Podcasts about Mountain West Conference

In this hour of Money Moves, hosts Stormy Buonantony and Jonathan Von Tobel, are joined by Mike Sielski, to talk about the Mountain West Conference. Stormy and Jonathan also talk about the NFL and MLB. Get instant access to expert picks, public betting splits data, and pro betting tools when you join VSiN pro. You can take 17% off an annual subscription when you use promo code: POD26. Click Here to get started. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The previous post covered my grades on how the strength of today’s four largest college athletic conferences compare with their previous versions twenty years ago in 2006. Here's a brief recap. In my estimation, only the SEC (which expanded from 12 to 16 teams over that 20 year period) has shown an upgrade in competition levels since 2006.  I awarded the SEC a “B” grade. The Big 12 (which lost four of its prominent members to the SEC) received a C+ for their nimble addition of several relevant regional sports schools. A “D” grade was handed down to the Atlantic Coast Conference.  Their nonsensical addition of West Coast newcomers Cal (Berkeley) and Stanford in 2024 crashed the ACC's overall score. Speaking of lousy grades, I awarded a D- to the Big Ten Conference as its recently-annexed properties have resulted in a BIG thud.  From the east (Maryland and Rutgers) to the west (Nebraska, Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington), the Big Ten’s new coast-to-coast configuration has failed to improve this conference for either sports fans or student/athletes. How have the five mid-major conferences fared with recent expansion issues? These other conferences (nicknamed the “Group of Five”) can be quite entertaining but rarely win national championships.  They must compete against the “Big Four” major conferences featuring the wealthiest college sports programs. American Athletic Conference (AAC) The AAC has only been around since the year 2013.  There were 10 initial AAC members and now 14 in 2026. Only Memphis, South Florida, and Temple remain from 2013.  The ACC raided Conference USA to obtain several of its new members. Army and Navy – What's not to like about these two additions?  They bring the focus of the entire college football world to their annual game played in early December.  Grades – A Charlotte – The 49ers have been perpetual cellar dwellers in most sports.  Charlotte, North Carolina sports fans are more likely to follow UNC, Duke, and Clemson.  Yawn.  Grade – D- East Carolina – The Pirates have made the NCAA baseball playoffs ten times since 2013 and have occasionally contended for the AAC title in football.  A hearty fan base makes ECU a fun place to watch sports.  Grade – B Florida Atlantic – A member of the AAC since 2023, this school is best known for its men's basketball team and having a great beach nearby.  Sadly, most local sports fans don’t give a hoot about the FAU Owls yet.  Grade – C- North Texas – The Mean Green had a brilliant 12-2 football season in 2025 in the school's third year as part of the AAC.  The other sports are lagging behind.  Grade – C Rice – Another third year AAC member, the Houston-based Owls have been an athletics flop in their new conference.  Grade – D Tulane – Green Wave football program has rejuvenated Tulane athletics down in the Crescent City.  Unfortunately, the remainder of the school’s sports teams rarely lead the AAC.  Grade – C Tulsa – Golden Hurricane football and men's basketball programs have been on the decline in the past decade.  That's a shame, because Tulsa fans desperately want to get behind the city’s lone major college athletics team.  Grade – C- UAB – Try as I might, I'm having trouble remembering any recent sports successes for the Blazers.  Grade – D- UTSA – Like Tulsa, the Roadrunners have the entire San Antonio market ready for their athletics programs to take off.  Other than some recent success in football, UTSA sports still appear to be taking a siesta.  Grade – C- AAC overall grade for expansion: C- Conference USA (C-USA) I am not going to provide individual grades to Conference USA member schools.  It is not their fault that C-USA management has done such a lousy job of keeping this conference together and relevant in major college sports. The conference has seen a 100% turnover in the past 20 years. Schools being added have generally been former FCS top teams such as Delaware, Sam Houston, and Jacksonville (AL) State. Things have declined so badly in Conference USA (“How badly have they declined?”) that longtime member Louisiana Tech recently agreed to pay a reported $8 million to buy its way out of C-USA.  The Bulldogs’ jubilant athletic department and fans are rejoining the Sun Belt Conference this fall.  Louisiana Tech will save more than $1 million annually in travel costs formerly required to travel to schools within the far-flung Conference USA. Longtime C-USA holdovers Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee State deserve a better fate.  Save your money and call the Sun Belt in a couple of years! C-USA overall grade for expansion –  F- Mid-American Conference (MAC) In contrast to Conference USA, the MAC has remained remarkably stable for the past 20 years. Eleven of the dozen MAC members in 2006 remain a part of the conference today.  Northern Illinois (which had been part of the MAC for 30 years) is leaving this fall to become part of the Mountain West Conference. In a couple of curious moves, the Mid-American Conference has added two new members recently. UMass – The 2025 addition of the University of Massachusetts (which is at least in regional proximity to longtime MAC member Buffalo) was rather questionable.  Athletic success at Umass has been nearly invisible over the past decade.  After just one year in the MAC, the Minutemen have been a net negative in sports for the Mid-American Conference.  Grade: D- Sacramento State – Seriously?  Yes, the Mid-American Conference will add this longtime FCS member from California to its football schedules this fall.  Sacramento (the #20 TV market) is 2,500 miles from the middle of Ohio. The Hornets will be a football-only member of the Mid-American Conference.  For the usually stable MAC, this is a rather bizarre expansion move.  Grade: F MAC overall grade for expansion:  D- Mountain West Conference (Mountain West) The Mountain West has survived a few departure tremors in recent years.  Of the nine Mountain West members 20 years ago, only Air Force, New Mexico, UNLV, and Wyoming remain.  Let’s review the teams which have come aboard since 2006. Hawaii – The Rainbow Warriors (2012) have posted winning football records in just four of their 14 seasons in the Mountain West.  The other athletic squads are nearly invisible in the post-season tournaments.  Hawaii remains a dream road trip destination for visiting teams and their fans, though.  Grade: C- Nevada – At least the men’s basketball team has appeared in the NCAA March Madness event five times over the past nine seasons.  Otherwise, fans of the Nevada Wolfpack (which joined the Mountain West in 2012) haven’t had much to howl about lately.  Grade: C- North Dakota State – This former FCS division powerhouse football program is stepping-up to play against the big boys beginning this fall.  The move is for football only. The Bison are a terrific geographic fit for the Mountain West Conference, too.  This makes sense.  Grade: A Northern Illinois – The Huskies will join the Mountain West this fall after 30 years in the Mid-American Conference.  Northern Illinois’ sports resume has weakened in recent years.  Other than bringing the #3 TV market (Chicago) to the Mountain West, this move makes little sense.  Grade: D San Jose State – The Spartans (members since 2013) have appeared in four bowl games over the past decade.  On the other hand, the men’s basketball team has won just 33% of its conference games over the past 13 years.  Grade: C- UTEP – This longtime Conference USA member joins the Mountain West this fall.  UTEP’s football team has been downright awful in recent years.  Despite a sports slump, UTEP bring strong fan support from the El Paso area.  They should be a fine geographic fit for the Mountain West.  Grade: C Mountain West overall grade for expansion:  C Sun Belt Conference (Sun Belt) The Sun Belt has been nicknamed the “Junior SEC”.  This conference has grown from 10 members in 2006 to 14 today. Only Arkansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette, South Alabama, Troy, and UL-Monroe remain from 2006. Appalachian State – The Mountaineers (members since 2014) have been a top football contender in the Sun Belt.  Their enthusiastic fans make road trips to Boone, North Carolina a fun stop.  Grade: B Coastal Carolina – Speaking of fun stops, how about a visit to Myrtle Beach to play Coastal Carolina?  The 2017 Sun Belt addition of the Chanticleers has been a terrific addition for the conference.  Coastal’s football team has played in six straight bowl games.  The baseball team won the men’s College World Series in 2016.  Grade: A Georgia Southern – Would it surprise you to learn that the Golden Eagles from Statesboro, Georgia have played in seven bowl games over the past eight seasons?  The other sports programs at Georgia Southern need to step it up.  Grade: B Georgia State – The 2013 addition of the Panthers from Atlanta has not added a lot of sports notoriety.  However, the men’s basketball program has earned four invitations to March Madness in the past 11 seasons.  Grade: C Louisiana Tech – The Bulldogs paid dearly ($8 million) to escape Conference USA beginning this fall.  Louisiana Tech brings several highly competitive sports teams. They are a perfect geographic addition to the Sun Belt Conference Western division.  Grade: A Marshall – This begins Marshall’s fourth year in the Sun Belt Conference.  The Thundering Herd has been a top football competitor and competes well in other major sports.  Grade: B Old Dominion – ODU came into the Sun Belt in 2022.  The Monarchs from Norfolk, VA posted a nifty 10-3 football record in 2025.  Old Dominion has been relatively quiet in its other sports, though.  Grade: C Southern Miss – The Golden Eagles (Sun Belt members since 2022) have been a dominant team in recent NCAA college baseball post-season tournaments.  Last season’s 2025 football team improved from a miserable 1-11 record in 2024 to a hopeful 7-6 mark.  Grade: B Sun Belt overall grade for expansion:  B+ Bonus Conference!  The newly revived Pac-12 Conference “states” its case in 2026 The most prominent names of the long-time Pac-12 Conference bolted for better TV money into the Big Ten and ACC in 2024.  That left holdovers Oregon State and Washington State “homeless”.  The Beavers and Cougars have bagged a few top teams from the Mountain West Conference to help them rebuild the Pac-12 starting this fall. Boise State is the biggest name coming to the new Pac-12.  The Broncos have fielded a nationally ranked football program several times in the past few decades. Other Mountain West migrants include Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Washington State. Texas State (formerly of the Sun Belt Conference) will also join the Pac-12 this fall. In case you didn’t notice, each of the eight new Pac-12 schools has the last name of “State”! Summary Only the Sun Belt Conference has earned a positive score (B+) from SwampSwami among the “Group of Five” mid-major conferences. The Sun Belt is the only major college athletic conference opting to maintain two divisions (East and West) to minimize travel expenses for its member schools and lessen the travel impact on their student/athletes.  Bravo! The post Grading the Mid-Major Conference expansions – Part 2 appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

The Full Court Press with Eric Frandsen and Jason Walker. Topics on the docket for today's show:- Pac-12 vs Mountain West revenues and deficits- Where are Utah State's revenues coming from? What are their biggest expenses?- USU's finish in the Learfield Cup- Utah State places 2nd in Helper Helper rankings for providing service in the community

Eric Frandsen and Jason Walker on The Full Court Press.Topics on the docket for today's show:- Drake Allen signs Exhibit 10 deal with Detroit Pistons / other Mountain West / Pac-12 players headed to the NBA. Utah Jazz sign an Exhibit 10 deal with a native Utahn.- Utah State volleyball plans to "Pac" the Spectrum- OpenDorse annual report illustrates the divide happening between conferences

Eric Frandsen and Jason Walker discuss: - An amendment to the Protect College Sports Act could freeze Power 4 conference membership where it currently sits, preventing the formation of a super-league, but also eliminating upward mobility for lower conferences.- NBA championships with asterisks

From the New York Knicks parade to the University of Hawaii's shift to the Mountain West Conference, Gary discusses it all while also getting insights from UH men's basketball assistant coach Noah Allen.

Today on FSEN Daily, we discuss the growing pressure surrounding UTEP Football as Scotty Walden enters Year 3 leading the Miners and Year 1 in the Mountain West Conference. With a 5-21 record through two seasons, what should realistic expectations be in 2026?We also introduce McKenzie Hart as the newest addition to the FSEN family and the new host of Borderland Sports Report Season 10.Plus: A new episode of Beyond The Thank You featuring Kevin Mullen A brand new episode of What If Weekend Finds and what's happening around the BorderlandSports. News. Entertainment. Culture.This is FSEN Daily

Must win game two for the Cavs? How did the Thunder outduel the Spurs? What's on deck for the Mountain West Conference when it comes to watching games? Could Giannis be traded to OKC!?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Tuesday's   Daily Puck Drop, Jason “Puck” Puckett opens the show discussing the great night for Colt Emerson and the Mariners, plus, what a performance by Victor Wembenyama! John Canzano, JohnCanzano.com  joins Puck to also chat about Victor Wembenyama and his impact on the NBA.  They also discussed the settled lawsuit between the Pac-12 and the Mountain West Conference.  They also discussed how pivotal the week one matchup for Demond Williams is for him against Washington State because Husky fans are waiting to jump on him.  They also covered the Brendan Sorsby story. The current Texas Tech quarterback suspended for betting on college sports.  It's been revealed what else he bet on and you won't believe all the action he had. Brad Adam, Mariners TV, joins Puck to react to Colt Emerson's first hit and home run.  Plus, the status of Brendan Donovan, the future of J.P. Crawford, and the Bryce Miller/Luis Castillo piggyback experiment.   “On This Day…”   Big day in baseball historyPuck wraps up the show with, “Hey, What the Puck!?”    J.P. Crawford is the ultimate teammate (1:00) Puck (9:15) John Canzano (37:35) Brad Adam (1:04:39)  “On this Day….”  (1:07:41 ) “Hey, What the Puck!?” 

With Scott Hennen still exploring Norway, guest host Greg Steeman wraps up his week in the driver's seat with a deep dive into the institutions that define North Dakota. The episode kicks off with an exclusive interview with the incoming President of North Dakota State University, Marshall Stewart, who shares his vision for a "modernized" land-grant mission and the university's high-stakes move to the Mountain West Conference. The conversation then shifts to the state's financial engine, exploring how the Retirement Investment Office and the North Dakota Growth Fund are turning oil wealth into long-term economic stability. Finally, the show tackles the upcoming June primary with Secretary of State Michael Howe, breaking down critical changes to mail-in voting laws and the newly approved "Measure 3" regarding school lunch funding. Standout Moments & Timestamps 00:01:45 – A Land-Grant Legacy: NDSU's New President Marshall Stewart makes his debut ahead of his May 26th start date. He discusses his roots in rural North Carolina and why he believes NDSU's student body is actually all 800,000+ residents of North Dakota. 00:07:11 – The Athletics "Elephant in the Room" President Stewart addresses the angst surrounding NDSU's move to the Mountain West. He frames it as a "championship thought process" necessary to keep the university relevant on a national stage while utilizing private donor dollars. 00:13:35 – Turning Oil into Infinite Earnings Jody Smith of the Retirement Investment Office reveals staggering growth: the Legacy Fund has surged from $6 billion in 2017 to over $14 billion today, generating $2.5 billion in investment earnings this past year alone. 00:17:50 – Betting on Local Founders Cody First from 50 South Capital explains how the North Dakota Growth Fund has invested $125 million into 25 local companies, supporting 1,500 jobs and generating nearly a billion dollars in revenue in 2025. 00:22:15 – The "Rainy Day" Myth A clarification on state finances: Jody Smith explains why the Legacy Fund isn't a "rainy day fund" (that's the Budget Stabilization Fund) and breaks down the rolling five-year average used to provide property tax relief. 00:33:45 – The Childhood Care Crisis Deputy Director Emily O'Brien discusses the $199 million Rural Health Transformation Grant, highlighting innovative plans to put daycares inside critical access hospitals to solve rural workforce shortages. 00:36:20 – 26 Days Until the Polls Open Secretary of State Michael Howe delivers a masterclass on North Dakota election integrity, emphasizing that while voter turnout…

The news broke on Friday, Feb. 6, that North Dakota State was in serious discussions to the join the Mountain West Conference as a football-only member. It became official three days later when the school and league announced the invitation had been extended and accepted. It's been about 12 weeks, nearly three months, since the news broke and a whirlwind of activity was set in motion from the league, the school and the local media. Podcast host and Forum columnist Mike McFeely, WDAY-TV sports reporter and voice of the Bison Dom Izzo and The Forum's NDSU beat writer Jeff Kolpack sat down to discuss the hectic three months and give their impressions now that spring football is finished and (some) things will slow down for a while.

Eric Frandsen and Jason Walker examine the returning production, and attrition, for each men's basketball team in the new Pac-12.Recruiting and portal updates for Utah State.

On the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, a college sports podcast powered by Playfly Sports and sponsored by Short's Sports Travel Logistics, JohnWallStreet Founder Corey Leff and Playfly Sports Chairman Michael Schreiber sit down with Mountain West Conference Commissioner Gloria Nevarez to discuss new revenue streams, roster churn, and the argument for private capital. In this 40-minute conversation, we touch on reimaging headquarters as monetizable asset, the fight for relevance, balancing private capital and institutional control, and more.

3-9-26 More from Coach Eric Olen as Lobo Men's Basketball turns the page to the 2026 Mountain West Conference Tournament

Eric Frandsen and Jason Walker discuss Utah State football as they begin spring practice. Comments from head coach Bronco Mendenhall.What positions have the biggest questions? How can USU improve this season over last season?Mountain West teams in the NIT. Selection Committee was pretty close to what was predicted by bracketologists.

Hour 1 Tim LaComb joins Scotty today to break down seeding for the NCAA Tournament. Utah State ends up as a 9 Seed after winning the Mountain West Conference.  BYU is a 6 Seed and gets the winner of Texas and NC State. Who would you rather see them play?  Ken Pomeroy Bracket Special Hour 1 First impressions for NCAA bracket USU & BYU draws Hour 2 What's the better matchup for BYU? | West region thoughts Thoughts on Arizona | Florida the weakest of the 1 seeds Final thoughts

Tim LaComb joins Scotty today to break down seeding for the NCAA Tournament. Utah State ends up as a 9 Seed after winning the Mountain West Conference.  BYU is a 6 Seed and gets the winner of Texas and NC State. Who would you rather see them play? 

USU Chief of Staff Paul Molinari joined Scotty G on the Aggie Postgame Show after the team won the Mountain West Conference Championship on March 14, 2026. 

USU Head Coach Jerrod Calhoun joined Scott G on the Aggie Postgame Show after his team won the Mountain West Conference Championship over San Diego State on March 14, 2026. 

USU Senior Forward Garry Clark joined the Aggie Postgame Show to celebrate winning the Mountain West Conference Championship over San Diego State on March 14, 2026. 

USU Forward Karson Templin joined the Aggie Postgame Show to talk about beating San Diego State for the Mountain West Conference Championship on March 14, 2026. 

Game Recap and Highlights from the Mountain West Conference Championship win over San Diego State on March 14, 2026. 

USU Athletic Director Cameron Walker joined Scott G on the Aggie Postgame Show to celebrate Utah State winning the Mountain West Conference Championship over San Diego State on March 14, 2026. 

Freshman Forward Adlan Elamin joined the Aggie Postgame Show with Scotty G after helping his team win the Mountain West Conference Championship against San Diego State on March 14, 2026. 

Senior Guard Kolby King joined Scotty on the Aggie Postgame Show after helping his team win the Mountain West Conference Championship over San Diego State on March 14, 2026. 

Aggie Basketball Postgame Show with Scotty G after USU beat Nevada 79-66 in the Semifinals of the Mountain West Conference Tournament on March 13, 2026. 

Ben, Woods, and Paulie are here for you on a Friday morning! We start the show with a little foreplay as the guys talk about any weekend plans they have, and Woodsy reminds us why he will never not love Morrissey. Then we set the menu for today's show before we talk a little college hoops as San Diego State beat Colorado State last night to move on in the Mountain West Conference tournament and keep their hopes alive of making the NCAA Tournament. Listen here!

Top 3 Stories of the Day: USU still alive in Mountain West Conference Tournament, Jazz at Trailblazers tonight, Utah Mammoth lose to Chicago Blackhawks AGAIN. 

Ben & Woods kick off the 7am hour with some thoughts on the World Baseball Classic action from last night before we unveil our 4 winners from the BEN-I-T that will be moving on to the 7th Annual Tournament of Drops later this month! Then we get to "Don't (And DO) Do This" before the guys talk a little college hoops with San Diego State taking on Colorado State tonight in the Mountain West Conference later tonight! Listen here!

Kurt Helin from NBC Sports made his weekly appearance to talk NBA. Utah Jazz keep picking up wins because of how good their young talent is.  Good, Bad and Ugly: USU Well-represented in Mountain West Conference Awards & The Las Vegas Raiders are trading Geno Smith back to the New York Jets. 

THE HIGH-SPEED SPORTS WIRE IS BLOWING UP! This first day of NFL Free Agency is wild, and Hacksaw has the latest news from Dolphins, Chiefs, Raiders, Rams, Panthers, Buccaneers, Colts, Chargers, Cowboys, Steelers, Cardinals. North Carolina's Bill Belichick is at war with the media. Padres 2 weeks left. Dodgers Show Me Time. Angels front office news and spring training performance. Plus, MLB news from Braves, Yankees, WBC. Aztecs hoops streaky heading into Mountain West Conference tournament. UCLA's Mick Cronin and USC's Eric Musselman are fireworks and ill will. Lakers Clippers questions. NBA is considering proposals to change the lottery to change incentives for tanking. NHL Wild Trade Day with updates from Avalanche, Ducks, Oilers, Wild, Red Wings, Kings, and Lightning. Plus, SDFC, Formula 1 and NASCAR. Holy Cow. So much late breaking news in the world of sports! Got a question or comment for Hacksaw? Drop your hot take in the live chat on YouTube, X or Facebook. Tell us about your city in your post. Where are you from? Here's what Lee Hamilton thinks on Monday, March 9, 2026.   1)...NFL NOTEBOOK...FIRST DAY FREE AGENCY "WHEELING & DEALING"   MIAMI...CHIEFS RAIDERS...RAMS CAROLINA...TAMPA BAY0 COLTS...CHARGERS   COWBOYS-STEELERS-CARDINALS   2)...COLLEGE FOOTBALL IN NEWS…NORTH CAROLINA/BELICHICK "WAR AGAINST MEDIA" ---------- 3)...PADRES...PITCHING UPDATE "2-WEEKS LEFT"   4)...DODGERS...UNIQUE SPRING TRAINING "SHOW ME TIME"   5)...ANGELS...OFF FIELD NEWS "FRONT OFFICE NEWS"   G RODRIGUEZ (7.88)        Y MONCADA (.000) A MANOAH (6.14)               J SIRI (.141) D POMERANZ (6.00)          J LOWE (.143) B SUTER (6.44)                   T MANCINI (.133) K YATES (3.00)                    V GRISSOM (.237)   6)...MLB NOTEBOOK…BRAVES-YANKEES-WBC "BASEBALL NOTES" =========== (HALFTIME...DIXIELINE LUMBER) =========== 7)...AZTECS BASKETBALL TEAM...READY OR NOT "20-10 = STREAKY"   8)...UCLA-USC BASKETBALL HEAD TO BIG 10-TOURNEY "FIREWORKS & ILL WILL"   9)...LAKERS-CLIPPERS IN STRETCH RUN "WHO ARE THESE GUYS"   10)...NBA NOTEBOOK-NBA TANKING "GM--SURVEY-TANKING"   WEIGHTED LOTTERY ...Remove...non-playoff teams get 1-ping pong ball each. END LOTTERY ...Picks determined by standings EVERY MAN LOTTERY ...Every team gets 1-ping pong ball (Teams make trades get additional balls) --------------- 11)...NHL TRADE DEADLINE...WILD DAY "33-TRADES-DEADLINE DAY"   AVALANCHE...DUCKS OILERS...MINNESOTA DETROIT...KINGS TAMPA BAY ---------------- 12)...HOT HEADLINES "OFF THE SPORTSWIRE"   SDFC LOGO FORMULA 1 LOGO NASCAR LOGO ---------------   #MLB #yankees #braves #PADRES #joemusgrove #michaelking #ajpreller #jakecronenworth #RANDYVASQUEZ #nickpivetta #CRAIGSTAMMEN #WALKERBUEHLER #DODGERS #ANGELS #yoanmoncada #alekmanoah #kirbyyates #graysonrodriguez #juricksonprofar #PAULSKENES  #KYLETUCKER #dustinmay #WBC #nfl #DOLPHINS #PATRIOTS #RAVENS #STEELERS #COLTS #CHIEFS #CHARGERS #RAIDERS #COWBOYS #GIANTS #COMMANDERS #FALCONS #PANTHERS #RAMS #SEAHAWKS #CARDINALS #maxxcrosby #khalilmack #ZIONJOHNSON #rams #STANKROENKE #tyreekhill #tuatagovaiola #aaronrodgers #rasheerice #KENNETHWALKER #lakers #lebronjames #deandreayton #lukadoncic #clippers #adamsilver #ucla #usc #sandiegostate #aztecs #briandutcher #bjdavis #usd #kings #ducks #AVALANCHE #OILERS #redwings #SERGEIBOBROVSKY #f1 #NASCAR         Be sure to share this episode with a friend! ☆☆ STAY CONNECTED ☆☆ For more of Hacksaw's Headlines, The Best 15 Minutes, One Man's Opinion, and Hacksaw's Pro Football Notebook: http://www.leehacksawhamilton.com/ SUBSCRIBE on YouTube for more reactions, upcoming shows and more! ► https://www.youtube.com/c/leehacksawhamiltonsports FACEBOOK ➡ https://www.facebook.com/leehacksaw.hamilton.9 TWITTER ➡ https://twitter.com/hacksaw1090 TIKTOK ➡ https://www.tiktok.com/@leehacksawhamilton INSTAGRAM ➡ https://www.instagram.com/leehacksawhamiltonsports/ To get the latest news and information about sports, join Hacksaw's Insider's Group. It's free! https://www.leehacksawhamilton.com/team/ Thank you to our sponsors: Dixieline Lumber and Home Centers https://www.dixieline.com/  

Eric Frandsen and Jason Walker continue their discussion about the upcoming Mountain West men's basketball tournament, looking at potential upsets and teams to watch based on their current momentum.Updated court proceedings regarding Utah Valley and the WAC.

Geoff Grammer, writer Albuquerque Journal, discusses his last ride through this Mountain West Conference, expectations for All-Conference selections and how the Lobos managed this season and what to expect at the conference tournament. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The traditional March 1 release of the Sunbelt Conference fall football schedule has been delayed. According to one source, the league is waiting for incoming new member Louisiana Tech University to resolve its legal issues with its current affiliate, Conference USA. The Sunbelt Conference lost Texas State University to the Mountain West Conference beginning this fall.  That leaves a vacancy in the Sunbelt’s Western Division. That’s where Louisiana Tech was expected to step-in this fall. Except… The Bulldogs from Ruston, Louisiana remain in a legal “dog house” with their long-time partner, Conference USA. Until that issue is solved in the courthouse or out in the hallways with a big sack of cash, Louisiana Tech’s predicament has other members of the Sunbelt Conference twiddling their thumbs waiting for a final resolution. The Sunbelt Conference currently has 14 members.  Seven schools are in the Eastern Conference and seven are currently in the West.  However, Texas State is bolting for the Mountain West after baseball season ends. That leaves just six teams in the West if Louisiana Tech is unable to work out a suitable exit deal with Conference USA soon. The Sunbelt Conference wants to avoid having an “unbalanced” schedule in 2026 with seven East teams and only six in the West if Louisiana Tech doesn’t come aboard this fall. What a mess!  How did we get here? On July 15, 2025, a big celebration in Ruston was held announcing that Louisiana Tech was moving from Conference USA to the Sunbelt Conference no later than the fall of 2027.  The expectation was (and still is) that a deal could be reached with Conference USA which would allow Louisiana Tech to begin Sunbelt play this fall in 2026. As of today, neither Conference USA nor the Sunbelt Conference have released their 2026 football schedules.  That’s because no one knows where Louisiana Tech will be playing football and other sports beginning this fall. The Bulldogs joined Conference USA in 2013.  This rather far-flung conference was considered (at the time) to be a good fit. Prominent C-USA members in 2013 included UAB, Florida Atlantic, Marshall University, UNC-Charlotte, North Texas, Rice University, Old Dominion, Southern Miss, and UT-San Antonio. Every one of those nine schools has vacated C-USA in the past four years to join either the American Athletic Conference or the Sunbelt Conference. The University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP) will become yet another major defection from C-USA beginning this fall.  The Miners (members of Conference USA since 2005) are joining the Mountain West Conference (like Texas State of the Sunbelt Conference). Why did all of those teams leave C-USA? The television and media revenue offered by other conferences was substantially more than Conference USA’s most recent media contract to pay to its member schools. A majority of Louisiana Tech’s athletic supporters are ready to skedaddle from Conference USA’s geographically expansive league as quickly as possible. C-USA has added schools in recent years such as Liberty University (Lynchburg, Virginia – 1,000 miles from Ruston, LA) and the University of Delaware (1,321 miles each way from Ruston). Joining the Sunbelt Conference will allow Louisiana Tech to renew regional rivalries with UL-Monroe (35 miles via I-20), UL-Lafayette (185 miles south of Ruston), and even Southern Miss (240 miles to the southeast in Hattiesburg).  The travel savings for Louisiana Tech (along with the other Sunbelt schools) will be substantial across all sports. But… Athletic conferences and member schools sign long-term affiliation contracts which require a minimum notice period along with a hefty exit fee to allow the school to leave before the primary term ends. A payment of several million dollars for early termination is likely required for Louisiana Tech to leave Conference USA. With so many other universities bolting from Conference USA in recent years, the conference has pocketed millions in early exit fees.  They should be able to afford the finest attorneys to protect their best interests in court, if necessary. The other teams’ departures have left Louisiana Tech as one of C-USA’s top remaining draws. Conference USA appears to have no financial incentive to budge when it comes to allowing Louisiana Tech out of its contract. The Bulldogs’ departure could significantly diminish the current media value of Conference USA’s contract with its TV partners. C-USA signed a five-year media deal with CBS Sports Network and ESPN beginning in the fall of 2023.  That new media deal was signed around the same time that three former C-USA members (Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss) negotiated their own early exit deal to join the Sunbelt Conference in 2023. What if Conference USA’s current media deal calls for a payment reduction if one of its primary institutions (such as Louisiana Tech) left during the term of that contract? Keep that in mind as this game plays out. Then there is the issue of prior notice required to leave Conference USA According to previous reports, Conference USA’s agreement with Louisiana Tech required 14 months prior written notice.  Since Tech gave C-USA notice on or about July 15, 2025, that 14 month period will not be satisfied until September 15, 2026 (a few weeks into the 2026 football season). Most major college football conferences allow their teams to open with a series of non-conference opponents. Last fall, both the Sunbelt Conference and Conference USA member schools did not play their first conference game until Week #4 (Saturday, September 20, 2025). Based on this year’s calendar, Louisiana Tech could, conceivably, begin as a Sunbelt member in time for Week #4 on Saturday, September 26, 2026. But then… Conference USA surprised Louisiana Tech by filing a lawsuit in the state of Louisiana in November, 2025. The lawsuit asserted that Louisiana Tech misled Conference USA by intentionally delaying its exit announcement (mid-July, 2025) until after the school had already cashed its annual media revenue check from C-USA paid in late June. In addition to providing 14 months prior notice to leave, Louisiana Tech’s contract with Conference USA apparently called for the school to forfeit its share of media revenue (estimated at $3 to $4 million annually) for two years. Conference USA claims that Louisiana Tech (theoretically knowing that it was planning to leave C-USA) erred by accepting and cashing the late June media check. Are you confused enough yet? There has been very little news since Conference USA filed that lawsuit in November, 2025.  One local news outlet reported in mid-January that “conversations remain ongoing between C-USA and Louisiana Tech on a negotiated exit fee settlement”. That sounds nice, but we’re now into the month of March. The Sunbelt Conference football schedule remains on hold.  Conference USA’s football schedule has not been published yet, either.  However, Louisiana Tech’s logo remains firmly atop the C-USA athletics page banner even today. Conference USA is in no hurry to resolve this issue.  The conference “wins” if Louisiana Tech is forced to remain a part of the league (and part of its media agreement) through the 2026-2027 athletics year. Some good news and bad news Conference USA allowed the trio of Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss to exit prior to the start of the 2023 football season after they provided less than 12 months’ prior notice.  The three schools were able to negotiate a financial settlement with C-USA and left for greener pastures. That would seem encouraging to supporters of Louisiana Tech’s exit – even at this late hour. However, the departure of Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss came around the same time that C-USA’s was signing its new media deal with CBS Sports Network and ESPN. Louisiana Tech has been playing football in the major college division since 1987. It is now a nationally known sports brand. Conference USA likely touted Louisiana Tech as one of its (pardon my pun again) “big dogs” in the league’s new media package starting in 2023. There is a chance that implications with C-USA’s media contract may (or may not) become another snag in the negotiations between the conference and Louisiana Tech. Conference USA can afford to wait this game out.  They have no reason to budge anytime soon. Louisiana Tech has a tough and expensive business decision to make It can opt to pony-up and pay a ransom to exit Conference USA to join the Sunbelt this fall. This might involve the school’s major athletics donors, bankers, and (perhaps) even a Sunbelt Conference “angel” to help finance a loan to be paid-back through future Sunbelt media revenues. Or Louisiana Tech can say that the early exit price being asked by C-USA was simply too high.  Fans and alumni (like me) would be disappointed in having to wait until 2027 to begin Sunbelt Conference play in football.  Future Sunbelt intrastate foes like UL-Monroe and UL-Lafayette will also lose by such a delay. It’s time to make a deal – or not – quickly. We can handle the truth! The post Louisiana Tech – Who’ll Let the Dogs Out? appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

The Lobos can now play for a regular season title if they beat Colorado State thanks to a crazy night around the Mountain West Conference. What does the bubble look like today? Win them all to get in? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a week off Chip Scoggins, Ryan Burns and Justin Gaard are back to cover some more global college football topics including PJ Fleck and the Gophers continuing to recruit the entire state of Minnesota, North Dakota State moving up to FBS and the Mountain West Conference (they think it's great), the rumored College Football Playoff Plan by the Big Ten and some eye-opening stories from the old Nebraska Athletic Director in a new book that is coming out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gloria Nevarez is the Commissioner of the Mountain West Conference. She joined the program to discuss the conference's newest addition: North Dakota State (football only). With NDSU's arrival, how and why did it finally come about, what's the cultural fit of Fargo joining current MWC cities and... thinking in knee terms: Is college football broken or just sprained. The Christopher Gabriel Program ----------------------------------------------------------- Please Like, Comment and Follow 'The Christopher Gabriel Program' on all platforms: The Christopher Gabriel Program is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. --- The Christopher Gabriel Program | Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | --- Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eric Frandsen and Jason Walker discuss the games that happened in the Mountain West Conference on Tuesday, especially the two upsets with San Jose State beating Nevada and Grand Canyon defeating San Diego State.A review of local high school hoops as the playoffs continue in 4A. Also, Utah State has added Toledo to its 2027 football schedule. And the Players Era Festival has encountered financial troubles. What is their future?

We start the show talking all the upsets happening in college basketball and talk the new look Mountain West Conference with Sacramento State joining North Dakota State and Northern Illinois next season. We look at how the new stadiums of the D2 schools joining D1 stack up against other schools and even high schools in Texas. We then ask if we have what it takes to be referees and go out there and take control of a game. We end the show in a rabbit hole talking about the Seven Wonders of The World.

Eric Frandsen and Jason Walker talk about candidates for the Mountain West Player of the Year.Big games in the Mountain West Conference Tuesday.Utah Valley vs WAC takes another turn.Mark Cuban weighs in on tanking, advocating for it.

Eric Frandsen and Jason Walker recap Utah State's win over Memphis on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.Big performances from several Aggies and interesting coaching strategies.Audio from Penny Hardaway and Jerrod Calhoun about how the game ended.Update on high school teams still going in the 4A boys and girls basketball tournament.

"This is just really a once in a generation moment and a great time to celebrate," Melissa Klocke-Joyce said on this episode of Plain Talk. Klocke-Joyce works for the North Dakota State Historical Society, and is the coordinator for our state's celebration of America's 250th birthday. There will be events across the state, throughout the year, from smaller things like baseball games to large productions, like the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora and the Prairie Pyro-Musical in Mandan. "It's not just a single a single day or a single ceremony," Klocke-Joyce said. "This is really a year-long nationwide effort. And we're trying to create opportunities for ongoing conversations and storytelling and education and community-led events." Also on this episode, we discuss political troll Brandon Prichard's lawsuit challenging North Dakota laws prohibiting false political speech. With artificial intelligence enabling the mass-production of everything from text, to images, to video, by everyone from talented and scrupulous creators to unscrupulous fraudsters and malefactors, this area of public policy seems more important than ever. And North Dakota State University's football team is moving to the Mountain West Conference. It's a big step up for the team, but it brings with it major new financial obligations. Is the school up for meeting them? Can it do so without further burdening students and taxpayers? And are we sure that big-time athletics is a healthy thing for campuses overall? If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

"This is just really a once in a generation moment and a great time to celebrate," Melissa Klocke-Joyce said on this episode of Plain Talk. Klocke-Joyce works for the North Dakota State Historical Society, and is the coordinator for our state's celebration of America's 250th birthday. There will be events across the state, throughout the year, from smaller things like baseball games to large productions, like the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora and the Prairie Pyro-Musical in Mandan. "It's not just a single a single day or a single ceremony," Klocke-Joyce said. "This is really a year-long nationwide effort. And we're trying to create opportunities for ongoing conversations and storytelling and education and community-led events." Also on this episode, we discuss political troll Brandon Prichard's lawsuit challenging North Dakota laws prohibiting false political speech. With artificial intelligence enabling the mass-production of everything from text, to images, to video, by everyone from talented and scrupulous creators to unscrupulous fraudsters and malefactors, this area of public policy seems more important than ever. And North Dakota State University's football team is moving to the Mountain West Conference. It's a big step up for the team, but it brings with it major new financial obligations. Is the school up for meeting them? Can it do so without further burdening students and taxpayers? And are we sure that big-time athletics is a healthy thing for campuses overall? If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Another week of CFB here at PTFS! FCS Powerhouse North Dakota State shocked the College Football world and announced their move to the FBS by joining the new look Mountain West Conference. In this week's show, the PTFS crew will break down that move and what it entails for the conference and immediate impact the Bison can make, and give their Early 2026 Top 10 Preseason Rankings. Drop in, leave your thoughts, and PLAY IT!

On the second hour of Nuanez Now, Colter Nuanez sits down with University of Montana Athletic Director Kent Haslam to unpack a whirlwind week in Missoula. Haslam breaks down Bobby Hauck's brief retirement and rapid move to defensive coordinator at the University of Illinois, the decision to elevate Bobby Kennedy as the next head coach of Montana Grizzlies football, how Kennedy will be evaluated moving forward, and what truly changes during a leadership transition—from locker-room culture to on-field philosophy and beyond.The conversation also covers the hire of Montana women's soccer head coach Stuart Gore and what the addition means for the future of the program, along with Haslam's perspective on North Dakota State's move up to the Mountain West Conference and his take on the upcoming Griz Cat matchups on the hardwood here in Missoula

Colter Nuanez opens the show by breaking down North Dakota State's move up to the FBS after signing a one-year agreement to join the Mountain West Conference. He dives into every angle of this historic transition, including the financial implications, the ripple effects on both the FCS and FBS playoff picture, and what the move means for NDSU and the Mountain West moving forward.Later in the show, Colter provides an update on prep basketball from across the Treasure State, highlighting key scores, standout performances, and notable storylines from around Montana.Lastly, Colter highlights this week Treasure State Stars highlighting impressive athletic performances from across the State.

There will be a new face in the FBS for the 2026 season as FCS powerhouse North Dakota State is making the leap. The 10-time FCS National Champions will be joining the Mountain West Conference. Andy Staples and Steven Godfrey discuss if they think this is the right move for the Bison. The guys chat about what exactly the team is giving up to make this move, what they have to gain, and if they think North Dakota State can be successful. Plus, they also discuss the latest in the Charles Bediako case. He is no longer eligible to play for Alabama after a judge denied his most recent injunction request. Andy and Godfrey discuss what this means going forward.Then, the guys take a quick look at the NFL in comparison to college football. Sam Darnold culminated his redemption story with a Super Bowl ring this season. Once the third pick in the NFL Draft for the New York Jets, Darnold struggled for much of his career. After being a back-up in San Francisco, he found success as a starter for the Minnesota Vikings and now is a Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks. Andy and Godfrey look at the college landscape and discuss if there are any transfer quarterbacks that may have a similar redemption story in 2026. Later, the guys continue to look at the transfer quarterbacks, but through a different lens. Last episode, Godfrey compared Fernando Mendoza to a certified, pre-owned Honda. This was meant as a compliment. Now, they look at the transfer quarterbacks for 2026 and compare seven QBs to used cars. Find out what the comparisons are for Rocco Becht, Kenny Minchey, Drew Mestemaker, Austin Simmons, DJ Lagway, Darian Mensah and Byrum Brown.Get your college football news here with College Football Enquirer.0:00:00 - North Dakota State heads to the FBS26:12 - Charles Bediako no longer eligible34:17 - What transfer QB can have a Darnold-like redemption season49:30 - Comparing transfer QBs to used cars49:45 - Rocco Becht comparison52:24 - Kenny Minchey comparison54:10 - Drew Mestemaker comparison55:43 - Austin Simmons comparison56:51 - DJ Lagway comparison58:58 - Darian Mensah comparison1:00:06 - Byrum Brown comparison Subscribe to the College Football Enquirer on your favorite podcast app:

Happy Tuesday Edition of the Program!! College Basketball is on a heater but could the pain in the neck of one outweigh the benefit. Miami of Ohio is only undefeated team left now in CBB. The NFL Season is over and Rosters might be able to be built a different way to win. The Cleveland Cavaliers are 2-0 with James Harden. The NCAA finally won one in court. North Dakota State might be making a mistake heading to the Mountain West Conference. Ross Bjork had a lot to say with Eleven Warriors. Tuesday's with Tiberi, CBS Sports John Breech, What's Up, The Real Truth, Thing or Not a Thing, NFL Blitz and 3 Things

Connor and Mike react to the news of North Dakota State football team moving to the Mountain West Conference in the FBS.

John Canzano talks about the Mountain West Conference media deal... is it a copy of the Pac-12? Plus, Canzano talks with University of Portland Athletic Director Scott Leykam. Subscribe to this podcast. Read JohnCanzano.com