College Football Live - CFB Live - Big 12 Media Day 1 Reaction

Episode Date: July 8, 2026

On today's episode of CFB Live, Zubin Mehenti, Pete Thamel, Dusty Dvoracek, and Louis Riddick discuss Texas Tech and the fallout from the Brendan Sorsby saga. Bear Bachmeier joins the show to preview the Cougars season. All this and more on CFB Live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

And over the next two days, the stars of the Big 12 conference will gather at the star, the training facility of the Dallas Cowboys in Frisco, Texas for media days. The entire offseason in the sport seemingly revolved around one team in particular. But over the next couple days, we'll make sure to hit all 16 of those helmets, though that one certainly will take center stage. As college football live returns for another season, welcome inside. I'm Zubim Mahefi. We'll be with you almost every single weekday until we crowned a champion, $200, $2.2. days from now. Monday, January 25th, 2027 in Las Vegas. Yes, January 25th. That's late. But in Vegas, of course, it's never late. Let's get right to it. Joining me today on the season premiere,

Lou Riddick, who is a front office exec in the NFL, deep experience in the college game, former Oklahoma star, Dusty DeVorechek, and the best insider in college sports. Pete Thamel. I'm Zubin Mahentie. You know, what a difference a year makes for one Joey McGuire. Last year he enters, Remember, Texas Tech had never played for the Big 12 title. They had never won the Big 12th title. They'd never been to the college football playoff. Three, four, three. But as you may have heard, this year, everything he's going to be talking about over the next couple of days revolves around one player in particular.

That is the Brendan Sorsby saga, and it is just that. Let's go through it. Back in January, he committed to Tech after transferring from Cincinnati. He was hotly pursued. In April, the NCAA first learned of Sorsby's gambling activity and notified. Tech in May, Sorsby sued the NCAA after being ruled ineligible. In late May, court documents showed Sorsby had placed thousands of bets, including 40-plus on Indiana and his teammates,

while he was a member of the Hoosiers football team in 2022. Remember, before the Bearcats, he started his career in Bloomington. Then in June, Texas Judge Ken Curry granted Sorsby a temporary injunction against the NCAA that could allow him to play despite gambling on his own team after serving a two-game suspension, that lit the college football world and the Big 12 in particular on fire. A week later, the Big 12 filed the lawsuit. That same day, SORSB applied to enter the supplemental draft, which was a week away, deadline-wise. And a day after the deadline, the NFL declined to hold the supplemental draft.

Got all that? That's about one player. And earlier today, let's just say McGuire was not shying away from the Sorsby soccer. One thing that I truly believe in is to bring a team together shared success as part of it, but shared adversity brings you even closer. And, you know, the last couple months we've gone through some adversity. I do believe if you walked into our building every single day and you walked into the weight room and the workouts or football school, you wouldn't know that anything was going on.

The thing that we really try to focus on is the Red Raiders and our alumni base. and our boosters. And so that's who, you know, whenever I've talked to, answered any emails, text, or anything like that, those are the ones that I'm concerned to make sure they understand where we were coming from. We talked about it all off-season, so why not continue talking about it now?

Pete, let's start with you. Soresby situation has been handled, but now there's a different question of a different kind surrounding the guy that's ready to take the mantle. Let's talk about that for a second. Yes, Zubb. some on-field Texas Tech news today for a rare change. Will Hammond, who was a spot starter last year as a redshirt freshman and really flashed

as a future of Texas Tech football, is now potentially in line to start the season opener for the Red Raiders. Do I McGuire said that today? In the spring, he had dictated that Wilhamond's timeline to return to the field for Texas Tech looked more like week three when they play Houston in a big, Big 12 opener for both teams. Well, right now, Will Hammond is on track to be nine months out from his torn ACL on August 21st. And with that, Joy McGuire told me today, I think he could be when I asked him if he'd be the starter on day one. I really do.

So that would be huge for Texas Tech. They have Kirk Francis, a veteran from Tulsa, who could be a placeholder and was thought to be for those first two games. But today, for the first time, Joe McGuire really said, I think Will Hammond could be back for week one against Abilene Christian, which would be huge news for Texas Tech, especially with a tough trip to Corvallis to play Oregon State in week two. Yeah, look, it would be great to have Wilham and back as soon as possible. But that's why you got that insurance policy and Kirk Francis. Starting experience from Tulsa and talk with Joey McGuire Day.

He told us that he thinks that Kirk Francis is ready to step in and lead this team if need be. Here's the great news for everybody. They don't need a lot from the quarterback because they are loaded everywhere off. defensively deep wide receiver room, extremely deep running back room and an offensive line that they think they can lean on. They're going to run the football. They're going to take pressure off of either quarterback that needs to step in. They don't want to rush Will Hammond along and they've got Kurt Francis in place. But Lewis, once Will Hammond is healthy and ready, I think he's just going to progress and progress throughout this season. Yeah, when you watch his tape from a year ago,

he is an impressive, impressive individual now. He has got movement in the pocket. He's got great arm strength and he's really one of those guys who can pick up first downs with his legs if need be. Now, early in the season, as you allude to, look, they don't really need him to go ahead and put himself in harm's way and let him really ease into the season. They've got two great running backs in Cameron, Dickie and Jacoby Williams, who really, to me, with three returners starting along the offensive line, that's where they're going to lean to. They're going to lean on this running game when they really want to throw the football. They have two guys they got in a transfer portal, Malcolm Simmons and Kenny Johnson, who are just burners, big playmakers on.

the outside. And then we haven't even gotten to the defensive part of this football team yet. So this is a team that right now, the quarterback situation just needs to be managed because they have depth everywhere else in the schedule really does set up to favor them early in the season. Yeah, really does. Terrence Carter Jr. also at tied in. It's a

mismatch. Coy Aiken outside. Like, they've got players, and you mentioned defense. They lose a lot. Jacob Rodriguez, obviously David Bailey, the number two overall picking some other players. But they have restocked and reloaded. I mean, they legitimately have six defensive tackles

was starting experience. They went and got a couple of very good edge rushers. The linebacker room is going to be very good. Ben Roberts comes back. In the back end, it's going to be the best secondary in the Big 12. Like Sheill Wood, the defensive coordinator, he once again for a second straight season

has a loaded roster that he can deploy and come after opposing offenses. I'm not saying they'll be as good as they were a year ago, but don't expect some big letdown from this defense. They'll lean on that defense, they'll lean on the rushing attack, and they're going to be just fine until that quarterback position rounds into shape. One last thing I would just mention, and this is just how fans operate.

Last year, Texas Tech lost one regular season game, and that game was started by Wilhelm. But you know how fans are? The athleticism is there, but it's something that those fans always point out. Lou, I'd love to say this is the last question we're ever going to ask on Brandon Sorsby, but don't hold me to it. But because you have so much front-office experience, and he's not going to be doing anything other than we are watching college football and waiting for 27 to come around.

Take me inside how the NFL views him now that this entire ordeal has come to an end. Yeah, this is going to be tricky, Zubin, quite honestly, because look, I think right now you've already seen now the precedent has been set that teams right now in the league overall, let's just start team-wise before we even get down to the individual teams.

League-wide, this is something that's going to really, people are going to really kind of take a really slow, methodical process to really vet this. thing out because this really does transcend what his physical skills and his ability to play the quarterback position really brings to the table which if you're just looking at it from that standpoint Brendan Sorsby is supremely talented he I've said this earlier he gives me Matthew Stafford type vibes in terms of his height his physical skills his ability to go ahead and move outside the pocket throw from different arm angles and all and pick up first downs with his

legs but this is a much bigger issue this is a character issue and they're going to have to really bet this thing out and see where teams really land on the comfort meter because right now that is really up in the air from team to team. And the process between now and next year's draft, the steps that he takes to prove to NFL teams, he's put this behind him, he's got plenty of time now, meeting with teams and front office people

going to be so important. Like you said, like the physical traits are there. You see it with his throwing. He is a big body guy, 6-3, he's 2.35. There's going to be a lot to like about Brennan Sorsby. it's going to be about getting owners, general managers, head coaches comfortable with everything and making sure that the choices he made, the mistakes are in the rearview, and that he's going to be better from it moving forward.

Yeah, no doubt. Time can create some separation, but we also know there are just going to be a handful of NFL teams that are absolutely not going to touch him at all, no matter what. Let's touch on who might end up winning this conference, despite everything that Texas Tech has gone through here in the off season. They are the biggest spender. They want to be on this stage. Cody Campbell has made sure they will be their mega donor.

And look at that, according to the Draft King's sports book, despite everything that we just talked about here in the first nine minutes of our program, they are still the favorite to win the Big 12 and defend their championship. All right, so those are the odds. Let's get to the reality and the strategy, Dusty. Let's start with you. Tell me what you think about their expectations this year. And who might be able to chase them down in this mega-16 team league?

Well, Zuban, look, I think Texas Tech should be the favorite. We just talked about it, and Lewis and I have been talking all day. They got depth, and not many people have depth. That does, it is a piece of the spending that they've done. They spent their money smartly, and they brought in quality pieces. But I think BYU is absolutely loaded. Returning production, most in the Big 12. This is a team that's won 23 games over the last two seasons.

One of only five FBS schools to an 11-plus games the last two years. and Bear Bokmire is only going to get better. Over 3,000 passing yards, 500 rushing yards as a freshman. They bring back the Big 12 offensive player of the year in LJ Martin. They gotten better a wide receiver. Look, they're going to be loaded. Kelly Pupinga comes in as the defensive coordinator, and he has got a veteran group with eight starters coming back on that side of the football.

BYU, a slight number two to Texas Tech. And I'll just say this, keep an eye on Houston. I think Houston is a team to watch out for Willie Fritz has that program really humble. No question about it. Look, on the offensive side of the football, it's really going to be the L.J. Martin's story. And it's going to be the Bear Bukmeier story. The offensive line will be fine. They just got to make sure that they have enough weaponry on the outside to be able to produce explosive plays down the field.

You can only run the ball so much in big-time college football. And on any level of football, you have to be able to get chunk yardage. And if they can produce that defensively, they're going to hold their own. They're going to have one of the best secondaries, not just in the Big 12, but in the country. And Kelly Papanga, he's been groomed for this. I mean, Kalani Sataki has no reservations whatsoever with this young man stepping into the defensive coordinator role. This is just the, when you talk to BYU, you just kind of get to feel that this is. This is a team that absolutely knows what its identity is.

It's a veteran-laden team. It's a team made of men. And so they are kind of up for the challenge, although we know Texas Tech, they're kind of like the shiny Ferrari that everyone loves to look at. You know, BYU just reminds me of a nice, steady Mercedes-Benz sedan that just keeps on going. And they're always going to be there very reliable. I want to channel my friend Reese Davis, who's over at Wimbledon right now. Poor BYU. Nobody's talking about BYU.

Dusty mentioned the eight returning starters on defense. Well, I think the most impactful transfer in the Big 12 this year is going to be Cade Ulave. He's a middle linebacker. He was first team all-ACC at Cal last year. He was honorable mentioned all-ACC. Two years ago, he has about 240 career tackles. He had 12 TFLs last. year. You add KDulele to those eight returning starters in a defense that ranked number 19 nationally

in scoring defense. You have perhaps one of the country's best overall defenses this year. Remember, no Texas Tech on the regular season schedule for BYU. Will they see them down at Jerry World come November again? That is the big question to decide perhaps who wins the league and gets into the playoff. Two quick notes from Dusty. If you're a Houston Cougars fan, hang tight. We got much more on Houston coming later in the show. but if you're a BYU Cougars fan,

join us right after this. Bear Bachmeier, their star quarterback, is here, and I'll ask them what Dusty essentially said. Making the playoff the last two years within a whisker each time, what will it take to get over the hump and get in? He'll join us next. This episode is brought to you by Accenture.

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He was such a revelation last year, and we're about to conduct the first interview ever with Bear Bachmeier where someone will not ask him why he wears number four. I think everybody that wants to know knows by now. So let's get to know this young man a little bit better. So here's the thing about you, Barry, I think it's so interesting. Go back to last year, not last season last year. You start at Stanford. You're trying to learn their offense.

Then you go to BYU. Then you step into the quarterback position after situations out of your control. And then you have this type of year. What is the last year in your life just been like? Man, it's been a roller coaster. First of all, thank you for having me on. Yeah, it's been a roller coaster. hard decisions were made.

But I think everything happens for a reason, and I'm so grateful to play at BYU and represent such a great university. You know, you have a coach who in the off season a lot of people felt may not be returning to Provo. He, like yourself, a great BYU player. How would you describe what you were going through personally when Coach Sataki was looking at Penn State and other jobs?

Yeah, it was a hard time. I mean, I love playing for Kalani. But the belief in him staying here, and then that being validated, you know, it was awesome to hear. And I love playing for him. It makes me not only a better player, but a better young man. Why do you love playing for him? I just love, I mean, he's like a second dad to me.

He's that crazy uncle that you just always want to be around. He instills, you know, just being a good person and being a family-oriented guy and being in a family-oriented environment. I just love playing for him. And I love playing for the guys in the locker room. you know it just makes me play even harder for just the guys you know dusty devorchak who's sitting there a few feet from you listening to this interview he kind of said in our opening segment of college football live today that you know b yu is about as close to making the playoff the last two years without making it i know a couple years ago you can't speak to it but what is it going to take do you think for this program with so much history so much lineage to get over the top and get into the playoff yeah we just got to do a little things right right, and we got to perform in big time moments.

We can't leave it up to a committee to make a decision. We got to go out there and win every game. You have followed in the footsteps of Robbie Bosco, Ty Detmer, Steve Young, Tanner Mangum, Tayson Hill. What does it mean to be a part of the BYU quarterback fraternity, one of the most decorated in any position in the sport? Yeah, it means a lot. I'm honored to be in that category with those guys.

And just to represent a great quarterback lineage and a great history of quarterbacks. Yeah, so I'm just very honored and very grateful. So those guys don't have to work on much. They're just sitting on their money. Some of them are admiring their MVPs in Super Bowls. What do you need to work on going into year two? What's the number one thing on your mind? Yeah, I just want to be deliberate getting through my progressions.

and then just being subtle in the pocket, having a pocket presence to me, and not being hasty trying to rush out the pocket, just letting the guys up front create gaps and just stepping up when needed to step up. Hey, last one for you. People that have played at BYU have told me, including people that work here that play to BYU, there is a specialness to BYU that is unlike anything else in the world. what are they talking about?

Yeah, they're talking about the culture at BYU. You know, when I'm in the huddle and, you know, I'm looking at a Bruce Mitchell, I'm looking at LJ. Martin, and then I look across the field and you look at a Keanu-Tanavasa, and you just see just of how much high character these guys have, how great of people that they are.

And it just, like, why would you not want to give it your all for these guys? Why would I not want to just die in between the lines for these guys? I love playing for this team. I love playing for Kalani, and I love playing for Kugger Nation. And I love representing this, again, this great university. So that's what separates BYU from every other college in the country. And most importantly, what separates this interview is I didn't ask you about 47. So get out of here before.

I have more time to do it. Have a great season. Your career is off to an amazing start. I can't wait to watch you this fall. Yes, sir. Thank you so much for having me on. You got it. That is Bear Bachmire.

And a quick reminder that flag football is the fastest growing sport in the world and the third annual NFL flag football championships will be on ABC, ESPN, the NFL Network. And right here on ESPN 2, July 24th through the 26, ESPN Deportes and the Disney Networks will have additional coverage each day for more NFLflag.com. Eight of those schools were on the day as today. Eight more tomorrow.

We're back with more college football live after this. We are back one day down at Big 12 Media Days. tomorrow three of the league's brand new first year head coaches will take the mic deep in the heart of Texas. You know, my biggest takeaway on day one of Big 12 Media Days might be the one guy who wasn't there. That would be Houston quarterback, Kishon Henderson. After all, the Cougars have a veteran quarterback in Connor Wegman and Henderson's only a freshman. Wegman was a former five-star prospect and now so was Henderson. They'll remember, Wegman was a five-star enrollee at Texas A&M, while Henderson is just a

doing it at a school that just four years ago was playing football in the American. Now, he is from the area. Spring, Texas is just a deep out route from Houston, and that helped land him for sure. But after he blew up on the Elite 11 quarterback circuit, more or less everyone came running and calling and offering lots of money. And Henderson never wavered in his commitment to the Cougars. He enters the University of Houston with as much hype as any young quarterback in the Big Ten or the SEC, and let's be honest, the Big 12, they need a guy.

Like this, Houston has a proud tradition of quarterback play over the decades. Remember, David Klingler finished top five for the Heisman Trophy back in 1990, and the year prior to that, R. Andre Warrior won the award. So now, in a sport where we constantly wonder, what's next? Maybe the answer is him. What's next on College Football Live is Dion at the mic today trying to bounce back from last year's done. We don't care about what people say. People are always going to have opinion.

If my kids and my coaches and our staff don't understand who they are, we have a problem. They're not going to allow you to identify who we are. And just because our guys were snubbed off a poll that's probably not going to be consistent with the end of the season, we don't give it darn. But Pete, I think the rest of the sport does. What's the intel and what you're hearing about what this year means for prime? Well, Zuban, I asked Dion Sanders today about his confidence level in Colorado turning things around. And Dion Sanders said to me, it's already turned. You just ain't seen the fruit.

Colorado has 66 new players, another roster overhaul this year. They have two new coordinators. They opened the season at Georgia Tech. Colorado had the second worst run defense in the country last year. That may not matter. They'll probably have 11 new starters on defense. Dion Sanders did say there was some concern about defensive tackle, which could be troublesome, as Georgia Tech has a big-time run game.

And the Yellow Jackets obviously pride themselves on blowing people off the ball, Zuban. No doubt. Remember, they played last year to open the season in Boulder, and it was Georgia Tech that won the game that set the tone for their season and probably set the tone for CU's disappointing season. We'll be back on college football live tomorrow where we'll be joined by Arizona quarterback, Noah Fafita.

We will see you. tomorrow. Hey y'all. It's Kelly Clarkson with Wayfair. Ever order furniture online and wonder what if? Like, what if it doesn't hold up? That sofa was four days old. You should have ordered from Wayfair. With Wayfair, there's no what if. Just style you love and quality you can trust. Visit Wayfair.com.