BYU Has Even Better TV Numbers Than the Big 12 Expected

[@bighornbasin]

Tom Holmoe is competent and classy. He makes BYU and the Big 12 look good. John Kurtz asked pointed questions that lead to insightful answers. Great interview. I can't believe how arrogant the Pac 12 was to pass on BYU. Shockingly stupid! That said, I'm glad they did. The Big 12 is a better fit and a much better conference. So glad BYU is now a part of our league.

[@kevinpedersen6875]

In 2016, he Big12 passed on expansion..I recall Texas and Oklahoma didn’t want to expand due to financial reasons.

[@Ironrodpower]

Bigotry is your answer. Most games against the pac end with a f the Mormons chant

[@MrTchills]

Obviously PAC12 decision had nothing to do with the sports programs, all about fan base and religious beliefs.

[@doninkansas-jr5yw]

I’m neither Morman nor a BYU fan, but their joining the BIG XII will be seen in a few years as one of the most important things to happen to the conference in its existence.

[@davidfreeman4885]

BYU is such a great fit to the Big 12, from a Cyclone fan perspective. Passionate fans, development & values will lead to results rather than the reverse. Welcome Cougars. I look forward to enjoying for years our entertaining competitions.

[@katies15]

Long time BYU fan here, thanks for the kind words, I can hardly contain my excitement for our future in the Big 12 it’s been a long time coming. I just got back from a family reunion in Perry Iowa last week my sister in law is a huge Iowa State fan so I drove into Ames and picked up an Iowa State T shirt so I will be cheering for the Cyclones when they are not playing us.

[@d.s.2519]

Ditto from the Tech fans. My only hope is to (eventually) get scheduled as BYU's last game of the season. Would be the chance to not only watch excellent football, but also ski Utah's fantastic slopes on the same weekend 😉

[@ImYourHuckleberry205]

@@d.s.2519 lol secret motive here

[@jeffreyharris3440]

Thank you Mr. Freeman. We BYU fans feel grateful for the opportunity.

[@wadecockrill3646]

Welcome BYU! We’re thrilled to have you! Go Pokes!

[@byuphil]

Thank you! We're thrilled to be in the Big 12. Let's go!

[@scmndm]

As a BYU fan I always wanted to be in the PAC and endured years of their snobbery. I’m floored with how much of a better fit the Big 12 is for the Cougs. Unreal. Ecstatic to be associated with the other Big 12 schools. Thanks John.

[@dinkstover8606]

Jesus vetoed the PAC12 move. John Smith was against it.

[@teeduck]

Truck stop. Zero Academics.

[@josephcernansky1794]

@@teeduck "Truck stop. Zero Academics."

[@scmndm]

@@teeduck 🥱. Nice try.

[@cwebedstuy]

Mormons land

[@cfb_plus7399]

That was a very classy and great response to the question of how much value BYU added to the Big 12 by Tom Holmoe

[@theSonOfNiel]

I ran into Holmoe back in 2016 just after we got turned down by the Big 12. I shook his hand and told him how great of a job he’s done. He told me thank you and then immediately started asking me questions about myself, my fandom, etc. He turned it into a conversation when I was really only expecting him to shake my hand and walk away. Really good dude, BYU is extremely lucky to have him.

[@rschow1747]

We owe tons of credit to Holmoe for all his hard work as A.D. We owe tons to all our loyal fans who give BYU such great ticket numbers and such great viewer numbers!!

[@tomthatcher7757]

Excellent interview! Nice to get to know BYU. The PAC12 missed out on an excellent opportunity. Thank you, PAC12!

[@russlay8309]

Tom Holmoe is a Class Act. Very good interview. I’m excited to have BYU in the Big 12!

[@THE_SNAPP]

One of my favorite things about this interview, and it shows what kind of guy Tom is, is how when you ended it and put down the mic, Tom didn't hurry off, I fact he sat back and started asking John questions and chatting with him. Genuinely good dudes there.

[@TheFranchiseCA]

Holmoe's ability to build relationships was a crucial part of success in independence.

[@yellowmartian]

Tom is a great dude. I met him in his office for a meeting and he took me for a tour of the student athlete building. Hes a classy dude and he has like 4 SB rings.

[@daveduncan2748]

Wow, what a great interview with Holmoe. Seems like a genuinely great guy.

[@ryanevans2655]

We may be portrayed by ESPN as second class, but I’m gonna absolutely love this new look conference. Wreck Em!

[@1870gc]

John, I love the interview and want to recognize the support you've given to BYU and its fans for quite some time. Thank you!

[@Yakitak]

BYU is a super addition to the Big XII… just wish they were added with Louisville back in 2016

[@christianthorpe935]

Rise and shout, baby!

[@taylorstevenw]

So happy that BYU is in the conference! They seem to be great long-term partners. It’s gonna be fun!

[@mrmonkeysays]

I loved his answer about BYU value. BYU and the Big 12 is the ultimate win-win relationship. The two entities need each other.

[@lorenzohaynes3886]

They should've been in the conference back when Nebraska was here.

[@kevinmott51]

Great interview! Excited to have them in the Big 12! Just too bad that OU and Texas prevented them from joining back when TCU and WVU did.

[@bobbypaluga4346]

I’m thrilled to be in the Big 12, if the Cougars can add more than their own weight so much the better for everyone. This isn’t a battle of egos but the most united athletic conference in the country.

[@johnfaris5376]

I’m in Provo now and reminded how blown away people from the plains will be to come here in the fall, the setting is singularly impressive. I really think you folks will be thrilled that you added BYU for so many reasons. The fans will be welcoming, scenery impressive and sports just fun. Cant wait for you all to come. Lots of classy people like Tom here.

[@TheJayhawker83]

I think you'll be blow away by the actual competition you're going to face in the Big 12. This isn't' the WAC or MWC.

[@johnfaris5376]

@@TheJayhawker83 BYU went 5-0 vs the PAC, 2 years ago. they are 4-1 versus Texas, 2-0 versus OK. BYU hasn't been in a conference (MWC) for 12 years. You need to catch up on your reading.

[@lexingtonconcord8751]

​@@TheJayhawker83 Your comment shows an utter lack of knowledge as to BYUs record against BIG 12 teams historically. They do just fine against the BIG 12, better than your jayhawks

[@steeltalon2317]

Met Tom at the Fan Fest in early July of this year as a volunteer for the event. Humble, humble, and clearly cares about BYU's future in the BIG12. What irony though, PAC12 refuses to allow BYU over the years into the conference because of the BYU's Honor Code only to find themselves literally on "life support" as a conference who admitted themselves they probably lost close to $250 million for NOT allowing BYU into the PAC12. BYU is a much better fit in the BIG12 and less "woke" PAC 12 problems.

[@byronlaw6724]

It's an interesting contrast between a focus on DEI (PAC-12) vs a focus on business (Big XII). Can't say that the respective outcomes surprise me much.

[@russellsmith4784]

Thanks John - Tom Holmoe is a hero for me!

[@russelldesertvikinganderso3386]

John, You & Tom are both THE BEST at what you do. He had the toughest AD job in America having to cobble together a schedule every sesson as an independent team. He got his school to perhaps the 2nd best Football conference & certainly The Best Basketball Conference. You John ask questions that elicit a meaningful response for listeners. You love what you do and it shows. Both of you pure excellence indeed. The Big12 is aleady great & on the rise. The PAC12 & the so called Research Institutions need to Research why they have failed. Well done!

[@tj3501]

Welcome BYU! Tom seems like a good guy.

[@Nebraska-CatFanDanOzzy]

Great interview! Welcome to the Big XII BYU!👍😀

[@davidmcquain4053]

He was a great interview for you--and us, John.

[@TalonAvex]

I can't wait for the other Big 12 teams to come to Provo. We're a passionate group here for ALL of our sports. When I moved here several years ago, a friend and co-worker gave me the following insight: If team underwater basket weaving was a sport, Cougar fans would be wearing snorkels and goggles to cheer the student athletes on. FYI: When you do come to Provo, stop at the BYU Creamery and get the best ice cream in the conference...and maybe the world! ;) Graham Canyon is a must, IMHO. Also, take home some ranch dressing that is bottle in a half-gallon milk jug. Well worth it, LOL!

[@lyndalolson3067]

Great job John!!

[@aBrewster29]

We had the chance to interview Tom Holmoe for a school project back in 2008 during the BCS days. He shared a lot of interesting things about his perspective on coming shifts, and dropped hints of what they were working on as far as contingencies being stuck in that awful MW tv deal. It all made sense when BYU went independent a couple years later. He’s been a fabulous AD. Hope he has a lot of gas left in the tank!

[@nealljones]

I like Tom. Great advocate for the Cougs!

[@ArcherVideo]

The conversation off microphone looked super engaging as well. Awesome stuff John!

[@Summitclym]

BYU has wanted into the conference for many years. We will do it proud!

[@craig5477]

Great interview John.

[@Chrisx954]

great interview, John!

[@JohnathanLingo]

Great interview, and thank you for asking follow-up questions! That is more info than we've received previously.

[@lastpme]

The PAC 12 should not be mad at the Big 12, they should be mad at the BIG10 for taking the LA market. The PAC 12 had a chance to expand and make their conference stronger by adding the best of the remaining 8 Big 12 schools and BYU, but USC/ UCLA didn’t express their concerns with the conference so the PAC 12 thought they were ok and did verbal alliance with the BIG10 and the ACC which meant nothing since the BIG10 took the conference’s biggest brands. Plus the PAC 10 went after the Big 12 first by taking Colorado and they tried to take OU and UT in 2010.

[@teeduck]

Who said the pac was mad at big 12? No one in the PAC . Big 12 is junk

[@louisdeaux8620]

On the PAC not wanting BYU. The school is top 100 USNWR, and top 60 Forbes, is an academic elite institution. The PAC just felt prayer was gouache. Now the PAC is so desperate, they are considering. Southern Methodist University? 🤔🤦. Well it worked out better for BYU and being welcome in a conference that includes Texas Christian University and Baylor on the Christ centered faith side along with great heartland institutions from WVa and Florida to the Pacific (Soon Marion, Soon!) is wonderful. 😮😊

[@rongrantga]

Hey these interviews are great! Looks like your camera lens has some haze. Did you do this interview early in the day when your gear was just out of your hotel room where it was nice and cool? Maybe it didn't have time to acclimate to the warm.

[@BlueJeanF150]

Would’ve loved to hear what was said before the video and after (caught that Gene mention at the end) Thanks John for the content and your hard work. BYU will be a great member for the Big12

[@tommortensen2162]

Tom Holmoe - Pure Class. The Big XII knows it.

[@dfausti66]

Tom Holmoe just put on a crash course on how to go from G5 to P5. I hope G5 schools were paying attention.

[@bobbypaluga4346]

Outstanding interview John, your preparation is always high

[@RadioMan666]

Give ‘‘em Hell Brigham!!

[@Iceape1906]

Great point about Mexico. I travel there once a month and there’s a need for US sports. Also, there’s about 2 million US citizens that live in Mexico 🇲🇽 GoCoogs!

[@bartbutkis]

There's a reason the NFL has chosen to play down in Mexico. The owners might be greedy, but they're not stupid.

[@tgray747]

Great interview and questions. You did a great job!

[@Self-EducatedAmerican]

Great interview!

[@lorenzohaynes3886]

I feel like national media is going to take John away from us. Keep doing interviews like he's done this week he's gonna end up on a national network.

[@blizzard2oo]

We cannot wait for all Big 12 teams and fans to come to our house. We are excited to meet thousands of new friends. And morenext year in the big 16. Cannot wait!!

[@louisdeaux8620]

JK is a great young interviewer.

[@blizzard2oo]

BYU brought a huge semi load of non perishable food to Fayetteville food bank. Awesome gesture of support for the Fayetteville needy.

[@blizzard2oo]

BYU wants to win more than games. BYU wants to build friendships. BYU wants to help the communities where we play. BYU wants to help build a better America. We are willing to work with other groups to accomplish great things for all Americans.

[@lastpme]

I think window will close once the Big 12 and the PAC 12 has to make their 2024 football schedules. Once the PAC 12 knows the financial numbers of its TV deal is when the teams with options will have to decide to stay or go. If the stay nothing happens….but if some teams leave the PAC 12 things will get interesting since if the PAC 12 tries to pull teams from the MWC those schools now have to pay more money to leave the conference. The wild card is if the BIG 10 gives UW and UO a lifeline and add them to the conference. USC and UCLA need a west coast traveling partner. Their road game schedule may look cool, but the weather conditions and travel distances will lead to a lot of losses which will weaken their brands and those schools have to pay for those travel expenses.

[@samuelpitts895]

Spot ON! Just like OU and Texas will water their brands down by leaving for the SEC. If those 2 schools were smart, they should cancel their move and stay in the best upcoming conference in the country! The new BIG 12

[@leonardpoindexter5289]

I paid attention during the 2020 covid year of how adaptable BYU was in their scheduling. They are going to BRING IT.

[@TiminBaguio]

PAC should have taken BYU years ago. Big 12 is fortunate they didn’t…..

[@thomassweeney4494]

Pompous Arrogant Conceited.

[@johndry4313]

The PAC 12 didn't want any B12 schools either. Now we get to watch the PAC die in real time. They'll take SD St, and SMU, and etc... Not any p 5 school.

[@josephmelendez8370]

Sometimes I wonder if they were considering BYU before the Title IX backlash came about. Because even back then they were the most obvious expansion choice.

[@teeduck]

BYU adds nothing to PAC.

[@ercaelis2053]

@teeduck, do you truly believe that or are you just troll, troll?

[@devilfrawg4953]

Turns out, the intolerance of the internment conference towards BYU was a death knell.

[@georgelockfort8124]

What BYU's Tom Holmoe didn't mention was his time as a San Francisco 49 player and the multiple Super Bowl Rings he's earned on the 49er's. That shows the character of the man!

[@johnpatrick4187]

Nice Interview

[@timmyhinds9288]

They got a good one in BYU

[@rconger24]

BYU has fans everywhere.

[@Deezylowe785]

Strange but i really like the AD's in the Big 12

[@InDaWilderness]

John, got to white balance man! 😂

[@jeffsparey9585]

It's all about money

[@OutlawCollegeFootball]

BYU is a National Power sleeping giant on the cusp

[@MarkMclaughlin-qm8kq]

Let's see the big 12 is a bottom feeder league well last year TCU beat Michigan in a playoff game I thought big 10 was powerful lol. BYU will be successful in big 12 they fit perfectly as does the new members. Texas and Oklahoma are crazy leaving the big 12 the sec has not been kind to Missouri or Arkansas and Texas Am. I realize it's about the money but Oklahoma and Texas gonna be in back of bus for years in sec probably never win sec championship just look at Arkansas has done since leaving southwest conference lol.

[@robertc8766]

who?

[@texasscifi3431]

Break out the magic underpants BYU o the championship 🏆🏆🏆

[@bige2012]

Let's just hope that BYU doesn't get a big head and arrogant like UT! We are ridding conference of virus, let's not create another one.

[@scmndm]

I don’t see that happening. As a BYU fan, we just wanted to get back into a conference. I believe Tom’s comment about being a team player. I realize we are still in the Big 12 honeymoon stage, but it feels like this could turn into a very fun and special conference. I’ve never understood the concept of having 1 or 2 alpha teams to have a successful conference…that doesn’t sound like a fun conference to me.

[@westernciviccapital3075]

No worries. The zoobs will be independent again soon.

[@westernciviccapital3075]

Holmoe will be gone within 2 years. BYU will be independent as soon as possible thereafter.

[@lexingtonconcord8751]

Huh??? That's ridiculous, like REALLY ridiculous.

[@Summitclym]

We know Ute-bait when we see it. God bless the Utes and their fans.

[@westernciviccapital3075]

This isn't gonna end well for Holmoe. 🤦‍♂️. BYU coulda been the Notre Dame of the west... Giving up those awesome independent schedules for Iowa State... greatest self-immolation since Tulane left the SEC. 🤦‍♂️ smh.

[@amac701]

Nattering naybob of negativism.😂

[@Lost5tudent]

Go check out BYU's November schedules, home schedules, and bowl tie-ins over the last decade, and then come back to this thread.

[@westernciviccapital3075]

Knowing nod of not good. 🤦‍♂️. "Have you found a mountain partner for us yet?" #embarrassing. #IowaStateInNovember 🤦‍♂️

[@bartbutkis]

😂 Oops! Here is the mutt again; spewing his bovine excrement against BYU.

[@charlesling7919]

Western civic is a big time Big 12 hater. Always has been. Spits out childish opinions.

[@madmanmark08]

John got an interview with Tom!! Way to go!

[@olivercroomes8223]

Great interview. I like this guy. #GOCOOGS

[@goittoog7563]

BYU is good at all the major sports as well

[@madmanmark08]

Fyi - anyone who goes to BYU for a game visit the BYU Creamery and try the roasted almond fudge ice cream

[@westernciviccapital3075]

Uh, yep. You have a zoobie infestation. Lol.