Memphis to the Big 12?

We have a wild story today about Memphis trying to buy its way into the Big 12. 

It’s a very similar strategy to what SMU used to get into the ACC, but even bolder and more expensive. 

More on that story below, but for now, it’s time for more from the anonymous player survey.

Big 12 Anonymous Player Survey: Best Quarterback

The Big 12 anonymous player survey continues today with the players’ pick for best quarterback in the league.

I talked with nearly 30 players in Frisco to get candid responses on everything from who they think will win the league, to the toughest place to play, the best quarterback, wild portal offers, and more.

And the best QB in the Big 12, according to the players, is…Sam Leavitt from Arizona State. 

Sam Leavitt – 8
Avery Johnson – 4
Jalon Daniels – 2
Devon Dampier – 1
Behren Morton – 1
Noah Fifita – 1
Sawyer Robertson – 1
Kaidon Salter – 1
Rocco Becht – 1

Here’s what the players had to say:

Sam Leavitt

“He was running everywhere on us.”

“I don't watch enough games to really understand who's the best. But I'll go off (NCAA 26 video game) ratings. Probably the Arizona State guy.”

Avery Johnson

“He's young, but I think he’ll be good. I think he’ll be really good.”

“He’s a great player. He does it all.”

“Avery Johnson is a special, special athlete.”

Jalon Daniels

“I like his game, but I like his personality more. He is a great person. He throws the ball well, he runs the ball extremely well, and he's experienced. He's a winner. So I'm a big fan.”

Noah Fifita

“He's agile. He was just back there just going crazy against us.”

What You Need to Know

• Per Yahoo's Ross Dellenger, Memphis is offering $200 million+ to join the Big 12. Multiple reports say there isn’t enough support from conference leadership to allow Memphis into the conference at this time. 

• It’s a pretty remarkable offer from Memphis that's similar to, but stronger than, the offer SMU made to the ACC before joining.

• The Tigers would forgo any revenue from the Big 12 for five years, provide over $150 million in sponsorship money to the league, and allow the Big 12 to expel them in 2030-31 if the league deems they’re not adding value. 

• Jake Retzlaff has found a new destination, and it’s not exactly the rumored big-time program. It’s also not in the Big 12. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports Retzlaff is heading to Tulane to play for the Green Wave. 

• Thamel’s article mentions that sources say Retzlaff actually chose Tulane over other Power Four suitors. He has a longstanding relationship with Green Wave head coach Jon Sumrall from Sumrall’s time at Troy. 

• On3’s Andy Staples says one Big 12 quarterback is the best darkhorse Heisman pick to put your money on. 

• Circa Sports released Big 12 teams’ odds to make the College Football Playoff, and one team is slightly ahead of the pack.

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