ON3 Just EXPOSED the New Schools the Big 12 Plans to Add in Realignment...

The discussion surrounding potential Big 12 expansion targets like Boise State, North Dakota State, and San Diego State highlights the ongoing arms race of conference realignment, but it completely misses what makes the league strong right now.While college football analysts love to throw around brand names and geographic footprints to generate headlines, the Big 12 doesn't need to dilute its product by chasing programs just because they dominate lower tiers or carry regional buzz. Commissioner Brett Yormark has built a 16-team powerhouse defined by fierce, week-in and week-out parity, deep developmental rosters, and authentic brand loyalty. Adding schools from the Group of Five or FCS levels—regardless of their passionate fanbases or historic lower-division titles—risks cluttering a media and competitive landscape that is already a brutal weekly gauntlet.The strength of the conference isn't found in collecting floating brands; it’s forged through the absolute bloodbath of playing high-level, physical football every single Saturday. Programs like BYU, Utah, and Oklahoma State succeed because the conference is tightly wound, highly competitive, and free of dead weight.Instead of obsessing over endless expansion loops that cater to national media whims, the focus should remain on protecting the elite quality and fierce regional identity that already makes the Big 12 the most exciting conference in America.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!KALSHIFor a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.  Butcher BoxIf you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always. Aura CybersecurityStart your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.  Protect yourself now. SquareGet up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/COLLEGE ! #squarepod5-Hour ENERGYBring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https:/5hourENERGY.com or on Amazon. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. It’s time to put your knowledge to the test with College Football Pick’Em from FanDuel.  Download the FanDuel app and play College Football Pick'Em for free. Only on FanDuel.  Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.