Samwise College Football Newsletter
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Big 12 Media Days Opens in Frisco with Monster Energy Deal and Global Matchups
Big 12 Media Days kicked off Monday at Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, setting the stage for a jam-packed two-day event. Commissioner Brett Yormark announced a multiyear Monster Energy partnership worth $20 million annually, featuring jersey patches and playing surface branding. The conference also revealed two international matchups for 2026: TCU vs. North Carolina at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, and Arizona State vs. Kansas at Wembley Stadium in London. Arizona claimed the inaugural Allstate Commissioner’s Cup with 1,377 points. Tuesday’s Media Days lineup included TCU, Arizona, Kansas, Kansas State, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Utah and West Virginia.
Sources: Tyler Morning Telegraph Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Yormark Declares Zero Tolerance for Anti-Religious Chanting at BYU Events
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark drew a hard line at Media Days Monday, pledging “zero tolerance” for anti-religious chanting directed at BYU fans at conference events. Oklahoma State and Colorado were each fined $50,000 for “inappropriate chants,” but Cincinnati avoided a fine despite video and audio evidence tied to BYU’s 26-14 win last November. Yormark said conference presidents and athletic directors will hold a formal meeting in August to address next steps. Anti-religious chants were also reported at an Oklahoma State basketball game, underscoring that the conduct issue extends well beyond football.
Sources: Deseret News Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
McGuire: Texas Tech QB Will Hammond ‘Could’ Start Week 1 After ACL Recovery
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire raised the possibility of quarterback Will Hammond returning for the Red Raiders’ season opener at Big 12 Media Days on Monday. McGuire told ESPN’s Pete Thamel that Hammond “could” be ready to start Week 1 against Abilene Christian on September 5, adding, “I think he could be, I really do.” Hammond tore his ACL last season, with his original recovery timeline targeting Week 3 — a September 18 matchup against Houston. His potential early return carries extra weight following a key departure at quarterback, making Hammond’s health status the central question of Texas Tech’s fall camp.
Sources: Heartland College Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Big 12 Unveils 2026 Preseason All-Conference Awards: LJ Martin Wins Offensive POY
The Big 12 unveiled its 2026 Preseason All-Conference team Monday at Media Days in Frisco, with BYU running back LJ Martin earning Preseason Offensive Player of the Year honors and Texas Tech defensive lineman A.J. Holmes claiming the defensive counterpart. Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker was named Preseason Newcomer of the Year. Arizona’s Noah Fifita earned the preseason QB nod, while West Virginia’s Cam Cook joined Martin at running back. The preseason defensive line featured five selections: Arizona State’s C.J. Fite, Wendell Gregory of Kansas State, Holmes and Adam Trick from Texas Tech, and BYU’s Keanu Tanuvasa.
Sources: Tyler Morning Telegraph Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Yormark Backs 24-Team CFP Expansion but Flags Championship Game Revenue Risk
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark publicly backed expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams Monday at Media Days, saying coaches, athletic directors and presidents warmed to the idea at spring business meetings. But Yormark stopped short of a full endorsement, flagging the potential elimination of conference championship games as a significant financial concern. The Big 12 title game drew 85,000 fans in Arlington last December — the highest attendance for a Power Four conference championship in history — with TV ratings up 39 percent year-over-year. “We have to understand the scheduling dynamic and what that means, and the unintended consequences, as it relates to our championship game,” Yormark said.
Sources: Deseret News Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
2026 Big 12 Preseason Awards
Announced at Media Days — Frisco, TX
🏆 Offensive POY: LJ Martin, BYU (RB)
🏆 Defensive POY: A.J. Holmes, Texas Tech (DL)
🏆 Newcomer of Year: Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State (QB)
Preseason QB: Noah Fifita (Arizona)
Preseason RBs: LJ Martin (BYU), Cam Cook (West Virginia)
2026 Season Preview
Off-Season Outlook
AP Preseason Poll: Releases mid-August 2026
🌍 International Schedule:
TCU vs. North Carolina — Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Arizona State vs. Kansas — Wembley Stadium, London
🏆 2025 Big 12 Title: BYU vs. Texas Tech
85,000 fans in Arlington — Power Four record attendance
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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