Welcome to Tuesday Takes, where I give you three takes from the Big 12. It was a jam-packed week full of exciting news, but several things caught my attention over the last few days
TCU Will Beat North Carolina By Double Digits
With the line all the way down to -6.5, it feels like TCU isn’t getting a ton of respect heading into their matchup with North Carolina. The Tar Heels have no shortage of off-the-field issues, and their roster is full of unknowns.
While TCU will be breaking in a new offense with Jaden Craig, they will focus more on running the ball with Jeremy Payne. The Horned Frogs have the defense to slow down North Carolina’s offense, especially up front, but I want to see more from the offense.
The bottom line is this: TCU is the better team coming in. And while I don’t know exactly what the Tar Heels are going to look like, I know the Horned Frogs won’t hold back, and I am confident they will win by double digits in Dublin.
Go Back to the NFL
The new rule allowing certain players to return to college football for a fifth year has me a bit conflicted. On one hand, I understand why some players want to come back. It’s not only another year of college football but also another payday. And for some of these players, they will make more money in college than they would in the NFL.
However, it just doesn’t feel right when we see a guy who has already played NFL snaps this preseason come back to college. To me, once you declare for the NFL, you are done with college sports. Once you put on an NFL uniform, whether it’s in practice or a preseason game, that’s it; there’s no going back. I get why guys are doing it, and I don’t blame them, but the NCAA and the leaders of this sport should have done something years ago to prevent all this from happening in the first place.
The Best Time of Year Is Here
We have waited nearly nine full months, and kickoff is finally here. I know it’s just one game for the Big 12 this weekend, but it’s a big one. Sure, North Carolina isn’t a big-name brand, but we have an opportunity to beat a Power Four team with the entire world watching.
It’s the first game of the 2026 season, and TCU is fortunate enough to get to play in it. I do wish the game was in Fort Worth, but I am sure the Frogs don’t mind the payday. Plus, it gives TCU and the Big 12 a chance to flex their muscles and take down the evil emperor himself, Bill Belichick. Football is back, baby, and I couldn’t be more excited. Oh, and by the way, get ready for some season predictions next week.
