Latest news with #Big12
USA Today
9 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- USA Today
Where Colorado ranks as the best campus in the Big 12 according to College Football 26
College Football 26 came out last week, and hopefully, everyone is diving into another installment of the most popular sports video game in the past two years. Whether you're a dynasty mode diehard or excited to take an unheralded recruit to glory in the game, it has everything. We have already examined Colorado's top-ranked players, as well as how the team's overall ratings compare in various modes. Now let's go a little deeper. If you take over Colorado in a dynasty save, you will need to recruit to contend, and that starts with knowing what the Buffs do well and what could be improved. One grade that recruits will assuredly care about is campus lifestyle. Student athletes sometimes spend five years living in a place, so they want it to feel like home. Everyone loves Boulder, Colorado, and the campus, right? Here is how EA Sports grades Colorado's campus lifestyle in College Football 26 Colorado's College Football 26 campus lifestyle grade EA Sports gives Colorado an "A-" grade for its campus lifestyle. A solid grade that hopefully factored in the tremendous views of the Flatiron mountains and the many places for students to hang out along Pearl Street. Where does Colorado's campus lifestyle grade rank within the Big 12 If you're trying to win in recruiting, you have to beat out your rivals for top talent. It helps to have a better campus lifestyle grade than other Big 12 schools if you want to lure certain recruits to your school. So, where does Colorado's "A-" grade rank among the other Big 12 schools? Colorado, with its "A-" grade, performs exceptionally well compared to the rest of the Big 12, ranking second in the entire conference. Arizona State owns the best campus lifestyle grade, and its "A+" mark is tied for first with six other schools. The Tempe versus Boulder debate can rage on, but both schools offer multiple ways to spend time in between game weekends. Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
SEC mistakenly plays 'Aggie War Hymn' introducing Texas' Steve Sarkisian at Media Days
It seems like something more likely to happen back when Texas was in the Big 12. Tuesday, when introducing Texas coach Steve Sarkisian for his question and answer period at SEC Media Days, the conference mistakenly played wrong fight song. But it wasn't just any fight song. It was the 'Aggie War Hymn.' The SEC has been playing the corresponding fight song when coaches have walked onto the stage at SEC media days. But instead of playing "Texas Fight," the SEC played the fight song of the Longhorns biggest rival. Presumably, whoever was in charge of playing the music inside the room at the Omni Centennial Park Atlanta Hotel saw the word "Texas" and played the wrong one. But it is a really bad gaffe that shouldn't happen when introducing the biggest team in the biggest conference. To Sark's credit, he didn't acknowledge the blunder as he walked on stage and stood in front of the podium. Sark just went on with his opening statements, which started with discussing the tragic Central Texas flooding. Obviously, the embarrassing error went viral on social media immediately. Thankfully, the "music guy" played "Texas Fight" at the end of Sark's presentation. Follow us on X/Twitter at @LonghornsWire.
USA Today
18 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
What Colorado fans need to know about the Iowa State Cyclones
After falling short last year, the Iowa State Cyclones have one thing on their mind: win the Big 12. However, Colorado stands in the way of that task. Heading into Week 7 of the season, the Buffs' hope to be in good shape offensively and defensively after tough matchups versus BYU and TCU. But the schedule does not get any easier with Iowa State coming to Boulder in what should be one of their most challenging games. The Cyclones are an experienced group returning 14 starters from last season. While it will still be early in conference play for both teams, this game could separate either team as contenders for the Big 12. The Cyclones and Buffs have a long history dating back to 1946, with this year's matchup being the two programs' 66th all-time meeting. The Buffaloes host the Cyclones at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, for their fourth conference game and fifth home game of the season. Opponent Previews: Georgia Tech, Delaware, Houston, Wyoming, BYU, TCU 2024 in review Iowa State is coming off an unprecedented season where they went 11-3 with a win in the Pop-Tarts Bowl over Miami. Their conference schedule was on the easier side, with six of their nine conference opponents being in the bottom eight of the Big 12. However, when push came to shove, the Cyclones won their biggest games. ISU's biggest game of the season was a Week 12 matchup against Kansas State. The Cyclones' defense held the Wildcats' top-five offense to limited production in the second half and secured their first 10-win season in program history. Head coach profile The Cyclones are led by the winningest head coach in program history, Matt Campbell. He is the third-longest tenured head coach in the Big 12 and has helped build Iowa State into a winning program. Since 2016, he has had only two losing seasons and three bowl wins in seven appearances. Coming off his most successful season, can his teams remain consistent, and will he be able to propel himself as one of college football's top coaches? Top offensive player Rocco Becht had an impressive red-shirt sophomore campaign and can take an even bigger jump in 2025. He was third in the Big 12 in passing yards and fifth in touchdowns. He completed nearly 60% of his passes while passing for 3,505 yards and 25 touchdowns. Heading into this season, Becht is expected to spearhead the Cyclones' offense into another successful year. However, he lost his top two targets from last season, so it'll depend on other receivers to step up and make plays. Top defensive players It's challenging to select a single defensive player for Iowa State when they have three players who made the preseason All-Big 12 team. The Cyclones had a middle-of-the-pack defense in 2024; however, their pass defense was elite, thanks in part to the contributions of these two cornerbacks. Jeremiah Cooper and Jontez Williams each had successful 2024 seasons that earned them a spot on the All-Big 12 team. In 2024, Cooper was lockdown corner with a team-leading eight pass deflections, two interceptions and 48 tackles. Williams had a similar season with 46 tackles, but snagged a few more picks with four while still tallying five pass deflections. 2025 schedule Way-too-early Colorado matchup preview The Buffs and Cyclones, at this point in the 2025 season, should be must-watch television. While fans might expect a high-scoring matchup between Rocco Becht and Colorado's reconfigured offense, the game is likely to be a defensive slugfest. The Buffs' defense isn't likely to take a significant step back, and Iowa State's defense is solid and could lock down a Colorado offense still figuring things out. Ultimately, the Buffaloes' fate will depend on two things: can they get to the quarterback, and can they produce on offense? Iowa State has a strong offensive line with many returning starters that could stump Robert Livingston's aggressive play calling. This game is a toss-up. Contact/Follow us@BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Every Big Ten team's best and worst-case scenario for 2025
There's just over a month before toe meets leather on the 2025 college football season, and teams across the country are gearing up for their 12-game regular season slates. This fall, teams across the Big Ten will battle for a national championship, playoff appearance, or simply to make a bowl game. Here's a look at the best- and worst-case scenario for every team in the conference entering the season. Illinois Best case scenario: 11-1 Worst case scenario: 6-6 The Fighting Illini have a wide range of possible outcomes in 2024, with several toss-ups throughout the year. Ohio State is seemingly the only guaranteed loss, while Western Illinois, Western Michigan and Purdue should be easy wins. Playing at Duke, at Indiana, vs. USC, at Washington and at Wisconsin will likely all be close games, and dropping a stinker against Rutgers, Maryland or Northwestern isn't out of the picture. If all goes well, Illinois will be in College Football Playoff contention, but several tricky road games could derail things. Indiana Best-case scenario: 10-2 Worst-case scenario: 7-5 The Hoosiers open with one of the softest nonconference slates in the country, hosting Old Dominion, Kennesaw State and Indiana State, which should result in easy victories. After that, things get trickier with matchups against Illinois, Iowa, Oregon, Penn State and Wisconsin on the docket. Two or more losses against that group seems extremely likely, especially considering Indiana will be on the road against the Hawkeyes, Ducks and Nittany Lions, three of the toughest environments around. Iowa Best-case scenario: 9-3 Worst-case scenario: 6-6 The Hawkeyes have won eight or more games every season since 2015, but that streak is at risk in 2025. The annual CyHawk rivalry game could prove tougher than usual with Iowa State coming off a Big 12 conference championship appearance. Additionally, Iowa will be an underdog in conference games against Penn State, Oregon and USC, and games against Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Nebraska could be tricky. With one of Iowa's toughest schedules in recent history, achieving eight wins again would be a successful season. Maryland Best-case scenario: 7-5 Worst-case scenario: 4-8 The Terrapins are in danger of the wheels falling off after a disappointing 4-8 season a year ago. The nonconference slate features three supposed cupcake games, but NIU could give Maryland a run for its money. In Big Ten play, the Terrapins received a relatively easy draw, with Michigan and Illinois as the two toughest opponents. Wisconsin, Washington, Nebraska and Indiana could be tricky, depending on how their rosters mesh, and Maryland isn't clearly above teams like UCLA and Michigan State. Finding wins in conference play will be tricky for the Terrapins in 2025. Michigan State Best-case scenario: 7-5 Worst-case scenario: 4-8 The Spartans should have free wins over Western Michigan and Youngstown State and will be favored over Boston College in nonconference play. Playing Michigan and Penn State pencils in two losses, and most of the toss-ups (Nebraska, Indiana, Minnesota, Iowa) are on the road. The Spartans should go undefeated through nonconference play and pick off a couple Big Ten opponents, but the conference slate is tough. Michigan Best-case scenario: 11-1 Worst-case scenario: 8-4 In addition to their annual rivalry against Ohio State, the Wolverines travel to USC and Oklahoma, but the rest of the schedule seems manageable for them. Michigan is riding momentum after beating the Buckeyes and Alabama in back-to-back games to close out last season, and should get a significant improvement in quarterback play from either 5-star Bryce Underwood or veteran transfer Mikey Keene. The Wolverines should compete for a playoff appearance and possibly a conference championship. Minnesota Best-case scenario: 10-2 Worst-case scenario: 6-6 The Golden Gophers should go 3-0 in nonconference play, with a trip to Cal as the toughest test. Conference games against Rutgers, Purdue and Northwestern should be comfortable wins, giving Minnesota bowl eligibility, but there are also some likely losses, including at Ohio State and at Oregon. Nebraska Best-case scenario: 8-4 Worst-case scenario: 6-6 The Cornhuskers have a relatively easy nonconference slate, but playing Michigan, USC, Penn State and Iowa make for uphill battles. Maryland, Northwestern and UCLA should provide easy wins in conference play, giving Nebraska bowl eligibility for the second consecutive season if it takes care of business. Northwestern Best-case scenario: 6-6 Worst-case scenario: 3-9 A nonconference road trip to Tulane won't be easy for a team of Northwestern's caliber, though Western Michigan and UL Monroe are all but guaranteed victories. Hosting UCLA and Purdue gives the Wildcats a good shot of beating some of the conference's bottom-dwellers, but wins outside of that will be hard to come by. The schedule-makers did Northwestern no favors by including Oregon, Michigan, Penn State, USC and Illinois, which will all be heavy favorites over the Wildcats. Ohio State Best-case scenario: 12-0 Worst-case scenario: 9-3 Fresh off a national championship, the Buckeyes have a chance to be the best team in the country once again, but their schedule features some elite opponents. A nonconference matchup with Texas and Big Ten games against Penn State and Michigan make for three major hurdles, and road trips to Washington, Wisconsin and Illinois could be trap games. Still, it's hard to see Ohio State dropping more than three contests. Oregon Best-case scenario: 12-0 Worst-case scenario: 9-3 Nonconference games against Oregon State and Oklahoma State are interesting but should result in multiple-score victories for the Ducks. Oregon can't play itself and also avoids Ohio State and Michigan, so the only major tests should come at Penn State and at USC. Traveling to Iowa could be tricky, and dropping a rivalry game against Washington isn't out of the picture, so it's possible the Ducks regress to 9-3. Penn State Best-case scenario: 12-0 Worst-case scenario: 9-3 The Nittany Lions benefit from an extremely weak nonconference schedule but have tough games at Ohio State and vs. Oregon, which should be close contest. Penn State may also be tested at Iowa or vs. Indiana, but the Nittany Lions have historically handled business when favored. Purdue Best-case scenario: 5-7 Worst-case scenario: 2-10 The Boilermakers should be able to pick up wins against Ball State and Southern Illinois but likely won't take down Notre Dame. In conference play, Ohio State, Michigan, USC and Illinois look to be losses, while games against Minnesota, Wisconsin, Washington and Indiana won't be easy either. Purdue's best chance for a Big Ten win will come at Northwestern or vs. Rutgers, but neither are a given. Rutgers Best-case scenario: 6-6 Worst-case scenario: 3-9 The Scarlet Knights benefit from a soft nonconference schedule and games against Purdue and Maryland, but the rest of the schedule is a murderer's row featuring most of the top teams in the conference. Picking up conference wins will be difficult, and reaching bowl eligibility will likely require an upset or two. UCLA Best-case scenario: 6-6 Worst-case scenario: 3-9 The Bruins have a tough nonconference draw with Utah, UNLV and New Mexico State, plus Penn State, Ohio State and USC in conference play. Games against Northwestern and Maryland should lead to conference wins, but the rest will be tough. USC Best-case scenario: 10-2 Worst-case scenario: 6-6 The Trojans have a tough nonconference battle against Notre Dame but should also rack up two easy victories against Missouri State and Georgia Southern. In Big Ten action, USC takes on Oregon, Michigan, Illinois and Iowa, which should prove difficult, but playing UCLA, Northwestern and Purdue balances it out with some supposedly easy wins. Washington Best-case scenario: 9-3 Worst-case scenario: 6-6 The Huskies should pick up a trio of easy nonconference victories, plus wins over Maryland, Rutgers and Purdue. Playing Ohio State and Oregon will be tough, but those games come at home. The toughest road trips are at Michigan and Wisconsin, which are tough but winnable. Washington should have no trouble reaching bowl eligibility, but there are several expected losses against top conference foes. Wisconsin Best-case scenario: 7-5 Worst-case scenario: 3-9 The Badgers have two cupcakes to open the season followed by a trip to Alabama, meaning a likely 2-1 start. Wisconsin has a brutal stretch in conference play featuring games at Michigan, vs. Iowa, vs. Ohio State, at Oregon, vs. Washington, at Indiana, vs. Illinois and at Minnesota, in which the Badgers may be underdogs in every game.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Deion Sanders' Quarterback Dilemma: Who Will Start at Colorado?
Deion Sanders' Quarterback Dilemma: Who Will Start at Colorado? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. During Big 12 Media Days, most of the national analysts discussed who would be the next quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes. Deion Sanders decided to bring both Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis to the event, which signaled he's not sold on either as the starter. Both present different arguments and could actually split time under center, according to Sanders. Advertisement However, CBS Sports' Brad Crawford believes Salter will move forward as the starter before facing Georgia Tech to open the season on August 29th. Here's his thoughts on the situation ahead of fall camp in Boulder. "Assuming the former Liberty superstar beats out freshman Julian Lewis, Colorado's offense will look substantially different this fall," Crawford said. "Both players can move, but Salter's experience edge is substantial -- as are his 56 career touchdown passes and nearly 8,000 yards of total offense. Sanders offered no details this week on how the competition will play out." Crawford also ranked Colorado as having the 12th-best QB situation in the Big 12. Lewis could be one of the youngest starting passers in the nation after reclassifying up a year to the 2025 class. The true freshman five-star was a two-time national Gatorade Player of the Year finalist at Carrollton (Georgia) with over 10,000 career passing yards and 144 touchdowns. Advertisement Related: Deion Sanders Sends Blunt Message About Replacing "His Sons" On the other hand, Salter came to Colorado as an experienced three-year starter at Liberty. He has accounted for 7,900 yards, 77 total touchdowns, and 17 interceptions during his time with the Flames. One of the most experienced transfer players from the last cycle with the capability to throw 70-yard bombs. Related: Will Deion Sanders Pass The Nike Torch to Shedeur Before NFL Season? Sanders and Colorado are on the verge of opening up fall camp with a few clear objectives before the season, but none bigger than naming the heir apparent to Shedeur Sanders. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
