Houston Cougars face new Big 12 challenges as Brett Yormark’s controversial comments close the door on Notre Dame’s potential conference move. Could missed opportunities with powerhouse programs like Notre Dame and a lack of support for BYU in the College Football Playoff impact Houston’s future paydays and playoff chances? Parker Ainsworth questions whether the Big 12 will champion Houston when the stakes are high.

Utah’s groundbreaking $500 million private equity deal shakes up the college athletics landscape—will Houston need to follow suit to stay competitive? The podcast explores the financial risks, possible Olympic sport cuts, and tough decisions looming for Cougar athletics. Plus, the return of quarterback Conner Weigman and the rise of Keisean Henderson spark debate on Houston’s offensive strategy. How will a two-quarterback system shape the Cougars’ path to Big 12 and CFP success?

0:00 – Big 12 Decisions
2:05 – Notre Dame-ACC Drama
5:25 – CFP, BYU Snub
9:19 – Houston’s Conference Future
10:09 – Utah Private Equity
12:55 – Non-Revenue Sports Risks
17:51 – Houston vs Utah Impacts
18:26 – College Athletics Dilemma
21:42 – Weigman Returns
22:37 – QB Room Competition
23:37 – Two-QB System Examples
26:05 – Henderson’s Role
29:04 – QB Room Depth
29:35 – Show Outro

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Houston Cougars set the stage for a masterclass in lineup chemistry as they host Jackson State, with the spotlight on veteran point guard Milos Uzan and his matchup against Daeshun Ruffin, the SWAC's preseason player of the year. Can Kelvin Sampson’s tactic—giving his top guard the toughest defensive assignment—ignite Houston’s on-court synergy as they seek to balance newcomers like Chris Cenac and Kingston Flemings with proven talent?

Parker Ainsworth analyzes Houston’s defensive rotations, the challenge of Jackson State’s stretch bigs, and what fans should expect from bench players like Chase McCarty and Mercy Miller. With the Cougars favored by 39.5 points and the Arkansas matchup looming, every minute becomes a test run for containing dynamic scoring guards. Don’t miss this high-energy preview exploring Houston’s keys to victory, player development watchlists, and why this could be the perfect tune-up before Arkansas.

0:00 — Game Preview & Team Chemistry
1:41 — Houston Rotation & New Faces
2:57 — Milos’s Defensive Role vs Ruffin
4:09 — Jackson State’s Stretch Bigs
5:45 — Matchups & Houston Depth
6:11 — Bench Roles & Player Watch
6:41 — Arkansas Lookahead & Guard Tune-up
7:42 — Postgame Coverage & Other Sports

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Houston Cougars face major roster uncertainty ahead of a high-stakes Texas Bowl showdown with LSU—can Willie Fritz’s squad capitalize on the chaos? As key players like Demetrius "Pancake" Hunter exit and NFL Draft decisions loom for stars such as Tanner Koziol and Amare Thomas, Parker Ainsworth examines Houston’s potential edge against an LSU roster hit by opt-outs and staff turnover.

Is Houston’s bowl selection being limited by concerns over fan turnout, costing the program crucial revenue and exposure? Parker Ainsworth explores the impact of bowl payouts, the city’s “lost generation” of fans, and the complex bowl selection process affecting the Cougars. The conversation also tackles national narratives, including speculation about Notre Dame joining a conference and what that could mean for the Big 12 landscape. Don’t miss this essential breakdown of Houston’s future and the implications of college football’s evolving bowl system.

0:00 – Houston vs LSU opt-outs
2:51 – Bowl season changes
5:14 – LSU coaching/staff situation
7:45 – Houston bowl roster decisions
10:59 – Bowl selection controversy
16:24 – Houston's lost fan generation
20:20 – San Antonio attendance/Fan travel
21:30 – Notre Dame conference debate
27:52 – Final thoughts/Wrap-up

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Houston Cougars land a high-stakes showdown with LSU in the Kinder's Texas Bowl—can Willie Fritz's squad seize a momentum-shifting win against their neighbor from the SEC? As Lane Kiffin steps in as LSU’s new head coach amidst a roster in flux, Houston has a prime opportunity to impress local recruits and quiet critics of their fanbase’s football support at NRG Stadium.

Parker Ainsworth breaks down key storylines: Houston’s resurgence, major implications for recruiting battles across Texas and Louisiana, and the juicy subplot of former Cougar AJ Haulcy facing off against his old teammates. Plus, with LSU bracing for opt-outs and transfers, is Houston set to capitalize on a vulnerable opponent? Hear analysis of past matchups, the upcoming rematch in 2027, and why this bowl could shape the direction for both programs. Locked On Cougs brings you all the drama leading up to December 27.

0:00 – Texas Bowl Announcement
Briefly highlights Houston's bowl selection facing LSU in the Texas Bowl, local excitement (Parker Ainsworth)

1:23 – Houston's Bowl Location Advantage
Discussion of Houston playing at home, fan attendance concerns, and comparison to previous sporting events in Houston

2:09 – LSU & Lane Kiffin Drama
Explores LSU's coaching change, Lane Kiffin storylines, program transitions, and roster uncertainties affecting bowl matchup

5:08 – Roster Moves & Player Storylines
Reviewing expected opt-outs, transfer portal impacts, notable former Houston player AJ Halsey's move to LSU, key plot points

7:03 – Program Trajectories & Recruiting Impact
Analyzing both programs’ rebuilding status, recruiting implications, future scheduled matchup in 2027, and rivalry-building

9:50 – Series History & Episode Wrap-up
Historical context on Houston vs. LSU series, episode closing, and directions for future coverage

Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts!

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Gametime
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FanDuel
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Houston Cougars silence rust concerns, powering past Florida State 82-67 behind electrifying guard play from Kingston Flemings and Emanuel Sharp. Can this high-octane backcourt fuel a deep run as the Cougars navigate Big 12 competition?

Parker Ainsworth spotlights Fleming’s breakout night—21 points, 8 steals—and Sharp’s lights-out shooting, analyzing how their dynamic presence offsets recent rebounding struggles. Key topics include JoJo Tugler’s limited minutes due to foul trouble, the strategic choice to go small, and the implications for Houston’s offensive flow. Parker Ainsworth questions whether rebounding woes are cause for concern or simply part of early-season adjustments. Looking ahead, the discussion turns to critical matchups against Arkansas and Houston’s evolving formula for success as new faces emerge.

Will the Cougars’ guard-driven attack keep them among the nation’s elite? Don’t miss this detailed breakdown of Houston’s pursuit of sustained dominance.

0:00 – Cougars Guard Play
2:02 – Kingston Flemings Performance
4:29 – Sharp & Backcourt Analysis
6:38 – Milos Uzan
10:15 – Rebounding Concerns
12:32 – Small Ball & Tradeoffs
16:08 – Bubble Drill & Guard Rebounding
17:15 – Big 12 Strength
17:42 – Freshman Impact
19:21 – Building Season Momentum
23:03 – Improving Halfcourt Offense
24:02 – Arkansas Matchup Previews
25:03 – Bowl Game Mention
25:59 – Building Show Community

Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts!

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For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

Gametime
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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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Houston Cougars eye a strong bounce-back as they face Florida State, aiming to sharpen their offense and dominate on the boards. Can Parker Ainsworth's top-10 Cougars overcome the Seminoles' relentless pace and three-point barrage, or will FSU’s pressing defense present a new challenge Houston can’t solve?

Locked On Coogs covers Houston’s scoring woes, the search for a go-to offensive weapon, and key matchups featuring Milos Uzan, Emanuel Sharp, and standout freshman Kingston Flemings. The show spotlights Houston’s elite defense, keys to beating Florida State’s full-court pressure, and why controlling the rebounding battle is critical. Will a showdown at Toyota Center set the stage for a March run? Analyze the x-factors that could cement the Cougars’ path back to national prominence.

0:00 – Houston Cougars Season Overview
2:44 – Scoring Struggles & Solutions
6:05 – Florida State Preview
8:49 – Press Defense Impact
10:39 – Fast Pace & Three-Point Shooting
13:18 – Player Matchups Breakdown
17:27 – Prediction & Keys to Win
18:22 – Offensive Rebounding Issues
24:45 – Defensive Strategy vs. McCrary

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Gametime
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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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)

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Big 12 heavyweights BYU and Texas Tech shake up the championship picture as powerhouse coach Kalani Sitake nearly exits for Penn State, triggering a wild flurry of NIL deals and university power plays. Is the Big 12’s new financial arms race redefining the path to playoff success, or will legacy programs like Baylor and Kansas State be left behind? The roundtable debates elite coaching moves, jaw-dropping staff salaries, and the explosive influence of boosters and collectives across the conference.
Locked On’s squad of insiders spotlights BYU’s dramatic retention saga, Texas Tech’s bold investments, and why schools like Colorado are facing multimillion-dollar deficits. The hosts question playoff selection criteria, analyze rivalry scheduling strategies, and ask whether the Big 12 committee made the right call in pitting BYU against Texas Tech. Can innovative fundraising and NIL strategies thrust these programs into national contention, or will conference politics hold them back?

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