TNT’s first move into Big 12 football coverage already has fans scratching their heads.
The network announced its new studio crew for the 2025 season, and not one of the four featured personalities has a background connected to the Big 12.
Former NFL stars Takeo Spikes (Auburn), Champ Bailey (Georgia), and Victor Cruz (UMass) will join host Adam Lefkoe (Syracuse) on TNT’s pregame, halftime, and postgame coverage throughout the year. All four come from strong football pedigrees, but none have direct ties to the conference they’re now tasked with representing on national broadcasts.
It’s a puzzling decision from a network that’s entering the Big 12 space at a pivotal time. With the league growing in profile and talent, fans expected on-air voices who know the league’s coaches, rivalries, and culture. Instead, TNT is rolling out a crew that, while experienced on the field, has zero personal stake or history in Big 12 football.
The group previously worked together on TNT’s Mountain West coverage, a short-lived venture that emphasized NFL credentials over college familiarity. That trend appears to be continuing here, though the stakes are higher with a Power Four league on deck.
TNT’s college football rights come as part of a broader sublicense agreement with ESPN. With Inside the NBA reportedly on its way out after this season, TNT is pivoting toward college sports. But this studio crew announcement raises questions about how seriously the network is treating its new Big 12 investment.
For a league built on tradition and identity, TNT’s choice to sideline voices with actual Big 12 ties feels like a misstep. Viewers will have to wait until the fall to see if the broadcast can overcome the lack of familiarity.
