Big-12 football dressed for Success at media days in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS -- The Big 12 descended on Sin City this week to debut its new look as conference commissioner Brett Yormark talked about the future of the now 16-team group. York’s opening speech was spirited, impassioned, bold…is bold the right word? He deftly sidestepped mentions of Texas and Oklahoma while raining praise on the newest members and their storied rivalries. He hit all the talking points - social media, conference naming rights and commercial sponsorship, and of course potential Las Vegas Bowl affiliation.

Outfitted with some things borrowed and a few things blue, Big 12 football appears primed and ready to challenge every Bulldog or Wolverine that would dare stand in the way of its college football world domination.

And while there was plenty of talk about football, our focus turned to fashion, with media days being one of the few times coaches and players can express themselves through varying degrees of drip. Some coaches were stuntin’, some were classic and some were just plain comfortable. 

Here’s how we felt about it all. 

Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham

The second year Sundevil head coach easily won best dressed, showing out in a custom, sharply cut maroon suit that would make George Clooney weep. The (Sun) devil was in the details, with PT42 stitched on the sleeve and “Activate the Valley” sewn on the back of the collar. Dillingham credits his wife Briana for the fresh threads, saying she made sure his outfit was on point for this media day excursion. Dillingham shared that he wants to get similar custom suits for the players, possibly even in a brillant gold hue for some. A nod to ASU’s bright future? The 34-year old coach told us he’s not the best at schmoozing, which is fine because the suit spoke for itself.

Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham

Whit came dressed all in black, mourning the loss of the Pac-12 perhaps? It’s more likely a nod to his Harley-riding roots. But to us it felt like the dark-hued duds were more of an effort to mask the bullseye on Utah’s back this season - the Utes were picked to finish first in the conference and Whittingham saw that as a sign of respect for the program. But with great power comes great responsibility and in this college football world you can either retire a hero or coach long enough to see yourself become the villain. Utah’s fate this season rests with Cam Rising’s health, the Utes overall strength and resilience and the magic that is Rice-Eccles. So maybe the black just means Whit is in his Batman era. 

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire 

The most surprising interaction of the day was with Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire. He brought the BPE - Big Plaid Energy. We have to give runner-up to Coach McGuire for the red and black plaid jacket coupled with his witty, playful remarks regarding his players personal style. When asked who has the most “drip” on the team, coach didn’t hesitate, confidently naming linebacker Bryce Ramirez best dressed because of his “distinct personality when he dresses.” Coach also mentioned defensive back Braylon Lux and his “unique look.” He then shouted out the “cowboys” on the team, including country music artist Hayden Wiginton, who plays wide receiver for the Red Raiders. 

“He’s got some Morgan Wallen in him, he’s got a very unique voice - I’m telling you, you gotta check him out,” McGuire urged.

We did and he does. Wiginton was grateful for the support, commenting “Get y’all a coach like this!” In fact, Wiginton owes his country music singer status to his coach. “About three years ago I learned how to play guitar and it kind of all just led up to Coach McGuire scheduling me a gig since he knew I played,” explained Wiginton. “After that, it just took off - it’s a wild life.” 

“Our quarterback however has no swag,” McGuire playfully added. “He’s got none.” It sounds like McGurie knows Behren Morton can take a joke.

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy

In true Mike Gundy fashion, the Oklahoma State coach was business (casual) in the front, party in the (offensive) backfield as he spoke with the media about the impending season. His simple but snazzy OSU polo speaks to his character - he’s a man of simple pleasures like drinking beers and winning football games. The Cowboys are certainly a favorite front runner in the group, and their matchup with Utah in Week 4 is highly anticipated. Lucky for Gundy it’s not at Rice-Eccles…

TCU head coach Sonny Dykes

Sonny Dykes is the definition of solid - not flashy but never scrub. He sported a clean, dark suit with a crisp, white shirt and an electric purple-patterned tie. He did have his initials embroidered on the cuff of his sleeve, showing a little of the flair that made TCU so potent in its title game run. Clearly the Horned Frogs mean business this year, after the disappointing 2023 campaign. As always with a Dykes-coached team, there needs to be better defense which he addressed by hiring former Boise State head coach Andy Avalos. The new four-down front cut down the need for the biggest of bodies and gives them the ability to be speedier in the pass rush. Makes sense why Coach was rocking the streamlined-suit look.

Cincinnati head coach Scott Satterfield

Also part of the tasteful, unpretentious suit contingency, Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield clearly means business in his second year in Queen City. His earnest opening remarks and excited demeanor was infectious and in his simple gray suit with a white shirt and bright red tie, it’s hard not to root for the guy. Satterfield talked about stripping the team down to the studs and building it back up, the way he did at his previous stops at App State and Louisville. He brought on new coaches, 47 new scholarship players and a new signal caller in Indiana transfer Brendan Sorsby. Cincy does return standout running back Corey Kiner, who rushed for over 1,000 yards last season. Don’t let Satterfield’s clean-cut, modest attire fool you - just like the embroidered initials peeking out from under his suit sleeve, there's still sauce in Cincy, we just have to wait and see how spicy it is.