The Big 12 conference is hosting its two-day football media event at The Star, the Dallas Cowboys training facility in Frisco, which is located about 6 miles northeast of The Colony. The gathering, which begins Tuesday, will feature coaches and players from all 16 member schools discussing upcoming football topics.
A primary focus of the event is the ongoing fallout from the Brendan Sorsby situation. Nearly four months have passed since news emerged regarding impermissible betting by Texas Tech quarterback Sorsby. The incident triggered multiple lawsuits filed against the NCAA and Texas Tech, while school officials and booster Cody Campbell publicly supported the athlete. The conflict escalated last month when the Big 12 filed a federal lawsuit, leading Sorsby to withdraw his own suit against the NCAA and effectively ending his chance to play this season. The dispute has strained relations between Texas Tech and the other 15 league members, raising questions about whether commissioner Brett Yormark can help reunify the conference.
Another major topic is the proposed expansion of the College Football Playoff from 12 to 24 teams. The Big 12 and its coaches have endorsed the change, arguing it increases accessibility for more programs. However, progress remains stalled due to scheduling concerns. Critics worry that adding more games would push the semifinals and national championship into February, conflicting with the spring academic calendar. While moving the season start to Week Zero could help, it would require eliminating conference championship games, a move that leagues like the SEC have resisted.
The conference is also addressing the NCAA’s new age-based eligibility model, known as "5-for-5." This rule eliminates redshirt seasons and waivers for super-seniors older than 24, aiming to simplify roster management and reduce immediate transfers. However, the model also removes medical hardship waivers for season-ending injuries and may lead coaches to start true freshmen who are not yet fully prepared.
