities between conferences like the SEC/Big Ten and ACC/Big 12.

The SEC is transitioning to a nine-conference game schedule, ending years of a non-conference advantage. Coaches like Jon Sumrall and Eli Drinkwitz feel 'misled' as they believed the change would push for a 16-team playoff expansion, which did not materialize. The shift aims to create tougher schedules but has sparked frustration over unmet expectations.