Big 12 Weekly Spotlight: Five Key Takeaways You Need to Know From April 11, 2025
As the Big 12 continues to make headlines across the college sports landscape, this past week (April 11, 2025) delivered its fair share of drama, upsets, and eye-opening performances. Whether it’s football spring games stirring buzz, basketball transfers reshaping rosters, or early baseball season developments, there’s never a dull moment in the conference. Here are the five biggest takeaways you need to know from this week in the Big 12.
1. Texas Tech Football Turns Heads With Spring Game Performance
The Red Raiders made a statement during their spring game, showcasing an up-tempo offense and a revamped defensive unit that looks significantly more aggressive than last season. Quarterback Jaxon Tyler looked sharp, tossing three touchdowns and displaying impressive chemistry with a young receiving corps. The defensive line also showed serious promise, racking up five sacks. While it’s still early, this performance has fans wondering if Tech could emerge as a dark horse in the 2025 season.
2. Kansas Basketball Lands Key Transfer, Reloading for Another Deep Run
Bill Self and the Jayhawks struck gold in the portal again, landing All-Conference guard Malik Brewer from Oregon State. Brewer, known for his lockdown perimeter defense and clutch scoring, fills a critical need in the backcourt. With several upperclassmen returning and Brewer stepping in, Kansas is setting itself up for another Final Four-caliber season. The Big 12’s most consistent basketball powerhouse just got even deeper.
3. UCF Baseball Rises in the Rankings After Sweeping Baylor
The UCF Knights are heating up on the diamond. After a convincing sweep of Baylor over the weekend, they jumped five spots in the national rankings to No. 14. The Knights’ pitching staff, led by junior ace Zach Medina, held the Bears to just four runs across the series. With a potent mix of power hitting and elite bullpen depth, UCF has emerged as a legitimate Big 12 title contender.
4. Coaching Carousel Buzz: Oklahoma State Defensive Coordinator Interviewing Elsewhere
Rumors swirled this week that Oklahoma State’s defensive coordinator, Marcus Bell, is being courted by multiple Power Five programs for a potential head coaching role. Bell has been instrumental in the Cowboys’ recent defensive resurgence, and his departure could significantly impact their 2025 prospects. While nothing is official yet, it’s a storyline worth monitoring closely.
5. West Virginia’s NIL Push Could Change the Game
West Virginia made headlines by announcing a new collective aimed at boosting NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities for student-athletes across all sports. With a reported $5 million in initial funding, the initiative positions WVU as one of the more aggressive Big 12 programs in the NIL landscape. This move could help them attract top-tier talent and keep pace with other recruiting powerhouses in the conference.
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Final Thoughts
From spring football surprises to major offseason moves in basketball and baseball, the Big 12 continues to offer must-watch storylines each week. As the 2025 season inches closer for several sports, one thing is clear: the competition is heating up, and every program is fighting for an edge.
