Coach O Is Back, Big 12 Commish Brett Yormark Joins, and Best Quarterback Debate

Summary

The Triple Option – Episode Summary

Episode: Coach O Is Back, Big 12 Commish Brett Yormark Joins, and Best Quarterback Debate
Date: May 27, 2026
Hosts: Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II (absent this episode), Rob Stone
Special Guest: Brett Yormark (Big 12 Commissioner)

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Triple Option dives into some of the biggest headlines shaping the future of college football. The hosts discuss the return of Coach Ed Orgeron (“Coach O”) to LSU, the immense expectations on Lane Kiffin in Baton Rouge, and debate which modern quarterback they’d build their program around. The highlight is an in-depth, candid conversation with Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark about conference growth, playoff expansion, and the complex issues facing college sports today.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Coach O Returns to LSU

[02:06 – 07:42]

• Coach Ed Orgeron has joined Lane Kiffin’s LSU staff as a special assistant to recruiting and defense. The panel discusses what this means for LSU’s program and Kiffin’s upcoming tenure.
• Urban Meyer’s Insider Coach Perspective:
  • Orgeron is “one of the best defensive line coaches in the game” and “one of the great recruiters in the game for many, many years.”
  • “Certified nutjob” but a “no brainer” hire for LSU ([02:06]).
  • "As far as a defensive line coach... they got him doing the right thing and then he was one of the great recruiters in the game for many, many years." – Urban Meyer ([02:06])
• Recruiting in Louisiana:
  • Meyer avoided recruiting battles in Louisiana due to Orgeron’s prowess: “You get to the dance floor with a great player, and then he wouldn't come... I'm not flying into Louisiana again. I'm good.” ([04:58])
  • “When Ed Orgeron got his hands on you, that was a tough get.” – Urban Meyer ([04:58])
• Expectations for Lane Kiffin:
  • Meyer: “With the investment... I would say they have to be in Atlanta for the SEC championship game.” ([04:20])
  • The high bar for Kiffin’s first season is set: win the SEC or at least make the conference championship.

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2. The "Build Your Program Around One QB" Debate

[07:42 – 11:28]

• Choose one QB to build your team: Tim Tebow, Vince Young, Joe Burrow, Cam Newton, or Baker Mayfield.
• Urban Meyer’s Perspective:
  • Meyer coached/recruited three of the five (Tebow, Burrow, Newton).
  • “I have Heisman and two national championships with that first name there. So I'd take Tebow.” ([09:00])
  • Cites Tebow’s leadership and toughness: “He's a magnet and he leads by example, man. Just tough. Is toughest guy as I've ever been around.” ([09:13])
• Memorable Moment: Meyer reminisces about recruiting Cam Newton, who surprised many by wanting to play QB and not tight end ([08:19]).
• Rob Stone’s Fan Take: Prefers Baker Mayfield for his “swagger,” especially as a Buccaneers fan ([11:12]).

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3. Interview: Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark

[14:11 – 37:44]

Big 12 Transformation & Identity

• Yormark: “We’re a different league. We lean into our point of differentiation ... the conference needed to be reimagined and reinvented, and I think we've done that.” ([15:04])
• Details a three-phase approach: stabilize (TV deal), build (infrastructure, schools), now total growth mode ([15:04]).
• Stability and culture are key: “I love the cohesion of our board... I love the trajectory of this conference.” ([16:07])

Growth Mode—Not Just Expansion

• Clarifies growth means resource and value creation, not necessarily adding teams: “No focus on realignment. For me, it's all about growth... creating value for our member institutions.” ([16:51])

Big Issues in College Sports

• Federal Legislation & Sustainable Model: Hopeful about developing a stable, equitable future for college athletics ([19:10]).
  • “We need a sustainable model that works for all.” – Brett Yormark ([19:10])
• Comments on SEC & Big Ten Power Plays:
  • On Jamie Pollard’s remarks about SEC/Big Ten: “If people believe that they're better off going out on their own, then they've got to pursue what's best for them. ... Our preference would certainly be, let's stay together … but I don't control what my other colleagues do.” ([21:06])

CFP Expansion & Conference Championship

• How close is the Big 12 to a National Title?
  • “I’m bullish on where we're going and the investments that are being made. ... I'm hopeful next year will be a breakthrough year for us.” ([22:14])
• Playoff Expansion to 24?
  • “We like the concept of 24. ... In theory, I like it because too many teams are being left out.” ([23:33])
  • But: “We gotta think about the economics...our championship game drives a lot of value ... if we go to 24, is there new revenue to offset that?” ([23:33])

Olympic Sports & Financial Pressures

• Yormark is “doubling down on Olympic sports” like volleyball, softball, soccer, gymnastics ([26:42]).
• Meyer brings up concerns about other sports being cut amid football’s financial arms race; Yormark says Big 12 is adding scholarships and growing those programs ([26:54]).

Addressing Gambling & Integrity Concerns

• On student athlete gambling: “It's a serious issue... Many ... grew up in a legalized gambling environment. ... We as an industry need to first recognize there's a serious problem.” ([28:03])
• Details on Big 12’s proactive use of monitoring tech and educational efforts ([28:03]).

Commissioner Communication & Collegiality

• “I'm on the phone probably with a Power Four commissioner every day ... we have organized meetings, a great cadence, where we're chatting with commissioners.” ([29:56])
• Weekly agenda includes: “Big picture: we talk about CFP, we talk about [college sports economic model], we talk about federal legislation, rules ... enforcement, eligibility, tampering.” ([31:48])

NIL, Transfer Portal, and Reform Consensus

• Meyer: “Is it behind the scenes as agreeable as it seems to be on the surface?” ([32:30])
• Yormark: “I think there is consensus ... but the portal and the movement, when you think about the unlimited free agency, has created a lot of challenges for all of us.” ([33:12])

"Rapid Fire" with Yormark

[34:44 – 37:44]

• Private Equity in College Athletics: “It's making its way in, but people define private equity very differently. ... Traditional private equity has not found its way into the ecosystem ... at some point in time it will.” ([35:02])
• Coaches Poached Midseason: “I don't believe in it. ... There should be a period of time that a coach can determine if they want to stay or leave. That doesn't compromise the season.” ([36:00])
• Fast-Growing Olympic Sport: “Volleyball has incredible upside right now.” ([36:37])
• Big Noon Kickoff in London: Yormark is enthusiastic: “If you guys were to make it to London ... that would be huge for us. Every time you guys are on campus supporting the Big 12, it's like an infomercial.” ([37:03])

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4. Memorial Day Reflections: “Cheers of the Week”

[40:00 – 45:07]

• Tribute to Military and First Responders:
  • Urban Meyer shares how his family instilled a deep respect for service and patriotism.
  • “You know why [service members] do it? For love of country and love of brother. ... Is there a greater sense of being than that?” ([42:52])
• Fantasy Camp for Patriots: Meyer describes a military-style camp he helps run for charity (“We learned hostage rescue, how to take rooms... shoot each other with air guns ... you get home, you jump in to take a shower and you got all these welts all over your body. So it's pretty cool.”) ([44:12])
• Personal stories add depth and tone, connecting the episode to Memorial Day’s spirit of gratitude.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (With Timestamps)

• On Coach Ogershon’s Recruiting:

  • “When Ed Orgeron got his hands on you, that was a tough get.” – Urban Meyer ([04:58])

• On Louisiana Recruiting:

  • “I'm not flying into Louisiana again. I'm good.” – Urban Meyer ([04:58])

• On Tim Tebow:

  • “He's a magnet and he leads by example, man. Just tough. [He’s the] toughest guy as I've ever been around.” – Urban Meyer ([09:13])

• On Big 12’s New Identity:

  • “I love the trajectory of the conference. ... We're in total growth mode.” – Brett Yormark ([15:04])

• On Conference Realignment Threats:

  • “If people believe that they're better off going out on their own, then they've got to pursue what's best for them. ... Our preference would certainly be, let's stay together.” – Brett Yormark ([21:06])

• On NIL & Transfer Portal Reform:

  • “It doesn't exist—unlimited free agency—anywhere else in sports, and we got to get our arms around that.” – Brett Yormark ([33:12])

• On Service:

  • “You know why they do it? They do it for love of country and love of brother. That's what they do.” – Urban Meyer ([42:52])

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Important Segment Timestamps

| Topic | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------------------------|--------------| | Ed Orgeron Returns to LSU Discussion | 02:06–07:42 | | Build Your Program Around One QB Debate | 07:42–11:28 | | Brett Yormark Interview Begins | 14:11 | | Big 12 Growth & Conference Model | 15:04–17:47 | | Federal Legislation & Conference Stability | 19:10–21:06 | | Realignment Threats (Jamie Pollard’s Comments) | 21:06–22:07 | | CFP Expansion Discussion | 23:33–26:15 | | Olympic Sports, Financial Pressures, Gambling Integrity | 26:42–29:30 | | Commissioner Communication Cadence | 29:56–32:30 | | NIL, Transfer Portal, Agent Concerns | 32:30–34:44 | | Rapid Fire Round with Yormark | 34:44–37:44 | | Memorial Day Reflections & Cheers of the Week | 40:00–45:07 |

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Episode Tone

• Language & Tone: Collegial, candid, and deeply informed, blending coach insider perspective (Meyer), player angle (Mark Ingram, though absent), and seasoned moderator (Stone).
• Energy: Reflective and respectful during military tribute, lively during recruiting/quarterback debates, fact-driven and open in the Yormark interview.

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This episode offers an in-depth look into college football's changing landscape, the strategic thinking behind coaching hires and conference leadership, and connects on a personal level with a heartfelt Memorial Day salute. It's essential listening for fans wanting to understand the forces shaping the sport’s future.

Transcript

[A]

Tell me about some of this hostage rescue stuff. If Rob Stone has been taken hostage, how are you going to help me out?

[B]

Coach we're going to go get you, Rob. We get in the vans and you got masks on and there's enemies behind the lines and it is violent, it is wild.

[A]

We crawling around, getting down low.

[B]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. And getting shot at. You get home, you jump in to take a shower and you got all these welts all over your body. So that's pretty cool.

[A]

Coach Mar taking one for Rob Stone. I appreciate it, Coach.

[B]

I got your back, Rob.

[A]

The triple option is presented by Wendy's. Wendy's invented the spicy chicken sandwich and now we're reinventing it, making it crispier than ever before. Wendy's Spicy Chicken. We're so back. Glad you're with us for another edition of the triple option. He's hall of Fame head coach Urban Meyer. I'm Rob Stone, our good friend.

[C]

Friend.

[A]

Our partner, Deuce Deuce Mark Ingram will be back with us on our next episode. Today, one of our favorite guests, the Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark joins the conversation. A lot to get through with the commissioner. We're going to raise our glasses to the military, of course. With Memorial Day just wrapping up and a familiar face at a familiar dialect, shall we say, returns to Baton Rouge. Please rate subscribe Send us your questions. We can be found on social media at 3x option. Show new episodes coming your way on YouTub and wherever you get your podcast. All right, Coach, let's get this baby going. 95 days out until kickoff of the 2026 college football season. It is now time for muscle memory. Click it. Don't risk it. Paid for by Nitza One guy who has had some muscle memory of Baton Rouge is returning back to Louisiana. Lane Kiffin, the new head coach down there at LSU has added to his staff former LSU head coach Ed Ogeron. Coach O led the Tigers to the Natty in 2019. He will be coach a special assistant to recruiting and defense. What were your initial thoughts when you heard about Coach O going back to Baton Rouge?

[B]

Yeah, I've known Coach O forever. You know, there was a time Rob, he was obviously became a successful head coach, one of the great teams in college football history at lsu. But he was arguably the best defensive line coach in the game. He coached for Pete Carroll coached at lsu. Then he went on his own journey as a I think before Pete Carroll he was the head coach at Ole Miss and I coached against him when he was a Florida site and I use the term often. Certified nut job is what he is. I mean, rips his shirt off and. But I'll tell you what, as far as a defensive line coach, as far as a defense, they got him doing the right thing and then he was one of the great recruiters in the game for many, many years. I recruited against him, coached against him. So this is a no brainer. You know, I'd love to know these salary structures that are going on. You know, you don't hear much about that. So what's that you said? Special assistant. Special assistant for defense. And then, and then he's allowed to go recruit.

[A]

I think that's more of why he's been brought on. Right. With all those Louisiana ties and that Cajun dialect.

[B]

Yeah, that's, that's a, that's a win. Win for lsu. It's just again, this is, you're, you're operating in spaces right now that go do what you got to do.

[A]

Get it done.

[B]

They are and they are doing what they gots to do.

[A]

As Mark, as Mark Ingram has been saying for a while, LSU is going to be a problem. I think that problem starts in about, you know, less than.

[B]

Well, here, here's the thing. If people ask me, like, will Lane Kiffin be successful? Will John Sumral be successful? Will Kyle Whittingham be successful? There's some big new names out there. I always say that's relative. What is success? So John Sumrall season is going to be much different than a, than a Lane Kiffin season. Lane Kiffin's got. I remember when I was at Florida, a reporter in the preseason said, coach, how does it feel? Unless you go undefeated, win every game, win a national title, it's a failure. Is Lane there? I don't think he's there, but it's pretty close with the investment. What if he loses a couple of games?

[A]

Yeah. So what is success at LSU in, in year one? Obviously it'll be different in year two and three. But what do you think success is in Baton Rouge this year?

[B]

They better win the sec, I think. I mean, the investment that they put into that program, the fans are, you know, that's one of those stadiums down there that, that's a tough one. So I don't know. I don't know, Rob. I think LSU is one of those few places that they just ran Brian Kelly out of there. They ran Ed Ogeron out of there. After a couple years, after national title, I would have expectation that they have to make the SEC championship game. That's What I would say, I would say they have to be in Atlanta for the SEC championship game.

[A]

Let's talk about the Ed O. Factor real quick. How good of a recruiter was he back in the day?

[B]

One of the best out there. When, When Ed Ogeron got his hands on you, that was a tough get. I told you. When I was the head coach at. And this is also about Louisiana. When I was a head coach of Florida, we played around in Louisiana and we get to the, you know, get to the dance floor with a great player, and then he wouldn't come. So I said, enough. We're not, we're not. I'm not flying into Louisiana again. I'm good. There's enough good players around Georgia and Florida that I'm not going to go beat my face against the wall and, and go in Louisiana. Now, I know Nick Saban went in there and got some players, but I, I just. That was a whole different level game that I was not willing to go do.

[A]

I always love the, the pregame interactions between the head coaches, and usually they're pretty brief sometimes, you know, you guys can have some long conversations. They're good friends. What was the, the pregame meeting handshake with coach?

[B]

Oh, yeah, I told you a story. I mean, why would I. I would never go talk to the head coach, even if he's a friend, and I would tell him, you know, say, listen, during the season, I don't really. I'm not going to ask about your family. I'm not going to. We'll do that after the season because, you know, and I hope, you know, it's, hey, good luck. Have a good day. No, I hope you have an awful day. I hope we. We make this very miserable on you and then we'll talk after the season.

[A]

But could you even understand Coacho?

[B]

Oh, yeah, yeah. It's. You have to, you have to lock in. It's one of those things. He's talking, okay, now, what did he just say? But he fits in, man. He's where he needs to be. He is, as they say, home.

[A]

Yeah, yeah.

[B]

And he'll make a difference. He'll make a difference there.

[A]

It's interesting we're seeing this theme more and more. Coach of coaches going back to a former home. I mean, I understand coacho and Louisiana, that is. That sounds like home, home. But, you know, Brent Pry going, going back to Virginia Tech after getting fired from there. Did you ever have any issues with bringing in coaches or having coaches on your staff that had a past history at that institution?

[B]

I didn't. You know, my biggest one was keeping Kyle Whittingham that interviewed for the head coach at Utah. There was a certain group of constituents out there that wanted him because he was Mr. Utah. And I was young enough that, you know, I was like, man, I don't need this issue right now. But then when I met him and it was the best hire I've ever made to keep Kyle Winningham, and we became very close. So I've never had one of those. But you're right, there's a. There's a tendency to bring guys back home. The Brent Pye at Virginia, Brent Pry at Virginia Tech is a very unique situation. You talk about leaving your ego at the door for Brent Pry. I don't know him well, but that's. I'm very respectful of that.

[A]

And we're going to get into that with James Franklin in the coming weeks here on the triple option presented by Wendy's. All right, coach, this is a good one. Last week, our social team posted a question. It received over 3 million views, so we thought we would get you to chime in. And we take a look at the graphic on the screen. Left to right. We got Tim Tebow, Vy VI, Vince Young, Joe Burrow, Cam Newton, Baker Mayfield, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 certifiable studs. Our question on the triple option is, and you've coached three of these guys, you can only recruit one to build your program around. Of those five studs, who is it?

[B]

Only one. Well, of the five, I recruited three of them, obviously. Tim Tebow, Joe Burrow, and then Cam Newton. Cam Newton was an incredible story. We had another quarterback committed, and Cam Newton came down to Friday Night Lights with Dan Mullen and myself. And after about six minutes running through the cones and watching him throw, and a lot of people thought in the recruiting circles he was going to be a tight end. You know, he was a giant and a really good athlete. And after about six minutes, I grabbed him and said, hey, let's go up to my office and talk a little bit. And about an hour later, he shakes our hand and says, I'm a gator, so that's a tough go. But I think, you know what you direction I'm going to go.

[A]

Yeah, I think so.

[B]

I have Heisman and two national championships with that first name there. So I'd take Tebow.

[A]

What is it about Tim that that lent leans into the concept of I can build around this guy?

[B]

Yeah, he's got the he. I mean, he's still doing it, you know, I'm on his foundation board for anti human trafficking and all the things he does. He's incredible leader. He's a magnet and he leads by example, man. Just tough. Is toughest guy as I've ever been around. A lot of people don't give him credit for the toughness piece because they know he's such a great kid, but he is one of the toughest cats. And when people saw him, you go watch a fourth quarter against Oklahoma and 08 national title and his. His will to win and his toughness just elevated the entire team to go in that game.

[A]

All those dudes. All those dudes.

[B]

All those dudes are. I coached against Baker, Mefield. He's a. In a good way, y', all, man. I mean. And obviously Joe Burrow. We recruited Joe Burrow with the idea that it's going to be a developmental player and he was. Did I know that he'd become one of the best players in the NFL currently? No. Did I know he'd have one of the greatest seasons in college football history? No. Did we start to see it when he broke his right hand, his throwing hand, as I believe his junior year we started to see it. So love him. And then Cam Newton. I mean, my God. I mean, he was with us and there's a lot of people say what happens if he would have stuck around.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then obviously found his way to

[A]

the planes, didn't he?

[B]

Where the guy we're not talking about is Vince Yan and Matt Liner. Some of those guys say he's the best maybe to ever do it.

[A]

So, man, what makes hard to go wrong with that crew?

[B]

I signed three of those guys, man. I'm staring at that. That's pretty cool. Three of them.

[A]

Yeah, that's. Did you. Did you ever recruit. Was Baker in play when you were in college ball?

[B]

No. No. I mean, I can't remember. And Vince Yan. I can't remember. I'm sure. But we weren't involved any of those players.

[A]

All right, Tim Tebow, we're building the triple option so we get to go against him. Football team around him.

[B]

Someone's going to get to do it one more time with Tim. I'd say.

[A]

Yeah. If it's right now, though. If it's right now. It's obviously the two dudes that are playing. Right. Eileen Baker, because I'm a buccaneer fan. I love his swagger, man.

[B]

I love it.

[A]

Well, that's unrecovered.

[B]

You're going Baker.

[A]

When you want to plant something into concrete on an opposing team's field. You got some certain swagger to you, whether that's good or bad. Coming up next, we're joined by Big 12 Commissioner Brett York on the triple option presented by Wendy's.

[C]

Light it.

[A]

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[B]

So in 2026, they're going back. Back to the flavor, back to the quality, and back to the kitchen that made the sandwich that started it all better. Meet the new spicy chicken. Same iconic sandwich from Wendy's. Now even more iconic.

[D]

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[A]

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[C]

Mark.

[D]

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[B]

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[E]

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[A]

All right, welcome back to the Triple Option presented by Wendy's Urban Meyer, Rob Stone. We're joined by one of our all time favorites, whether it's via Big Noon kickoff or here on the triple option. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yourmark joins us closing in on his three year anniversary in charge of the Big 12. So let's start with this. Give us your elevator.

[C]

Oh, I gotta say, it feels like. Well, it's four years this summer. Four years, is it?

[A]

It's four in August.

[C]

Four in August, Yeah.

[A]

Okay. All right.

[B]

But it feels like what? Go, go on. You.

[C]

Yeah, well, I mean, listen, that's 28

[B]

years of dog years.

[C]

Well, I go both ways. You know, we've done a lot in a short period of time.

[B]

Certainly have.

[C]

But I do think the job has aged me a little bit.

[A]

Okay, so how about this? Let's do an elevator pitch right now. Real quick. We're going, we're going from floor one to floor four. Let's say of what the Big 12 is right now.

[C]

A different league. I'll start there. We're a different league. We lean into our point of differentiation. When I got here, you know, in the summer of 22, I saw great bones, but the conference needed to be reimagined and reinvented, and I think we've done that. And you know, when I think about bill building companies, because I've done it previously, I think about it in three different phases. First, you stabilize, which we did. And the impetus for stabilization was going early on our TV deal with Fox and espn. Then you've got to build. And we did that both internally, the infrastructure, the human capital resources. And then we did that externally, obviously with the composition and adding the four corner schools. Now we are in total growth mode. And I love the trajectory of the conference. I love the fact that we're getting on the consciousness of current and future student athletes. I love the fact that we reside, you know, within the business community. But we also connect a culture which is critically important to us.

[A]

So.

[C]

And I love the cohesion of our board. I mean, it took a little while. You know, obviously we have eight new schools in the last three years. But I love the trajectory of this conference, where we're going, how we're building and spending, you know, in addition to making sure that we're refining everything from a conference perspective, spending a lot of time on some of the national issues, which of course we're all addressing and we're going to speak about today. But just love where we're, where we're going right now.

[A]

Yeah, Coach is going to get to those in just one second. I'm just real fast and I apologize. You say growth mode. I think when a lot of people in college athletics talk about growth, particularly if we're talking to a commissioner, you're talking about growing, expanding your conference, as in adding. Not. You're talking in a different way.

[C]

No, my reference to growth is how do we grow resources and create value for our member institutions? And you've got to be ready for that moment, which we are, and we've been building towards it.

[A]

And when you say that moment. I'm sorry, that moment where conference alignments potentially change.

[C]

Listen, I love the composition of this conference, okay? So there's no focus on realignment. For me, it's all about growth. And when I think about growth is how do I create value, material value, resources for our member institutions. And we're doing that commercially. We took all of our commercial business in house. We're controlling all revenue. From a conference perspective, very different than, you know, some of my colleagues. And we're very aggressive about going into the marketplace, creating a point of difference and getting people to vote yes for the Big 12.

[B]

I first have a comment, Brett, and. And when. When you lost Texas and Oklahoma, I was one that, like Mike, what. They're done. The Big 12. That's the opposite. What you and your. I saw this in the Big ten. We first went the Big Ten is that you and I imagine the ads and staffs and the atmospheres that you and everybody have created in the Big 12. I'm speaking on big new now because it's incredible. Those are. When that comes across our desk that we're headed to one of your Schools, the Big 12. We are fired up because the fans. And I'm telling you, it wasn't that way. I know it wasn't. And when, you know, when everybody started burying the big 12, that the, you know, the two top schools are hitting the road, I never foresaw what I'm witnessing now, as at first, you know, as a fan, I can't wait to go to those Big 12 schools because a lot of them I've never been. But the atmosphere has been so kudos to you guys for that. Now the question is that the White House visit, you were there. We had a conversation with Cody Campbell, we had Charlie Baker, the president. And I just think this is a phenomenon, that first of all, the amount of powerful people that have a sincere interest in the future, not only of football, but of college sports, I think it's. It's Incredible to see that.

[C]

Yeah, I agree. I agree. And I was honored to be there with the president and a part of that roundtable discussion then, obviously, as you're well aware, we've. We have formed committees since then, working committees to address all the different issues. Those committees also include student athletes. So we're getting a broad perspective, and there's been a lot of work over the last couple of months, and I'm hopeful that we can get some federal legislation that reflects all the effort and work that's been put in. It probably won't be perfect, but there will be a lot of progress, for sure. And as you and I know, and we could speak hours about it, we need a sustainable model that works for all. And, you know, I was very impressed. No different than you Urban on, you know, the, the types of people that were in that room and continue to do work. And, and it's amazing because, you know, collegiate athletics is a common denominator for a lot of people. It brings people together, and it did that day, and it, it certainly is. Is brought people together ever since. And I'm just looking forward to a moment where, you know, we can have some stability and, and a model that works and that ultimately we can all just look forward to brighter days ahead. And, you know, despite some of the challenges, and I often say this that we're all facing, and we've discussed them amongst ourselves, the product's never been better when you think about collegiate athletics, starting with football and basketball and Olympic sports. So we have a lot of good things that are working for us right now, but we have to refine the model and get to a better place, and I'm hopeful we will.

[B]

One of your athletic directors recently, Jamie Pollard at Iowa State, because I've heard the same, is that the SEC and Big Ten are throwing their weight around and then threatening to leave. And then I, I don't want to, you know, I'm going to paraphrase Jamie Pollard, but he's like, you know, if you're going to leave, leave, quit threatening us. What's your thoughts on all that?

[C]

Well, I, I haven't spoken to Jamie this morning, but, you know, I was aware of some of his comments. And, you know, listen, our rads are, are free to say what they want when they want, but I can't speak for Jamie. I can only say that, listen, as far as I'm concerned, I've been very collegial with my colleagues. I want to see us come together and figure this out as a collective group. We have spent A lot of time discussing federal legislation, the CSC and a model that works. And listen, if people believe that they're better off going out on their own, then they've got to pursue what's best for them. I can only speak for the Big 12, and our preference would certainly be, let's stay together, let's work through some of the challenges and issues, and let's land in a better place. But I don't control what my other colleagues do, or for that matter, what their rooms do. I can only speak for the Big 12.

[A]

I'm curious, how far away do you feel is a Big 12 team from winning the college football national title?

[C]

That's a great question, I think. Well, I know our schools are making sizable investments in college football. College football obviously drives the ecosystem. We haven't been as successful as we'd like, obviously, in the cfp, but I'm bullish on where we're going and the investments that are being made. And I'm hopeful that next year, that will be a bit of a breakthrough year for us. You got to win your first game, which we haven't done yet. Okay. And then you got to build on that. And I don't want just one team in. I want multiple chances, you know, to win. And, you know, that's. That's the goal to have.

[A]

Is that the breakthrough, getting more than one team into the playoff system?

[C]

Yeah, 100%. I mean, listen, we got to win a game, okay, in the last two years, we have it. But beside that, yes, I want multiple bids, and that's what we're working towards. And. And, you know, the coaches and rads are certainly aware of what the expectations are from a conference perspective. And I'm hopeful that in the near future, you know, we can attain some of the goals that we've put in front of ourselves.

[A]

You talked about growth mode for the Big 12. There's a lot of growth mode conversation around the college football playoffs. What is the right number in the Big 12's mind?

[C]

Listen, it's debatable out there. Obviously, you've got different people think. Thinking different things. But from my perspective today, we like the concept of 24. Now, the caveat to that is there's a lot of work to be done. You know, what does 24 really mean? Are there unintended consequences going to 24? What do the economics mean? Because in order to go to 24, you're going to have to do away with your champ game. And that champ game for us drives a lot of economics, but it's also a tent pole event for us. It's a rallying effort around our, what I would call our college football franchise. And, you know, last year alone, I mean, we set an all time college football championship, conference championship game attendance of over 85,000. It's a big time moment for us and candidly, it's right here in Dallas. I mean, we played at and T Stadium. It's a big moment for us. We have a great partner, you know, TV partner that gives us a great window and our ratings were fantastic. So, you know, we've got to, we got to think about that in the context of going to 24, and we've got to think about what the additional economics are as it relates to, you know, what kind of new revenue can we drive if we go to 24. You know, for us, it's not just, you know, making sure that we drive enough revenue to offset, you know, the value of our champ game. And I know my conference commissioners feel the same way. We want additional revenue if we're going to go to 24. And we, we've got to figure out, you know, is, is, are those resources available to us and if so, what does it look like? So there's a lot to unpack around 24, but in theory, I like it because I think too many good teams are being left out of, of, you know, the CFP. And I think going to 24 would afford us an opportunity to, you know, get the type of access we need. And I'll tell you two other things. You know, there's this coaching carousel, you know, that we all speak about. You know, there's the cost of, of constructing a roster and all that is based today on. And success is being based today ON Are you one of 12? But if that, if that narrative changes to being about, well, are you in the top 25 effectively? And I'm rounding up from 24 to 25. It takes some heat out of the system. You know, when you think about what defines success for a coach, how much do you need to invest in a roster to be competitive and to be part of, you know, the big show, if you will. So there is that added benefit that again, where I think it takes a little heat out of the system in addition to the obvious, which is more accessible commission.

[B]

I got a question because this is personal with me. I had two daughters play college volleyball and I know the president talked about this, so did his staff. Are you feeling pressure from ADs and chancellors and presidents about the potential of losing sports with this economic crunch? That's gone on with the. The fiscal responsibilities of a. Of a school now to pay exorbitant numbers for a roster. Are you feeling it at all?

[C]

Not really. I mean, I can tell you that when I get in my room, whether it's with the ads, the presidents, everyone knows that there is huge growth within Olympic sports. And we as a conference are doubling down on Olympic sports. You think about volleyball, you think about softball. Softball, our championship game in our tournament was the Highest rated Big 12 championship that we've ever had in softball. Okay. We are driving a lot of value in Olympic sports right now, and I'm focused on volleyball, soccer, gymnastics, wrestling. So it's critically, critically important for us to continue to invest in Olympic sports. And when you think about just scholarships in general, we added hundreds of scholarships, Georgia Olympic sports, this year as a conference. So we will continue and invest in all the right areas because we see the growth, we see the upside, we see the opportunity.

[A]

The gambling issue in college athletics literally fell on your front door with what happened at Texas Tech and Brendan Sorsby. Is there enough being done and what needs to be done about handling this issue of gambling in college athletics?

[C]

Well, I'll tell you this. First of all, it's a serious issue, and I think everyone knows that many of the student athletes today grew up in a legalized gambling environment. I didn't grow up with that. They did and they do. And we as a industry need to first recognize there's a serious problem. And we have to continue to educate and support our student athletes in all the right ways. And I think the NCAA has taken, you know, great steps in doing that. We, as a conference have done that. You know, we have partnered with iC360, which is a, you know, a monitoring system of. Of, you know, sports betting. And we've been a partner with them for seven years now. We are one of the very few conferences that mandate that our schools also partner with iC360 and a platform called Pro Abet, which provides an alert to our schools when there's behavior out there that we should be concerned about. So we're doing everything we need to do now, but could we be doing more? Of course. And in fact, in our spring business meetings next week, we will address sports betting as a collective group, and we'll look to continue to double down in the areas of education and support when it comes to our student athletes.

[A]

Job number one for you is looking out for your institutions, your conference. How much communication do you have on a daily or weekly basis with the Other commissioners of the other big three conferences out there, acc, Big Ten, and sec. Can you just pick up the bat phone and. And call up Petiti at any moment and you guys hash some stuff out? Or do all four of you need to be on the phone at the same time to actually have proper, constructive conversations?

[C]

I'm on the phone probably with a powerfork commissioner every day, and then we have organized meetings, a great cadence, where we're chatting with commissioners. In fact, I was on for 90 minutes with the four commissioners this morning. There's a lot of respect in that room. But listen, we all have our own perspective. We're all fighting for what's in the best interests of our conference. We agree to disagree from time to time, but it's very collegial. I think it's fair to say. We like each other. We're all a little different in how we approach things, but there's constant communication, and there needs to be. I mean, just given where we are today.

[A]

So what were you communicating about today for 90 minutes?

[B]

And yes, you are very different than the other, than the others.

[C]

Yes, there. Various views. You know, what we. What we typically do before we get together weekly is we all put in certain agenda items that we want to discuss as a group. And we do. And it's a great exercise. You know, everyone's free to kind of discuss what's on their mind and any issues or challenges they want to address with the four of us. And it's a very healthy conversation, and candidly, I enjoy it. I think it's a must for us to be doing those types of things.

[A]

And you say it's weekly?

[C]

Weekly, yeah. Yeah.

[A]

Set date and time, like every Monday at 9.

[B]

Let it go. You're good.

[A]

I'm loving this.

[C]

I think this gives me hope on a regular basis.

[A]

So without giving too much away, you know, what's. What are the top things on the agenda typically that you guys. And I'm not saying the SEC wants this and the Big 12 wants this, and Big 10, just the four of you are saying, hey, man, these are our main talking points that we need to flesh out better.

[C]

I mean, big. Big picture. Okay? Big picture. We talk about cfp. We talk about cse, we talk about federal legislation. I mean, those are pro. And we talk about rules, you know, within the ecosystem, enforcement, eligibility, tampering. I mean, we talk about it all. All the things that you read about every day. We're addressing, you know, as a group and trying to make progress. And, you know, sometimes it's a Little slower than I'd like because I do think speed matters. But we are addressing all the issues that the industry is, is, is speaking to and doing our best to try to move things forward in an expeditious way.

[B]

I'm sorry, quick one for me and then Rob will wrap it. But it felt like it's fairly unanimous our time at the White House that the hotspots of NIL eligibility and transfer, that the four conferences are fairly agreeable on the surface. Behind the scenes. Is it that way too? I'm talking about the, the collective going away and it being more of a structured revenue share period. Then you got the eligibility, the five year and then you have the transfer portal, one free one and then the penalty and you know, is it behind the scenes is, is agreeable as it seems to be on the surface?

[C]

Yeah, I think so. You know, when you look at the, a couple of the issues, the, the antitrust exemption so we can obviously enforce rules and not find ourselves in court. You know, you think about federal preemption. So the interpretation of NIL is the same from state to state. When you think about the H based eligibility which is out there now. When you think about the direction that we want to take with tampering, when you think about the portal and you know, and a one time portal transfer or possibly a second time if you graduate, I think there is consensus across the board there. And I will tell you from my perspective and there's not a silver bullet out there, but the portal and the movement, when you think about the unlimited free agency has created a lot of challenges for all of us. And you also think about some of the agent behavior that's out there. And listen, there are a lot of good agents, but no different than what I raised when we were in Washington. You know, there are some agents that don't do it right and are preying on the vulnerability of our student athletes. And we need agent regulation and hopefully in whatever bill ultimately gets passed there'll be something in there. But the portal is a big issue and you know, it doesn't exist unlimited free agency anywhere else in sports and we got to get our arms around that. But I do think there's a consensus on some of these key issues.

[A]

Let's do a real fast process here. I'm going to bullet point a topic and the best you can give me a one or two line topic or response on it. Okay, let's start with private equity. Is it here to stay in college athletics?

[C]

I think it's making its way in, but People define private equity very differently. And I'm going to just speak for a moment. You know, we, we, we did a strategic partnership with Redbird. It's all about driving revenue for this conference. Okay. And it had nothing to do with private equity from the standpoint of giving up a piece of the conference or for that matter, changing our operations or governance. It was all about how do we create value, how do we partner with a company that, that is part of an enormous ecosystem, but most importantly, how do we create someone that strengthens our bench? Redbird does that. Traditional private equity has not found its way into the ecosystem. And I can't speak, you know, for, for everyone, but I would assume at some point in time it will.

[A]

Coaches getting poached during a season, how do we handle that?

[C]

I don't believe in it. Okay? I don't believe in it. I don't, you know, I come from the, you know, a basketball background and I can't remember a coach, you know, coaching two different teams in the same season, which has happened in our, in our ecosystem, and I don't believe in it. There should be a period of time that, you know, a coach can determine if they want to stay or leave. That doesn't compromise the season, doesn't compromise players, and we got to get our arms around that. That's my personal opinion.

[A]

An Olympic sport that has great growth that we're not talking enough about right now.

[C]

Well, I'm, I'm all in on many, but I would say volleyball has incredible upside right now.

[A]

Men's and women's.

[C]

Well, we only have women's in the, in the Big 12, so I can't speak to men's, but I can tell you that women's volleyball has incredible opportunity right now, and we certainly want to take advantage of it.

[A]

Lastly, your thoughts about Big Dune Kickoff potentially joining the Big 12 in London early this season.

[C]

Oh, I mean, listen, if, if you guys were to make it to London, and obviously that's a big if, that would be huge for us. I mean, listen, every time you guys are on campus or supporting the Big 12, it's like an infomercial. And you do incredible things for our school. So if you guys were ever to show up in the UK for the first ever college football game at Wembley, it'll be a big time show.

[B]

And

[A]

it didn't take convincing, did it?

[B]

Coach?

[A]

Commissioner Brett, you are Mark of the Big 12. Always great to hear.

[B]

So much.

[C]

Appreciate you both. Look forward to seeing you soon, okay?

[A]

Absolutely. Enjoy your summer, Commissioner. Thank you again.

[C]

You too, guys. Thank you.

[A]

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[A]

Time now for Cheers of the Week presented by RK0PROOF. RK0PROOF delivers the taste, aroma and even the best burn of real spirits without alcohol, sugar or carbs. Memorial Day week just wrapped up. Want to take this moment to raise our glasses to those who serve in our military. Paid the ultimate price. And coach, I know you spend so much of your downtime with those in the military and a couple weeks ago you were training with some former members of the military that was part of Folds of Honor was a boot camp boots.

[B]

Camp boots. Yeah I was down in Machale, Florida, and it was. I partnered with Mike Barker, a decorated Navy Seal Team 6 member, became a very close friend of his, and I said, I got an idea. I see all these old men pay a lot of money at a charity to run out in fantasy camps at Ohio Stadium and to the fight song of Ohio State. And I think, wait a minute. I've always wanted to be a Navy seal. I've always wanted to be an Army Ranger, a Green Beret, and who doesn't want to do that? And so we started this camp. It's an invitation only because there's live ammo and there's certain people not allowed to be there. I did invite Ingram, though. He didn't show up this year. He's going to come next year. But it's a. It's a great camp. We shoot small guns, long guns, and then we do simulation, which means we shoot each other with air guns and learn hostage rescue, how to take rooms. It's an incredible event. But here's the thing I got to say. My father was army, sister was Air Force. I grew up, Rob, in a family that we said to pledge allegiance as kids. We had flags everywhere. We loved our country. My mother was a German refugee that lived in the Hitler era. And, you know, when she became a citizen, I remember it was one of the greatest moments of the Meyer family life. And my father had a rule that if you ever walked by a first responder, police officer, firefighter, or paramedic and not shake their hand, that was a bad day for you. And my children do the same thing. So I just. I get confused sometimes when people don't do whatever they can for first responders and our military men and women who fight for this country. So it's a very emotional time for me because I spend, I'm saying, half of my moments working with the military. Right now, I'm on two foundation boards. And I guess the thing is, there's theory and there's testimony. I would always tell our players this. I've been to two USO trips, Rob. I've seen what the men and women do. I've been to Camp Arifjan in Kuwait in 125 degree heat, and watching what these people do. They don't do it for money. They certainly don't do it for fame. You know why? They do it for love of country and love of brother. That's what they do. Is there a greater sense of being than that and being with those people? If you disagree that, I like to say What. What's the problem here? I mean, I love them. I can't get enough of them.

[A]

I. I love the concept of a fantasy camp for patriots and people who want to be more like.

[B]

And we raise a lot of money now and, you know, folds of honor is Dan Rooney, Captain Dan Rooney, Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney started it. They've added first responders, so gold star families or first responders. And gold star means you lost a loved one. They pay for all the educational expenses of your family, which I personally think, you know, I hate paying taxes. You can double my taxes for that.

[A]

Tell me about some of this hostage rescue stuff. If Rob Stone has been taken hostage, how are you going.

[B]

We're going to go get you, Rob. We're going to go get you.

[A]

Come on in, coach. Help me out. How are you going to do it?

[B]

We get in advance and you got masks on and there's enemies behind the lines and you come and there's usually like a. I mean, this is a big environment. It's special ops, actually trains there. There's a. They give you a. You know, you're going to go meet with a cartel members. They actually have cartel members there. And you got to get people off a bus. You have to get. And it is violent. It is wild. My first time, I remember as the buses pulled up and got these air gun. These, you know, they're pistols that shoot little paintballs. And we got jumped. I remember diving out underneath a car and I was just blowing people up, shooting them. So I was living my best life.

[A]

Rob. That is. We crawling around, getting down low.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. And getting shot at. And you get home. Here's the best thing. We'll close with this. The best thing they have, like, what do you call it? Capture the flag against another team. So we're the Scarlet and there's a, you know, whatever. You have two teams go against each other and you get lit up with these little BBs and you'll get home after. You don't even feel it during the. That's how intense it is. You get home, you jump in to take a shower and you got all these welts all over your body. So it's. It's pretty cool.

[A]

Coach Mar. Taking one for Rob Stone. I appreciate it, coach.

[B]

I. I got your back, Rob.

[A]

Thanks, buddy. That does it for the triple option. Follow subscribe rate us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, wherever you get your podcasts as well as across social media 3x option show. As always, we love our sponsors. We're so grateful for them. NHTSA, RK0PROOF and Wendy's. We'll see you next time on the triple option. I got your back, too, Coach.

[B]

Always.