Latest around the Big 12 with Texas Tech's playoff push and the transfer portal
This week's episode of The Jones Report delivers an in-depth discussion featuring Roundtable Sooners publisher Tyler Jones and Roundtable OkState editor Thomas Bridges.
That win was a defining moment for Oklahoma, showcasing their opportunistic defense that forced multiple turnovers and capitalized on Alabama's mistakes despite being outgained significantly in yardage.
Tyler Jones emphasizes that the Sooners were widely considered underdogs entering the season, facing one of the nation's toughest schedules in their new SEC alignment.
Yet, they've exceeded expectations by securing a playoff berth and hosting a first-round game. With the pressure squarely on Alabama as the visiting team, Jones argues that Oklahoma enters this contest with house money—nothing to lose and everything to gain.
He points out that the positive momentum around head coach Brent Venables is palpable; simply reaching the playoff validates the program's progress, and regardless of the outcome against the Crimson Tide, this season would be viewed as a resounding success in Norman.
In stark contrast, the atmosphere surrounding Alabama and second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer is far more tense.
After dropping two of their final four regular-season games, including a lopsided 28-7 defeat to Georgia in the SEC Championship, questions about DeBoer's fit in Tuscaloosa have intensified.
While he has undeniably performed admirably in succeeding the legendary Nick Saban—guiding the team to a strong record and a playoff spot—fan support remains lukewarm.
Many Crimson Tide supporters view him as an awkward successor, drawing unfavorable comparisons to past coaching mismatches like Brian Kelly's tenure at LSU.
Jones warns that a loss in this playoff opener could severely tarnish DeBoer's reputation, potentially placing him on the hot seat heading into next year despite his early achievements.
A key storyline revolves around Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, whose performance has been inconsistent down the stretch. In the initial meeting with Oklahoma, Simpson struggled, contributing to the turnover issues that doomed the Tide.
After a brief bye week, the question lingers: Will the version of Simpson who earlier flashed Heisman-level potential and NFL draft buzz reemerge, or will the recent slump persist?
Both Jones and Bridges align in their prediction, confidently forecasting an Oklahoma victory that would propel the Sooners to the Rose Bowl quarterfinal against top-seeded Indiana.
They highlight OU's defensive prowess and home-field advantage as decisive factors in what promises to be a hard-fought, low-scoring affair.
Shifting to the Big 12, the transfer portal has exploded with notable quarterback movement this week. Standout names like Cincinnati's Brendan Sorsby, Arizona State's Sam Leavitt, and TCU's Josh Hoover have all declared their intentions to explore new opportunities.
Thomas Bridges delves into the implications for Oklahoma State, predicting that the Cowboys' next starting quarterback will almost certainly come via the portal.
With new head coach Eric Morris taking the reins, Bridges notes that the staff is wisely keeping all options open, evaluating the influx of talent to rebuild the position for 2026 and beyond.
To round out the episode, NBC4 Columbus sports anchor Joe Nugent joins as a guest, offering expert analysis on the Ohio State Buckeyes—one of the top seeds with a first-round bye—and his broader takeaways on the entire College Football Playoff field.
Nugent breaks down potential paths to the national championship, touching on powerhouse teams like Indiana, Georgia, and Texas Tech, while assessing underdog threats in the bracket.
Overall, this episode of The Jones Report captures the electric excitement of playoff football while providing sharp, insightful commentary on coaching pressures, key player performances, and the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics through the transfer portal.
Fans of the SEC, Big 12, and the playoff won't want to miss these thoughtful breakdowns as the postseason unfolds.