Vegas, Baby. Vegas.

I survived Vegas. 

Big 12 Media Days were a blast, if not a little chaotic, with 16 head coaches, 79 players, and one “baller, shot-caller” commissioner (Coach Prime’s words) on display to meet and greet the league’s media.

We had head-turning realignment nuggets, unexpected smack talk, and even Mike Gundy going headline for headline with Coach Prime and Sheduer Sanders.

Most importantly, we got an Open For Business exclusive: an anonymous player survey that I’ll share piece by piece over the next few weeks. Today, you’ll see their surprising pick for Big 12 champion.

We’re covering the big headlines, but you’ll also get some great Big 12 media days coverage that flew under the national radar, too.

• Mike Gundy Controversy: Oklahoma State’s head coach dominated headlines with his explanation of why he didn’t suspend star running back Ollie Gordon II for his recent DUI arrest. Gundy later clarified his comments on Twitter/X.

• Shedeur Sanders’ Bold Statement: The Colorado QB stirred the pot by saying playing Colorado is “everybody’s Super Bowl.” For what it’s worth, I enjoyed talking with him, and he also had a refreshing take on former teammate Dylan Edwards’ transfer to K-State.

• FSU and Clemson to the Big 12?: Yahoo! Sports’ Ross Dellenger suggested that Brett Yormark is trying to woo Florida State and Clemson to the Big 12. I interviewed Dellenger on Wednesday, and he said he thinks there have been some talks between the two sides.

• Cam Rising’s Bold Comments: Who had seventh-year Utah QB Cam Rising as the guy to provide the most bulletin board material at Big 12 Media Days? He didn’t hold back when asked about playing BYU this year. 

• Jalon Daniels is Back: Kansas’s QB is 100% healthy, making the Jayhawks a legitimate playoff contender. Daniels publicly shared his story after battling a debilitating back injury last season.

There’s still a lot to unpack, so I’ll have more from Big 12 Media Days in the next Open For Business. For now…

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Anonymous Player Survey: Big 12 Champ

Here’s installment one of the anonymous player survey I conducted at Big 12 Media Days. I told the players they had to pick who they thought would win the conference if it wasn’t their team. 

And the winner is…

Arizona!

Arizona – 5
Utah – 4
Oklahoma State – 2
K-State – 1
West Virginia – 1
Iowa State – 1
No Answer – 2

What the players said:

“Arizona. I want Arizona.”

“I think Oklahoma State’s a good team, and Iowa State’s always a tough game for us. Utah has a good QB and a good team. I’d say one of those three.”

“Toss up, man. Probably as far as their resume, it’s Arizona and Utah. Those will be big games for anybody who plays them.”

“I couldn’t even answer that question. There are a lot of really talented teams.”

“I think West Virginia is solid. I wouldn’t be surprised if they make it there.”

The quotes get far juicier next week when the players unveil the toughest place to play in the Big 12. See you then!