A fascinating, if improbable, scenario has been circulating among college football fans: a six-team trade between the ACC and the Big 12. This hypothetical swap aims to bring geographical and rivalrous sanity back to a landscape often driven purely by television revenue.

The proposal suggests the ACC would send Stanford, Cal, and SMU to the Big 12. In return, the Big 12 would transfer Cincinnati, West Virginia, and UCF to the ACC.

The theoretical benefits are compelling. For the ACC, acquiring Cincinnati, West Virginia, and UCF would consolidate its Eastern footprint, allowing for more logical travel, reduced costs, and the re-ignition of dormant rivalries (e.g., West Virginia vs. Pitt). For the Big 12, gaining Stanford, Cal, and SMU would reunite former Pac-12 members (with Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Utah) and bring back Southwest Conference matchups (SMU with TCU, Baylor, Texas Tech, Houston), creating clear regional pods.

However, the obstacles to such a sensible realignment are immense. The most significant hurdle is the ACC's Grant of Rights agreement, which binds its members' media rights to the conference through 2036. This ironclad legal document makes it exceedingly difficult and costly for any school to leave, let alone three in a "trade" scenario. Any such move would require complex, likely multi-party, and expensive legal negotiations involving the conferences and their media partners (ESPN for ACC; ESPN/FOX for Big 12).

Furthermore, the Big 12 previously opted against adding Stanford and Cal during its last expansion, citing concerns about their perceived media value and geographic isolation from their core. While SMU adds a Texas presence, it came at a significant financial sacrifice to join the ACC.

Ultimately, while the fan-proposed trade offers an ideal solution for geographical logic and historical rivalries, the intricate financial and legal realities of modern college athletics make it a highly unlikely, albeit appealing, fantasy.

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The unexpected departure of starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff from the BYU football program, triggered by an Honor Code violation and a civil lawsuit (which was later dismissed with prejudice), leaves a significant void for the Cougars just weeks before the 2025 season. However, this situation also presents an opportunity for other quarterbacks on the roster to step up.

While Retzlaff was the incumbent, his on-field performance in 2024 was often inconsistent. His ESPN QBR of 57.1 for the non-conference portion of the season placed him near the bottom of Big 12 starting quarterbacks. This metric suggests that despite some "big-time throws," his overall decision-making and efficiency were often below average, leading to concerns about turnovers and consistency.

With Retzlaff now out of the picture, the quarterback competition for BYU's offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick is wide open. The primary contenders, all of whom have the potential to be more consistent or offer a higher ceiling than Retzlaff's 2024 performance, are:

McCae Hillstead: A transfer from Utah State, Hillstead brings some prior FBS game experience. He showcased flashes of his talent in 2023, throwing for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns in limited action for the Aggies. Hillstead is known for his mobility and ability to extend plays, which could be a strong asset in Roderick's offense. Some analysts believe he has the "best deep ball" among the remaining QBs.

Treyson Bourguet: Another transfer, Bourguet comes from Western Michigan, where he started eight games over two seasons, throwing for over 1,300 yards. He possesses solid arm talent and has been in BYU's system longer than true freshman Bear Bachmeier, giving him an advantage in terms of playbook familiarity.

Bear Bachmeier: The true freshman is arguably the most intriguing prospect. A former four-star recruit who initially enrolled at Stanford, Bachmeier has elite raw talent, a strong arm, and dual-threat capabilities. While he lacks college experience and has only been with the program for a short time, his high ceiling and physical tools make him a compelling option. He reportedly competed for the starting job at Stanford in spring camp, indicating his readiness to push for playing time. Some experts believe he has the highest ceiling of the group and could ultimately be the best quarterback on the roster.

BYU's immediate challenge is managing the lack of depth, as they are down to four quarterbacks, including two true freshmen. However, the unexpected change forces them to give extensive looks to players who might otherwise have been backups. This could lead to one of these younger, talented quarterbacks seizing the opportunity and potentially providing more consistent and higher-level play for the Cougars in 2025 than Retzlaff demonstrated in 2024. The long-term future still looks bright with 5-star Ryder Lyons committed for 2027 after his mission.

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The idea of Washington State and Oregon State, the "Pac-2" holdovers, eventually becoming viable Big 12 expansion candidates is a widely discussed topic in college football realignment, especially with the current state of the Pac-12. While they've recently rebuilt their conference with Mountain West additions and a new media deal, many analysts see this as a temporary arrangement, setting the stage for future moves.

Here's why Washington State and Oregon State could eventually be attractive Big 12 expansion candidates:

"Power Four" Status and Proven Competitiveness:

• Despite the mass exodus from the Pac-12, both Oregon State and Washington State have consistently demonstrated their ability to compete at a "Power Five" (now "Power Four") level in football. They've produced NFL talent, had strong seasons, and boast respected coaching staffs. Adding them wouldn't dilute the Big 12's competitive product; in fact, it would enhance it.
• For example, Oregon State had a strong 2023 season, and Washington State has often proven to be a tough out, even against top-tier opponents.

Geographic Expansion and Media Market Foothold:

• Adding WSU and OSU would give the Big 12 a true coast-to-coast presence, expanding its geographic footprint into the Pacific Northwest. This could tap into new media markets and fan bases, potentially increasing overall viewership and value for future media rights negotiations.
• Having teams in the Pacific time zone allows for valuable late-night television inventory, which can be attractive to broadcast partners like ESPN and FOX, who already carry the Big 12's primary media rights.

Recruiting Territory Access:

• The states of Washington and Oregon, while not as talent-rich as Texas or Florida, consistently produce solid high school football talent. A Big 12 presence in these states could provide better access to those recruiting grounds for all conference members.

Financial Disparity as a Driving Force:

• This is arguably the most critical factor. The "new" Pac-12, even with its recent additions and a new media deal with CBS Sports, is projected to pay its members significantly less than the Big 12.
• Estimates for the new Pac-12 media deal (starting 2026) suggest payouts between $7 million and $12 million per school annually.
• In contrast, the Big 12 is expected to pay its full members around $50 million per school annually starting in 2025.
• The massive difference (a potential jump from ~$10 million to ~$50 million) creates an almost irresistible financial incentive for Oregon State and Washington State to eventually seek an upgrade to a Big 12-level conference if the opportunity arises.

Seeking Long-Term Stability:

• While Oregon State and Washington State have valiantly rebuilt the Pac-12, the long-term stability of this new configuration remains a question mark, especially as the major conference media rights deals (Big Ten, Big 12, SEC) expire around 2030-2031. If the current Pac-12 media deal doesn't grow significantly by then, its members, including WSU and OSU, will be looking for more financially robust and stable homes.

In summary, while Washington State and Oregon State are currently committed to rebuilding the Pac-12, their strong athletic programs, geographic location, and the vast financial chasm between their current media deal and the Big 12's make them highly viable candidates should the Big 12 look to expand further in the future. The question is less about if they're viable, and more about when the circumstances align for such a move.

The situation surrounding BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff has been a complex and rapidly evolving saga, culminating in his recent decision to leave the program.

It began with a civil lawsuit filed against Retzlaff by an anonymous woman ("Jane Doe A.G.") in May 2025. The lawsuit alleged sexual assault, rape, strangulation, and biting during an incident in November 2023 at Retzlaff's Provo apartment. The plaintiff sought over $300,000 in damages for emotional distress and other harms, also claiming Provo police discouraged her from naming Retzlaff, a claim the police department denies.

In late June 2025, Retzlaff, through his attorneys, filed a robust legal response. He categorically denied all allegations of sexual assault, rape, biting, and strangulation, labeling them "ridiculous and bizarre." Crucially, in this same filing, Retzlaff admitted to having engaged in consensual sexual relations with the plaintiff. He asserted they had "a pleasant and entirely consensual evening together" and presented text messages from weeks after the encounter as evidence of a "flirty" and "fun" ongoing rapport, challenging the plaintiff's claims. Retzlaff's response also painted the lawsuit as an "extortion attempt" timed to coincide with his rising profile as an NFL prospect after BYU's successful 2024 season.

However, Retzlaff's admission of premarital sex, while a cornerstone of his legal defense, constituted a direct violation of BYU's strict Honor Code, which prohibits sexual relations outside of marriage. Faced with a potential seven-game suspension from the university for this Honor Code breach, Retzlaff reportedly informed coaches and teammates of his decision to transfer from BYU. This sudden departure creates a significant void at quarterback for the Cougars just weeks before the 2025 season.

In a recent development (June 30, 2025), attorneys for both Jake Retzlaff and Jane Doe A.G. filed a joint motion to dismiss the civil lawsuit with prejudice. This means the case is effectively over and cannot be refiled. While the lawsuit's dismissal removes one layer of complexity, Retzlaff's decision to leave BYU due to the Honor Code violation and impending suspension remains, sending him to the transfer portal as one of the most high-profile quarterbacks seeking a new home. His ultimate destination and eligibility for the 2025 season at another institution are now major questions.

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BYU starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff has filed a robust response to a civil lawsuit filed against him by an anonymous woman ("Jane Doe A.G."), emphatically denying the sexual assault allegations and effectively acting as a countersuit to clear his name.

In his legal filing, Retzlaff "categorically denies each and every and all allegations that he bit, raped or strangled" the plaintiff, labeling them "ridiculous and bizarre allegations, all of which are false and untrue." Instead, his attorneys assert that Retzlaff and the accuser "had a pleasant and entirely consensual evening together, playing video games, and a normal evening of consensual sexual interaction that was uneventful but pleasant." They claim the plaintiff slept over and left the next morning.

A key part of Retzlaff's defense involves text message exchanges between him and the accuser, which he describes as "fun and lighthearted," occurring weeks after the alleged incident. These messages, some of which banter about the BYU/Utah football rivalry, are presented as evidence that the interaction was consensual and that the accuser was comfortable with him post-encounter.

Retzlaff's response also heavily questions the timing and motivation behind the lawsuit. His legal team points out that the plaintiff's first claim of rape, linked to a "large monetary demand," only emerged after Retzlaff's successful 2024 season (11-2 record) and when he was being publicly identified as a potential NFL draft prospect. They allege no contact occurred between the parties during the 2024 season.

Furthermore, Retzlaff's defense suggests that the accuser "had sex with one or more Utah football players" around the time of the alleged incident, and initially reported to police that she was assaulted by a "childhood friend from Salt Lake City," implying an attempt to "extort money" from Retzlaff. He is seeking a dismissal of the complaint and full reimbursement of his legal fees.

This countersuit sets the stage for a contentious legal battle, with Retzlaff's attorneys maintaining his factual innocence and committing to proving it in court.

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Latest reports indicate that BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff plans to transfer from the program. This news broke on Sunday, June 29, 2025, with ESPN's Pete Thamel reporting that Retzlaff has "begun informing the staff and players of his plans to leave." This decision comes amid a civil lawsuit filed against Retzlaff in May 2025, alleging sexual assault. While Retzlaff and his lawyers have denied the allegations of sexual assault, they have admitted to a consensual sexual encounter, which is a direct violation of BYU's Honor Code prohibiting premarital sex. Sources suggest that BYU was prepared to suspend Retzlaff for several games (reportedly up to seven games) due to the Honor Code violation. It appears Retzlaff is opting to transfer to avoid this suspension and play his final collegiate season elsewhere. Potential landing spots mentioned in various reports include Notre Dame, Northwestern, and Utah, though these are currently unverified and speculative. The civil lawsuit against Retzlaff remains ongoing. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. 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) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOBig12?sid=YouTube Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/drakectoll Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LOBig12

BYU Cougars Football lands 5-star QB sensation Ryder Lyons. Is this the game-changer that propels BYU to Big 12 dominance?

Dive into the seismic impact of Lyons' commitment on BYU's football program and the Big 12 landscape. Hosts break down the significance of this rare 5-star recruit for the Cougars, exploring how it stacks up against rival Utah's recruiting efforts. The conversation tackles BYU's unique approach to managing players' mission commitments and its effect on team dynamics.

Jake Hatch from Locked on Cougars offers insider perspectives on BYU's recruiting strategy and mission program management.

Will Ryder Lyons' arrival reshape BYU's offensive playbook? Can the Cougars leverage this momentum to climb the Big 12 ranks? Tune in for expert analysis on BYU's path to gridiron glory.