Utah Utes defensive back Smith Snowden found himself at the center of intense speculation regarding potential tampering by BYU, particularly concerning Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offers, as the transfer portal period opened. These rumors were widely discussed on various fan forums and local sports talk radio, especially given the intense "Holy War" rivalry between the two programs.

While official comments from Snowden himself directly addressing specific tampering allegations have been limited, his actions and subsequent social media posts spoke volumes. After significant buzz about large NIL offers from BYU, Snowden ultimately reaffirmed his commitment to the Utah Utes.

In April 2025, amidst the swirling rumors, Smith Snowden posted a message on social media that read: "The pride and tradition of the Utah Utes will never be entrusted to the timid or the weak. Go Utes." This public declaration was widely interpreted as a direct response to the rumors and a strong commitment to staying with the Utes, despite any outside influences or offers.

This situation highlights several key aspects of the current college football landscape:

The Wild West of the Transfer Portal and NIL: The NCAA's current framework for the transfer portal and NIL has created a very fluid environment where allegations of tampering are common. While direct evidence is often scarce, the intense competition for talent, coupled with significant NIL opportunities, fuels speculation.

The Intensity of the Utah-BYU Rivalry: The "Holy War" ensures that any player movement, especially between the two programs, is scrutinized heavily and often leads to accusations and counter-accusations from both fan bases. The idea of a Utah player, particularly a promising local talent like Snowden, transferring to BYU for NIL money ignited a fierce debate.

Player Agency and Decisions: Ultimately, the decision rests with the student-athlete. While external factors like NIL offers undoubtedly play a role, players also weigh factors like fit within the program, coaching relationships, academic pursuits, and potential for NFL development. Snowden's decision to remain at Utah suggests that, for him, the overall package offered by the Utes outweighed any potential offers from their rival.

While no formal NCAA ruling on tampering was publicly announced regarding Snowden's situation, his public commitment to Utah served as a powerful statement in the midst of a highly charged rivalry.

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The Athletic, a prominent sports media outlet, recently released a ranking of the top 100 rivalries in college football. Much to the potential dismay of fans of the Utah Utes and BYU Cougars, the "Holy War" did not land within the top 25 of this list. While the exact ranking for the Holy War varies across different articles and lists from The Athletic, it generally falls outside the elite tier. For instance, in a list compiled by Scott Dochterman of The Athletic, the Utah-BYU game was ranked as the No. 28 best rivalry game in the country, sandwiched between Stanford-Cal (No. 29) and Oregon-Oregon State (No. 27). It's worth noting that The Athletic also published a separate ranking specifically for the "best rivalry names," where "Holy War" fared much better, coming in at No. 4 on Chris Vannini's list. This highlights the recognition of the rivalry's unique and impactful moniker, even if its on-field intensity or historical prominence in the national conversation didn't place it among the very top rivalries in college football. The general sentiment for rivalries ranked outside the top 25, including the Holy War, often points to a lack of consistent national championship contention from both programs over the past several decades, compared to perennial powerhouses like Michigan-Ohio State or Alabama-Auburn. Despite this, the Holy War remains a deeply significant and passionate rivalry for fans in Utah, fueled by proximity, cultural differences, and a long history of intense matchups. 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/LOBig112

BYU Head Coach Kalani Sitake has publicly expressed his desire for college football teams, particularly those in the newly formed "Power Four" conferences, to schedule multiple non-conference games against each other. Speaking at Big 12 Media Days, Sitake issued a challenge, stating: "We play three non-conference games. I would love to play an ACC team, an SEC team, and a Big Ten team. Line 'em up; let's do this. Why can't we do that?"

Sitake's position aligns with the sentiment of "let's settle it on the field," a philosophy he shares with Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark, who advocates for a 5+11 College Football Playoff model (five automatic qualifiers and eleven at-large bids).

For Sitake, this aggressive non-conference scheduling offers several benefits:

Boost Strength of Schedule: Playing consistently tough opponents from other Power Four conferences would significantly enhance a team's strength of schedule, which is a crucial factor in College Football Playoff rankings and overall national perception.

Attract Elite Recruits: High-profile matchups against top-tier programs are a powerful recruiting tool, demonstrating a program's commitment to competing at the highest level.

Fan Engagement: These "must-watch" matchups early in the season would generate immense fan interest and excitement.

National Legitimacy: For a program like BYU, which recently joined the Big 12, consistently facing and performing well against established Power Four teams helps build national legitimacy and respect. Sitake believes this would "show everyone who is legit, and who's playing make-believe."

Sitake isn't simply "talking smoke"; he has made it clear he's prepared to back up his words with results on the field. This strategic approach aims to elevate BYU's profile and ensure the Cougars are consistently challenging themselves against the best in college football.

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Big 12 Media Days Shake Up College Football Landscape. Is a new era of NIL deals and conference realignment on the horizon?

Parker Ainsworth, Jake Hatch, and JT Worcestershill break down the biggest stories from Frisco, Texas. The hosts analyze Joey Maguire's call for player contracts, Brett Yormark's firm stance on playoff formats, and the debate over Big 12's depth. Key topics include the enforcement of NIL rules, the 5+11 format's impact on conference standing, and the pros and cons of parity vs. dominant teams.

Don't miss this insider look at college football's future. Will the Big 12 emerge as the deepest conference in the nation?

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is a strong and consistent advocate for the "5+11" model for the future of the College Football Playoff (CFP). He has reiterated this stance, including at recent Big 12 Media Days, as discussions continue about expanding the playoff to 16 teams, which is anticipated by 2026.

The 5+11 model, for a 16-team playoff, would feature:

Five automatic qualifiers (AQs): These spots would be given to the champions of the five highest-ranked conferences. This typically means the champions from the "Power Four" conferences (SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC) and the highest-ranked champion from the "Group of Five" conferences.

Eleven at-large bids: The remaining 11 spots would be awarded to the next highest-ranked teams in the country, irrespective of their conference affiliation.

Yormark, often aligned with the ACC, champions this model for several reasons:

"Earn it on the field": He firmly believes in a merit-based system where teams earn their playoff spots through their performance, rather than through pre-determined conference allocations. Yormark argues that this approach protects the unique essence of college football and distinguishes it from a "professional model" like the NFL.

Fairness and equity: Yormark views the 5+11 model as a more equitable solution compared to other proposals, such as one favored by the SEC and Big Ten that would grant their conferences more guaranteed automatic bids (e.g., a 4-4-2-2 model). While he acknowledges that the 5+11 model might not always immediately benefit the Big 12, he sees it as the correct long-term strategy for the sport and his conference's growth.

Confidence in Big 12 competitiveness: Despite shifts in conference alignments, Yormark is confident in the Big 12's depth and believes its teams can consistently earn multiple at-large bids under a 5+11 system. He highlights the parity within the Big 12 and expects its top teams to compete for playoff berths. He has stated he "fully expect[s] the Big 12 to earn multiple College Football Playoff bids this year."

Modernizing the selection process: Yormark has noted that a "full audit" of the CFP selection process is underway to modernize how teams are chosen, incorporating new metrics and data. He trusts the selection committee to fairly evaluate teams under the 5+11 model.

In essence, Yormark's advocacy for the 5+11 model reflects his vision for a competitive, merit-driven college football landscape where the Big 12 can secure its place among the sport's elite by performing on the field.

Sources

The landscape of college football has undeniably transformed, with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities and the ubiquitous transfer portal pushing the sport closer than ever to a professional model. For many, the lines are blurring: is playing college football still an amateur pursuit, or has it become, for all intents and purposes, a job? The arguments for it being a "job" are compelling. Athletes now sign lucrative NIL deals, sometimes worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. The transfer portal allows players to seek better financial opportunities, playing time, or a more favorable "fit," mimicking free agency in professional leagues. The time commitment for top-tier college football players is immense, often exceeding that of a full-time job, with year-round training, practices, film study, and travel. When a player can earn significant income and change employers (schools) with relative ease, the "amateur" label feels increasingly anachronistic. Yet, amidst this rapid professionalization, BYU Head Coach Kalani Sitake stands as a voice for a different perspective. While acknowledging the irreversible changes ("the toothpaste is out of the tube," he's famously said), Sitake consistently emphasizes that college football, particularly at BYU, is about more than just money or individual gain. Sitake's philosophy centers on the holistic development of the "student-athlete." He views his role as helping young men transition into adulthood, focusing not just on on-field performance but also on education, financial literacy, and personal growth. He questions whether simply paying athletes more money is the sole solution, advocating instead for a structure that prioritizes long-term well-being and the value of a degree. The unique aspect of BYU's program, with players often serving two-year missions, further reinforces a sense of commitment that transcends immediate financial incentives. While the transfer portal offers players freedom, Sitake also expresses a desire for more structure to prevent constant movement, highlighting the academic challenges of frequent transfers. For Sitake, the "job" of a college football player extends beyond the field to include the responsibility of representing a university, building a community, and embracing the unique collegiate experience that, in his view, still sets it apart from the NFL. In an era where the financial stakes are higher than ever, Kalani Sitake reminds us that for some, college football remains a calling—a transformative experience that blends athletic pursuit with personal and academic development, rather than solely a transactional employment opportunity. 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

The argument that the Big 12 may be the deepest football conference, even over the SEC and Big Ten, is gaining significant traction heading into the 2025 season. While it might lack the top-heavy "blue blood" programs of its larger counterparts, the Big 12 boasts unparalleled competitive balance and top-to-bottom strength.

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has consistently championed this view, stating at recent media days, "Once again, I believe we will be the deepest football conference in America. No league offers the competitive balance that we do."

Here's why this argument holds weight:

Parity as a Feature, Not a Flaw: Unlike the SEC and Big Ten, which often see 2-3 elite teams consistently contending for national titles while the bottom half struggles, the Big 12 rarely has a dominant, runaway champion. In 2024, the conference saw a four-way tie for first place with Arizona State ultimately winning the league. This parity means that on any given Saturday, almost any team can beat another. There are fewer "guaranteed wins," making the weekly schedule a gauntlet.

Returning Quarterback Talent: The Big 12 boasts a remarkable number of returning starting quarterbacks with significant experience. In fact, the conference is set to return nine starting quarterbacks who threw for over 2,400 yards last season. In contrast, the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC combined return only 11 such QBs. This veteran presence under center contributes directly to competitive games and offensive firepower across the league.

High-Level Coaching: The conference features a blend of established, successful coaches (e.g., Chris Klieman at Kansas State, Dave Aranda at Baylor, Kyle Whittingham at Utah) and rising stars who are quickly turning programs around (e.g., Kenny Dillingham at Arizona State, Joey McGuire at Texas Tech). This strong coaching collective ensures that teams are well-prepared and strategically sound.

Transfer Portal Impact: The Big 12 has been exceptionally active and effective in utilizing the transfer portal. Teams like Texas Tech have brought in top-ranked transfer classes, immediately bolstering their rosters. This fluid movement of talent contributes to the competitive balance, as programs can rapidly retool and improve their standing.

Exciting Game Play: The Big 12 led the nation in fourth-quarter lead changes and go-ahead scores in the final minute of conference games last season. This statistic vividly illustrates the constant back-and-forth, down-to-the-wire nature of its contests, making for highly entertaining football.

While the SEC and Big Ten will undoubtedly have more teams consistently in the College Football Playoff conversation and likely produce more national champions, the Big 12's depth ensures that its regular season is arguably the most competitive and unpredictable in college football. This parity, which once might have been seen as a weakness by some, is now being championed as its greatest strength.