A Journalist's Seventh Visit to the Big 12 Media Days
Clara Sandoval has marked her calendar for the Big 12 Football Media Days for seven consecutive years, and this year's edition in Frisco, Texas, felt no different. The Laredo Morning Times columnist arrived early, eager to soak in the buzz that precedes a new college football season.
The event unfolded at the Ford Center, the Dallas Cowboys' training facility, where the scent of fresh turf mingled with the chatter of coaches, mascots, and fans. Sandoval noted how the gathering signals the official kickoff of the sport's most anticipated schedule.
Commissioner Brett Yormark opened the proceedings, entering his fourth season as the conference's leader. His remarks underscored a unified push to expand the College Football Playoff from 16 to 24 teams, a proposal that garnered unanimous support from all 16 coaches present.
New Faces on the Sidelines
Five fresh head coaches were introduced on stage, each bringing a distinct vision. Utah's Morgan Scalley, Iowa State's Jimmy Rogers, West Virginia's Rich Rodriguez, Kansas State's Collin Klein, and Oklahoma State's Eric Morris each took the microphone, promising innovative approaches to the game.
Among the familiar names, Deion 'Coach Prime' Sanders drew particular attention. After guiding Colorado to a 4‑8 record in 2023 and a 9‑4 mark in 2024, the Buffaloes stumbled to 3‑9 last season, prompting Sanders to reflect on the challenges of rebuilding a program.
The preseason poll painted Texas Tech as the favorite to capture the conference title, followed by BYU, Utah, Houston, and Arizona. Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire acknowledged the inevitable spotlight that comes with defending a championship, promising his squad will embrace the pressure.
Beyond the headlines, Sandoval's own career spans 19 years at the Laredo Morning Times, where she has chronicled the rise of high school athletes across the region. Her upcoming coverage will blend that deep local perspective with the broader narratives emerging from the Big 12.
Looking Forward
As the new season looms, Sandoval remains optimistic about the opportunities ahead, both for the teams she will report on and for the stories that will shape college football's next chapter. Her long‑standing presence at the Media Days ensures that the voice of the Southwest will continue to echo through the sport's evolving landscape.