The Big 12 conference is returning to Frisco for its annual media days, bringing attention to significant personnel moves and structural changes across the league. The event serves as a focal point for discussing the upcoming season, with several programs navigating major transitions on the field and in the front office.
In Stillwater, Oklahoma State has hired Eric Morris as its new head coach. Morris arrives from North Texas, where he led the Mean Green to one of the most successful seasons in the program's history. He brings several key players with him, including quarterback Drew Mestemaker, running back Caleb Hawkins, and linebacker Ethan Wesloski. While expectations for the first year under Morris may be measured, there is anticipation regarding the team's future trajectory.
At Colorado, head coach Deion Sanders addressed his health following surgery to remove cancerous tissue from his bladder. Sanders stated he feels like his former self as he prepares for the season. The Buffaloes are looking to rebound from a 3-9 record last year, which included a 1-8 mark in conference play. The team also faces uncertainty at the quarterback position following Shedeur Sanders' departure to the NFL in 2024. Attention now falls on Julian Lewis, who threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns in limited action last season. It remains unclear whether Deion Sanders will name Lewis the full-time starter.
Baylor has retained Dave Aranda as head coach, a decision made in November that aims to restore the program's standing within the conference. The Bears are also introducing a new quarterback in DJ Lagway, a transfer from Florida. Lagway, whose father Derek played at Baylor between 1997 and 2001, seeks to rebuild his career after a difficult conclusion to his time in Gainesville.
Off the field, the Big 12 has become the first Power Four conference to secure participation agreements from all its members with the College Sports Commission. The agency, established to oversee name, image, and likeness payments, requires schools to waive their right to sue in exchange for enforcement latitude. The rules govern player compensation following last year's House settlement and utilize the NIL Go platform for deal analysis. Since its launch, the commission has processed over 26,000 deals valued at approximately $242.3 million. All 68 Power Four schools must sign the agreement for it to take effect.
