ON3: Utah, BYU, Texas Tech OUT, Oklahoma State IN College Football Playoff

When national projections like On3 suddenly slot Oklahoma State into the College Football Playoff field over elite Big 12 standard-bearers like BYU and Utah, it exposes a fascinating disconnect in how media outlets evaluate the absolute bloodbath of this conference. While On3's projection leans into the high-octane ceiling and late-game resilience of the Cowboys under Mike Gundy, leaving out a battle-tested powerhouse like BYU or a rugged Utah squad ignores the core analytics that validate the entire conference's elite tier. Oklahoma State certainly possesses the offensive firepower and high-stakes pedigree to make a run when they are clicking on all cylinders, but projecting them past programs built on ironclad roster maturity and trench-warfare dominance creates a fierce internal debate among analysts. The reality is that any Big 12 team good enough to survive this conference gauntlet owns a resume forged in total physical attrition. Whether the selection algorithms or projection models favor Stillwater or Provo, the underlying truth remains identical: the road through this conference is an absolute gauntlet. Whichever program ultimately secures that playoff ticket will have earned it through surviving one of the most grueling schedules in modern college football history, rendering early media projections little more than fuel for the weekly debate circuit. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! KALSHI For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.  Butcher Box If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEG... get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always. Aura Cybersecurity Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.   Protect yourself now. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/COLLEGE ! #squarepod 5-Hour ENERGY Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https:/5hourENERGY.com or on Amazon. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. It’s time to put your knowledge to the test with College Football Pick’Em from FanDuel.  Download the FanDuel app and play College Football Pick'Em for free. Only on FanDuel.  Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM  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=Yo... Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow on Twitter:   / drakectoll   Follow the show on Twitter:   / lobig12