Big 12 News & Wilner Hotline
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College Football Playoff controversy: Time for Big Ten commissioner to explain his radical proposal
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted June 4 - 10:14 a.m. | Save Story
As the College Football Playoff world debates proposed formats for 2026 and beyond, the architect of what many consider the nuclear option has remained deafeningly silent.
As tensions rise, Big 12 and ACC must work together to mitigate growing Big Ten, SEC influence
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted May 28 - 3:09 p.m. | Save Story
NFL schedule release: Power 4 should change approach to scheduling
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted May 14 - 1:37 p.m. | Save Story
After two days of mini-reveals — the Black Friday matchup here, international games there — the NFL is unveiling its full 2025 schedule on Wednesday.
Mailbag: The next realignment spark, 'hate' for BYU, federal funding cuts and more
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted May 2 - 11:15 p.m. | Save Story
When the 2030s arrive, revenue won't be shared equally within the Power Four leagues.
Big 12 QB rankings: ASU's Leavitt, KSU's Johnson top our look at the 2025 hierarchy
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted May 1 - 10:20 a.m. | Save Story
These quarterback rankings should not be considered equivalent to the Big Ten version published on the Hotline last week.
The top West Coast prospects for the 2026 NFL draft, from Fano and Leavitt to Sadiq and Boston
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted April 29 - 10:31 a.m. | Save Story
Predicting the top prospects in the next NFL draft, a mere 360 days prior to the event, is an exercise in futility that has become vastly more difficult in the age of the transfer portal.
How Fox Sports' new event, the College Basketball Crown, could eventually impact the NCAAs
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted March 28 - 10:11 a.m. | Save Story
To the collection of postseason tournaments that exist in the shadow of March Madness and use three-letter abbreviations, let's add the CBC.
Best bets for the Sweet 16: Why BYU-Alabama could be epic, Arizona covers and Houston rolls
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted March 25 - 1:47 p.m. | Save Story
Through 52 games, the NCAA Tournament has been largely devoid of drama. High seeds are dominating and blowouts are frequent. There has been one true buzzer-beater.
BYU survives, advances and collects a check: Breaking down the matchup and the money
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted March 22 - 8:47 a.m. | Save Story
Let's all step away from watching March Madness and take a brief moment to welcome BYU to the round of 32.
BYU in the NCAAs: The seed is a gift, the path is manageable, but which version shows up?
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted March 19 - 10:26 a.m. | Save Story
Brigham Young begins play in the NCAA Tournament on Thursday with a first-round date with VCU in the East regional.
NCAA Tournament picks: Our winners for all 67 games with a heavy lean to the No. 1 seeds
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted March 17 - 10:57 a.m. | Save Story
Big 12 tournament picks: Order fends off chaos as top-seeded Houston wins championship
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted March 10 - 10:33 a.m. | Save Story
There are many contenders for the Big 12 tournament title but only two forecasts available to your friendly neighborhood prognosticator.
Utah fires Craig Smith: The curious timing, resource commitment and what comes next for the Utes
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Feb. 25 - 1:22 p.m. | Save Story
At first blush, Utah's decision to fire Craig Smith on Monday seemed odd.
BYU's AD search: Holmoe's successor must prepare Cougars for college football's next era
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Feb. 13 - 10:34 a.m. | Save Story
In his two decades at the helm of Brigham Young's athletic department, Tom Holmoe steered the football program from the Mountain West to Independence and from Independence into the Big 12.
The 2025 Big 12 football schedule: Holy War in October, smooth path for ASU
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Feb. 4 - 1:58 p.m. | Save Story
The Big 12 went through almost 100 versions of its 2025 football schedule before settling on the final edition.
Big 12 football projections for 2025: BYU is the pick, followed by Texas Tech and Arizona State
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Jan. 29 - 12:03 p.m. | Save Story
The forecast for the Big 12 next season is clear: delicious, riveting, inexorable chaos.
The 2025 Heisman race: Our look at the dark horse candidates, including Utah's Dampier
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Jan. 23 - 1:19 p.m. | Save Story
FanDuel waited all of three days from the end of the 2024 season to release updated odds for the 2025 Heisman Trophy race. Naturally, quarterbacks from the SEC dominate the list of front-runners.
Hot seats 2025: Arizona's Brennan under heavy pressure to course correct after awful 1st season
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Jan. 22 - 2:03 p.m. | Save Story
The coldest statements in college football often reveal the hottest seats.
Mailbag: CFP revenue breakdown and future format changes, Big Ten 2025 schedules
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Jan. 3 - 3:08 p.m. | Save Story
The playoff is likely to undergo several tweaks, just not in time for next season.
Holy Score: BYU's fate in title race, playoff rankings should prompt Big 12 to reassess strategy
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Dec. 5 - 2:03 p.m. | Save Story
The Cougars have a better CFP resume than either of the teams playing for the Big 12 title.
Holy Score: Explanation for Utah's lost season is crystal clear but deeply complicated
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Nov. 12 - 11:59 p.m. | Save Story
The Utes are playing championship-level defense but are highly flawed at one position.
Week 11 Hotline picks: Breaking down the Holy War, and Cal's long trip
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Nov. 8 - 10:43 a.m. | Save Story
Utah and Brigham Young collide for the first time in three years.
Your guide to the new, expanded College Football Playoff: Explaining a complicated process
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Nov. 5 - 9:59 a.m. | Save Story
The event will span four rounds of play and 32 days, culminating Jan. 20 in Atlanta.
Holy Score: What past 20 matchups reveal about Utah's chances to upset undefeated BYU
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Nov. 2 - 10:32 a.m. | Save Story
The teams have flipped roles this season, as the dramatic change in the point spread shows.
CFB picks for Week 9: Washington and Colorado win outright, as BYU's run comes to an end
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Oct. 24 - 12:46 p.m. | Save Story
The Huskies catch a break on their third Big Ten roadtrip with Indiana's QB injury.
Holy Score: Peering into the past to make sense of present for sizzling BYU, struggling Utah
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Oct. 23 - 2:31 p.m. | Save Story
The Utes' coordinator change is reminiscent of their offensive frustrations in the 2010s.
The Holy Score: Down goes Rising, up comes Wilson as Utah's season take on a BYU hue
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Oct. 16 - 2:47 p.m. | Save Story
The Utes need Wilson to development in the same fashion as BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff.
Holy Score: Oddsmaker's early line has Utah favored over BYU (with or without Cam Rising)
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Oct. 10 - 3:19 p.m. | Save Story
The surprising Cougars have been more impressive than the Utes thus far.
Pac-12 bowl projections: WSU to the Alamo, Colorado to the Holiday
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Oct. 8 - 1:47 p.m. | Save Story
The Beavers are facing a sneaky-important game this weekend in Reno.
The Holy Score: Yes, BYU is legit, and the path to the Big 12 title is wide open
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Oct. 2 - 10:43 p.m. | Save Story
The Cougars are attempting to produce an upside surprise for the ages.
Pac-12 bowl projections: No change in Utah's outlook, Colorado to Holiday Bowl
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Oct. 1 - 10:12 a.m. | Save Story
The Hotline's current forecast calls for nine teams to qualify for the postseason.
Picks of the week: BYU has thumped opponents and demolished the point spread
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Sept. 26 - 11:29 p.m. | Save Story
The Georgia-Alabama showdown highlights our Week 5 picks against the spread.
The Holy Score: After stellar wins, Utah and BYU side by side on top tier of Big 12
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Sept. 26 - 9:43 a.m. | Save Story
The rivals have played first-class defense through the first month of the season.
Pac-12 bowl projections: Utah and Oregon to the CFP as USC's outlook dims
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Sept. 25 - 1:43 p.m. | Save Story
Updated Hotline projections have nine teams headed to the postseason.
CFP projections: The Wazzu-Boise State duel has far-reaching consequences
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Sept. 23 - 11:01 p.m. | Save Story
The outcome will impact the Group of Five race and the CFP's at-large pool.
Best of the West: BYU soars, WSU holds and Arizona slips (despite being idle)
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Sept. 22 - 1:22 p.m. | Save Story
Utah remained on top following an impressive win at Oklahoma State.
Week 4 picks: Washington in must-win mode, Utah survives at Oklahoma State
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Sept. 20 - 10:16 a.m. | Save Story
The Huskies cannot afford another loss with a rugged schedule looming.
Holy Score: Utah struggles early, BYU dominates as both teams remain undefeated
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Sept. 17 - 11:23 p.m. | Save Story
The Utes leaned on rookie quarterback Isaac Wilson against Utah State.
Pac-12 bowl projections: Utah, USC and Oregon to the CFP, and Arizona a plot twist
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Sept. 17 - 11:22 a.m. | Save Story
The Sun Devils and Wildcats have experienced unexpected starts to the 2024 season.
College Football Playoff projections: How USC vs. Michigan explains the world
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Sept. 16 - 9:48 p.m. | Save Story
The Trojans are in the Big Ten for exactly the matchup on display Saturday afternoon.
Future of the Mountain West: Outlook bleak following debilitating raid by the Pac-12
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Sept. 12 - 11:48 p.m. | Save Story
The remaining schools might be better off in the FCS, where the cost structure is lower.
4 Mountain West schools officially added for 2026 as WSU, OSU secure their futures
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Updated Sept. 12 - 8:08 a.m. | Save Story
This is the first step; at least two more schools would be needed to comply with NCAA rules.
The Holy Score: Grading the Week 2 victories for Utah and Brigham Young
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Sept. 10 - 6:57 p.m. | Save Story
The Utes coasted (mostly) against Baylor while the Cougars struggled to beat SMU.
Pac-12 bowl projections: The Apple Cup matters more to Washington's postseason math
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Sept. 10 - 1:52 p.m. | Save Story
The Apple Cup and Civil War are here whether you're ready for them or not.
Playoff projections: Oklahoma State's (possibly) big win and 3 at-large bids for SEC, Big Ten
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Sept. 9 - 4:07 p.m. | Save Story
The Cowboys collected what might become a valuable victory against Arkansas.
The Holy Score: Breaking down Week 1 victories by Utah and Brigham Young
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Sept. 4 - 12:11 p.m. | Save Story
Both teams played FCS opponents, but the Utes were sharper than the Cougars.
Pac-12 bowl projections: Utah and Oregon reach the CFP, Washington heads to Las Vegas
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Sept. 3 - 10:20 p.m. | Save Story
The schools could have trouble filling all their spots if two teams reach the playoff.
Best of the West rankings: Utah is No. 1, USC rises while Oregon fades
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Sept. 2 - 1:51 p.m. | Save Story
The Utes looked like CFP contenders in their opener; the Ducks most definitely did not.
Utah football: Our look at the 10 greatest wins of Kyle Whittingham's 2 decades at the helm
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Aug. 26 - 2:23 p.m. | Save Story
Whittingham, who replaced Urban Meyer in December 2004, has built a Hall of Fame resume.
Hotline heat check: Sitake, Sanders, Bray among the coaches under pressure as 2024 season begins
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Aug. 22 - 2:04 p.m. | Save Story
Success is measured differently on each campus as realignment casts a long shadow.
Pac-12 bowl projections: Utah, Oregon jump into the CFP while WSU qualifies for Independence
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Aug. 20 - 2:34 p.m. | Save Story
Bowl tie-ins are unchanged despite the breakup of the conference.
Big 12 football preview: Utah, Oklahoma State, Kansas State the front-runners in crowded race
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Aug. 18 - 3:18 p.m. | Save Story
Arizona and Kansas also have what it takes to finish on the top tier.
Big 12 football preview: Conference schedule analysis shows advantage for Arizona, Kansas and Cincinnati
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Aug. 14 - 11:11 p.m. | Save Story
In the new world order, the so-called schedule "misses" matter a great deal.
Wilner's AP preseason Top 25 ballot: Ohio State, Georgia lead the way with Utah close behind
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Aug. 11 - 11:02 p.m. | Save Story
More than half the teams (14) are from two conferences: the Big Ten and SEC.
Breaking down which Big 12 athletic budgets are most (and least) efficient after Arizona's shortfall
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted Aug. 7 - 4:04 p.m. | Save Story
A lengthy assessment of Arizona athletics offers clues into money management elsewhere.
Our radical ideas for Big 12 football schedule as Brett Yormark seeks 'value creation'
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Updated July 31 - 1:02 a.m. | Save Story
There are several broadcast windows available, but the conference must get creative.
Hotline Mailbag: How the 2024 Pac-12 race would have looked, a new 'Pac' name and more
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted July 19 - 11:37 p.m. | Save Story
There would have been a clear favorite this fall if the conference had stayed intact.
Realignment 101: Sankey focuses on '16' while ACC legal issues linger, but is Fox targeting unclaimed ground?
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted July 16 - 11:55 p.m. | Save Story
The Big Ten Network is missing a major college football state.
New Pac-12 bowl partnerships for 2024-25 same as old Pac-12 partnerships (despite realignment)
Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group | Posted July 12 - 10:17 a.m. | Save Story
The status quo was the simplest solution for the conferences and the bowl games.
