Open For Business: a Big 12 Podcast w/ John Kurtz

John Kurtz

Open for Business with John Kurtz delivers college football and college basketball news from a Big 12 perspective. We cover every Big 12 school—Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, BYU, Cincinnati, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech, UCF, Utah, and West Virginia. From Saturdays in the fall to March Madness, no program gets left out. You’ll hear in-depth discussion on Big 12 football, basketball, and recruiting—along with how the league stacks up against the SEC and Big Ten. We cover conference realignment, NIL, TV deals, playoff battles, and national storylines like Deion Sanders and Colorado that impact the Big 12. If you want college football and college basketball news from a Big 12 perspective, this is your podcast.

  1. 1d ago

    Houston Is Built for a College Football Playoff Breakthrough | Willie Fritz 1 on 1

    Can Houston break through and become a College Football Playoff contender in 2026? Willie Fritz believes the Cougars finally have the experience, depth and continuity needed to take a major step forward in the Big 12. Houston returns productive players on both sides of the ball, all three coordinators and a quarterback in Conner Weigman who is finally healthy and operating in the same offensive system for a second straight season. John Kurtz sits down with Fritz to discuss why Houston could be one of the Big 12’s surprise teams, how the Cougars upgraded the offensive line through the transfer portal and why the offense now has quality depth at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end. Fritz also talks about Houston’s two former five-star quarterbacks, Keisean Henderson’s rapid development, Amari Thomas’ NFL potential and why this roster is starting to look like the team he envisioned when he took the job. Could Houston make a run at the Big 12 Championship and crash the College Football Playoff? Get “Open For Business,” a Big 12 newsletter… sign up below: https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter #HoustonFootball #HoustonCougars #WillieFritz #Big12 #CollegeFootballPlayoff #ConnerWeigman #CollegeFootball

    15 min

  2. 1d ago

    The Rise of Arizona Football: One Change Made it Happen | 1 on 1 With Brent Brennan

    **Plan your trip to Provo for a BYU game: https://www.utahvalley.com/ **Book your stay at Sundance Resort: https://www.sundanceresort.com/ **See what a Provo trip is really like: https://youtu.be/G9nzKwgbG_4 Arizona football is rising fast under Brent Brennan. After a major breakthrough season, Brennan explains what changed inside the Wildcats’ program, why simplifying the message helped everything click and how Arizona created stronger alignment between its coaches and players. John Kurtz sits down with Brennan to discuss the rise of Arizona football, Noah Fifita’s loyalty to the program and why the star quarterback chose legacy over chasing money in the transfer portal. Brennan also explains why he believes Fifita is one of the best stories in college football. The conversation also covers Brennan’s lessons from Phil Jackson, Arizona’s approach to building through the transfer portal, replacing an NFL-caliber defensive backfield and the biggest factor that will determine whether the Wildcats can take another step in the Big 12. Can Arizona football build on its breakthrough and become a consistent Big 12 contender? Get “Open For Business,” a Big 12 newsletter… sign up below: https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter #ArizonaFootball #ArizonaWildcats #BrentBrennan #NoahFifita #Big12 #CollegeFootball #TransferPortal

    8 min

  3. 1d ago

    Kalani Sitake Reveals the Real Reason He Stayed at BYU: 1 on 1 with Kalani Sitake

    Kalani Sitake is opening up about why he chose to stay at BYU. After drawing interest from other major programs, including Penn State, Sitake wanted to know whether BYU was truly committed to making football a priority in the Big 12. His answer came through increased resources, better support for players, more opportunities to retain his coaching staff and a long-term commitment from the university. John Kurtz sits down with Sitake to discuss what BYU had to prove, why he did not want the Cougars to simply be “invited to the party” and how the program is now positioning itself to become a lasting Big 12 contender. Sitake also talks about BYU’s roster retention, Bear Bachmeier’s development, the transition from Jay Hill to Kelly Poppinga, the importance of the Notre Dame game and why the Cougars believe they have the pieces to compete for a Big 12 championship. Did BYU finally go all-in on football? Get “Open For Business,” a Big 12 newsletter… sign up below: https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter #BYU #BYUFootball #KalaniSitake #Big12 #CollegeFootball #PennState #NotreDame

    12 min

  4. 1d ago

    The Truth About Iowa State’s NIL Situation; Cyclones Insider Tells All

    **Plan your trip to Provo for a BYU game: https://www.utahvalley.com/ **Book your stay at Sundance Resort: https://www.sundanceresort.com/ **See what a Provo trip is really like: https://youtu.be/G9nzKwgbG_4 How far behind is Iowa State in the NIL race, and can the Cyclones still compete near the top of the Big 12? Chris Williams of Cyclone Fanatic and Iowa Everywhere gives an honest assessment of Iowa State’s financial position in modern college athletics. He explains why the Cyclones are in a much better place than they were one year ago, but still likely remain below the middle of the Big 12 in football resources. The conversation also covers the optimism surrounding Iowa State’s new president, whether Jamie Pollard was slow to adjust to the NIL era and why the Cyclones’ passionate fan base gives the program a chance to close the financial gap. John Kurtz and Chris also discuss Jimmy Rogers replacing Matt Campbell, the strategy behind Iowa State’s roster turnover, realistic expectations for the Cyclones and why Rogers inherited a much better situation than Campbell did. Plus, they examine Jamie Pollard’s renewed energy, why T.J. Otzelberger continues to choose Iowa State, the financial decisions involving Milan Momcilovic and Audi Crooks, and whether Iowa State is actually better off competing in the Big 12 than becoming an afterthought in a richer conference. CHAPTERS 00:00 The truth about Iowa State’s NIL situation 00:17 Has Iowa State stabilized under Jimmy Rogers? 01:21 The strategy behind Iowa State’s roster turnover 01:50 Can Iowa State make a bowl game? 02:18 Resetting expectations after Matt Campbell 02:47 What Iowa State could have been with Campbell 03:44 Did Iowa State announce Jimmy Rogers too quickly? 05:13 How Jamie Pollard found Iowa State’s next coach 05:42 Jimmy Rogers always wanted the Iowa State job 07:09 Iowa State’s trip to BYU and Provo 08:56 How far behind is Iowa State in NIL? 09:54 Why Iowa State’s fan base provides hope 10:23 Iowa State’s new president could change things 11:21 Jamie Pollard’s future and CyTown 12:20 Jamie Pollard has his edge back 13:46 Why T.J. Otzelberger stayed at Iowa State 15:15 Can Otzelberger take Iowa State to a Final Four? 16:45 Iowa State basketball’s NIL position 17:14 The Milan Momcilovic financial decision 18:12 Audi Crooks and the cost of retaining stars 18:41 Is Iowa State better off in the Big 12? 19:36 Why the Big 12 is not going away 20:26 Big 12 stability compared to the ACC 21:22 Can Jimmy Rogers maintain Campbell’s standard? 22:52 Why coaches may choose fit over bigger jobs 23:20 Jimmy Rogers inherited a better situation than Campbell Get “Open For Business,” a Big 12 newsletter… sign up below: https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter #IowaState #Cyclones #IowaStateFootball #Big12 #NIL #JimmyRogers #JamiePollard

    24 min

  5. 1d ago

    The Big 12 May Fix Its Farmageddon Mistake; 1 on 1 With Big 12 Chief Football Officer Scott Draper

    Could Farmageddon be coming back as an annual Big 12 rivalry? Big 12 chief football and competition officer Scott Draper says the conference has already started evaluating its next scheduling cycle, including which rivalry games need to be played every year. That could open the door for Kansas State and Iowa State to resume their historic annual series after Farmageddon is interrupted under the current Big 12 scheduling matrix. John Kurtz asks Draper directly about the future of K-State–Iowa State, protected rivalries and whether the Big 12 could restore more traditional late-season matchups. They also discuss the possibility of moving the Holy War between BYU and Utah back to rivalry weekend. The interview covers several other major Big 12 topics, including a potential 10-game conference schedule, the league’s push for a 14-team College Football Playoff, why BYU was undervalued by the playoff committee and how five Big 12 teams could have benefited from an expanded CFP field. Draper also explains how the Big 12 helped make BYU–Notre Dame happen, why the conference values major nonconference games, the strategy behind Friday-night television windows and the possibility of more Big 12 games in London, Ireland and other international locations. Could the Big 12 fix its Farmageddon scheduling mistake and restore Kansas State–Iowa State as an annual rivalry? Get “Open For Business,” a Big 12 newsletter… sign up below: https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter #Big12 #Farmageddon #KansasState #IowaState #KStateFootball #IowaStateFootball #CollegeFootball

    15 min

  6. 3d ago

    BYU AD Reveals What Happened Behind Closed Doors After Playoff Snub

    BYU athletic director Brian Santiago joins John Kurtz to reveal the real story behind BYU’s College Football Playoff snub and what happened behind closed doors at Big 12 meetings. Santiago says BYU “100%” deserved to be in the playoff conversation and explains how other Big 12 schools stood up for the Cougars, calling BYU’s treatment disrespectful to both the program and the conference. He also discusses Kalani Sitake’s decision to stay at BYU after interest from Penn State, why he believes Sitake will be in Provo for a long time, and how that situation created even more momentum around BYU football. Plus, Santiago shares the story behind BYU’s new series with Notre Dame, confirms both schools want the relationship to continue beyond 2027, and explains why BYU’s national rise is only beginning across football, basketball and the entire athletic department. Topics include: • The real story behind BYU’s College Football Playoff snub • Big 12 schools defending BYU behind closed doors • Why Brian Santiago says BYU unquestionably belonged • Kalani Sitake choosing BYU over Penn State interest • Sitake’s long-term future in Provo • How the Notre Dame football series came together • Interest in future BYU-Notre Dame games and other sports • BYU’s growing national brand • The future of BYU athletics in the Big 12 • The Protect College Sports Act and the future of college athletics Get “Open For Business,” a Big 12 newsletter… sign up below: https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter #BYU #BYUFootball #BYUCougars #CollegeFootball #Big12 #CFBPlayoff #KalaniSitake #NotreDameFootball

    11 min

  7. 4d ago

    Cody Campbell Tells Big 12 to Step it Up; Big 12 Monster Deal Taking Too Much Heat; Notre Dame-BYU Annual Series Coming?

    **Plan your trip to Provo for a BYU game: https://www.utahvalley.com/ **Book your stay at Sundance Resort: https://www.sundanceresort.com/ **Check out what it's like to stay in Provo: https://youtu.be/G9nzKwgbG_4 Cody Campbell sent a strong message to the rest of the Big 12: Texas Tech is not the problem. The rest of the conference needs to level up. After more tension between Texas Tech and the Big 12 following the Brendan Sorsby saga, Campbell made it clear that the path forward for the league is not complaining about Texas Tech’s money or trying to slow down ambitious schools. It’s about every Big 12 program finding ways to invest, compete and elevate the conference as a whole. John Kurtz reacts to Campbell’s comments, why he believes Campbell is right, and what schools like Kansas State, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, Utah, BYU, Houston and others need to do in the modern era of college football. Plus, BYU athletic director Brian Santiago says Notre Dame and BYU are working toward making their series a long-term fixture. John explains why that would be massive for BYU, Notre Dame and the Big 12, and why BYU continues to prove it may be the most valuable brand in the conference. Then, John breaks down the Big 12’s new Monster Energy sponsorship deal and why the criticism may be missing the bigger picture. From jersey patches to national sponsorship value, proof of concept and the advertising challenges of selling an entire conference, the deal may make more sense than people realize. Get “Open For Business,” a Big 12 newsletter… sign up below: https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter

    1h 4m

  8. 4d ago

    1 on 1 With Houston's Wille Fritz; What He Stole From Bill Snyder and Why His Team is Better in 2026

    Houston head coach Willie Fritz joins John Kurtz at Big 12 Media Days to talk about why the Cougars could be one of the most interesting teams in the Big 12 this season. Fritz discusses the expectations around Houston football, the return of Connor Weigman, the Cougars’ improved offensive line, the addition of Makhi Hughes, the impact of the transfer portal, and why Houston’s offense could take a major step forward. He also explains what makes Keshawn Henderson such an exciting young quarterback and how the Cougars are navigating the modern college football world of NIL, the portal, roster limits and constant change. But one of the best moments comes when Fritz reveals the coaching trick he stole from legendary Kansas State coach Bill Snyder. Fritz explains why he still uses that Bill Snyder practice habit every day, why Snyder’s K-State rebuild remains the greatest turnaround in college football history, and what coaches can still learn from him today. Can Willie Fritz turn Houston into a real Big 12 problem? Is Connor Weigman ready for a breakout season? And does Houston have enough talent and continuity to surprise the league? Get “Open For Business,” a Big 12 newsletter… sign up below: https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter #Big12 #HoustonFootball #WillieFritz #ConnorWeigman #BillSnyder #CollegeFootball #KansasState #HoustonCougars #Big12Football

    15 min
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About

Open for Business with John Kurtz delivers college football and college basketball news from a Big 12 perspective. We cover every Big 12 school—Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, BYU, Cincinnati, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech, UCF, Utah, and West Virginia. From Saturdays in the fall to March Madness, no program gets left out. You’ll hear in-depth discussion on Big 12 football, basketball, and recruiting—along with how the league stacks up against the SEC and Big Ten. We cover conference realignment, NIL, TV deals, playoff battles, and national storylines like Deion Sanders and Colorado that impact the Big 12. If you want college football and college basketball news from a Big 12 perspective, this is your podcast.

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