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. 21h ago

    SEC Threatens to Go Nuclear and Leave Again; Should Anyone Believe Them?

    The SEC is threatening to go nuclear and break away from the current structure of college sports if it does not get what it wants from Congress. But should anyone actually believe Greg Sankey and the SEC this time? This could be a monumental week for college football as lawmakers consider major changes to the proposed federal college sports bill. The latest revisions could impact conference realignment, Power Four expansion, NIL enforcement, revenue-sharing limits and the possibility of a future super league. We break down what the SEC and Big Ten are demanding, whether the SEC’s latest threat is legitimate and what could happen if the bill falls apart. Plus, Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi says the Big Ten is overrated. Does he have a legitimate point about the conference’s depth, or is he the wrong person to make that argument after the Big Ten’s recent run of national championships? We also discuss whether Clemson’s elite run is officially over under Dabo Swinney and which programs could become the next Clemson. Could Texas Tech, BYU, SMU, Louisville or Indiana make a similar leap into the national championship conversation? Also on the show: • Post Malone wears an Iowa shirt inside Jack Trice Stadium • Texas Tech lands a major stadium naming-rights deal • The latest changes to the federal college sports bill • Why the SEC and Big Ten want protections against a super league • Whether conference realignment could accelerate again • The future of NIL and the revenue-sharing cap • Which Big 12 program has the best chance to become college football’s next powerhouse Get “Open For Business,” a Big 12 newsletter with the latest college football news, analysis and commentary. Sign up below: https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter #CollegeFootball #SEC #Big12 #BigTen #Clemson #TexasTech #BYU #ConferenceRealignment #NIL #DaboSwinney

  2. 3d ago

    SEC and Big Ten Bully the Big 12 and ACC Into Submission Again

    The SEC and Big Ten appear poised to get many of the changes they demanded in the Protect College Sports Act, raising even more questions about who really controls the future of college football. John Kurtz breaks down the latest reporting on negotiations in Washington, including possible changes to conference expansion restrictions, media-rights pooling, NIL enforcement, transfer rules and eligibility limits. With Ted Cruz suggesting the bill could reach the Senate floor soon, the SEC and Big Ten may once again be positioned to shape the rules for everyone else. Plus, Michigan football is facing another major scandal after an external investigation revealed new details about what athletic director Warde Manuel knew regarding former head coach Sherrone Moore’s relationship with a staff member. Why has Michigan avoided becoming the national villain of college football despite scandals involving Jim Harbaugh, Connor Stalions and now Moore? Finally, new campaign finance records show Texas Tech booster Cody Campbell donated $274,000 to a committee supporting Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton one day before Paxton threatened legal action against the Big 12 over Brendan Sorsby. Was it simply political influence, or something more concerning? And what does it tell us about how far Campbell is willing to go to get what he wants? Topics include: SEC and Big Ten Protect College Sports Act demands Big 12 and ACC conference expansion protections College football NIL and revenue sharing rules One-time transfer and five-year eligibility limits Michigan football scandal and Warde Manuel Sherrone Moore investigation Connor Stalions and Jim Harbaugh Cody Campbell donation to Ken Paxton Texas Tech and Brendan Sorsby Big 12 legal battle College football politics and corruption Get “Open For Business,” a Big 12 newsletter… sign up below: https://bit.ly/OFBNewsletter

  3. Jul 13

    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

  4. Jul 13

    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

  5. Jul 12

    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

  6. Jul 12

    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

  7. Jul 12

    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

  8. Jul 10

    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

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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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