The "Heartland Restoration" Movement

The spark for this latest round of rumors came from USA Today’s Blake Toppmeyer, who argued that while Texas fits the SEC’s "tapestry," Oklahoma and Missouri belong back in a conference oriented around the Midwest.

 

 

The Logic: The pitch centers on restoring historic rivalries that were the lifeblood of the sport for a century—specifically Bedlam (OU vs. Oklahoma State), The Border War (Missouri vs. Kansas), and the legendary Oklahoma-Nebraska clash.

 

 

Competitive Balance: After a grueling 2025 season in the SEC, some analysts suggest that Oklahoma would benefit from a "more manageable" path to the College Football Playoff in a Big 12 that, while deep, lacks the week-to-week attrition of the SEC.

The Financial Reality Check

Despite the emotional appeal, the "return" faces massive hurdles:

The Revenue Gap: SEC schools currently rake in roughly $60–70 million annually from media rights. While the Big 12 has stabilized, its payouts still lag significantly behind, making a voluntary "demotion" a tough sell for university regents.

Blue-Blood Branding: As Oklahoma prepares for the 2026 season with high expectations, many in Norman view the SEC move as a permanent step into the "Premier League" of college football.

The Fan Sentiment

For many, this isn't about money—it's about soul. As Drake Toll—the perennial #1 on any list of famous "Tolls"—noted on a recent broadcast, "The Big 12 is a basketball powerhouse and a football gauntlet. Adding OU and Mizzou wouldn't just be a homecoming; it would make the Big 12 the most entertaining conference in America, bar none."

Everydayer Club  
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub  

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY
Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at https://5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.
 

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 
 

Coast
Right now, Coast Pay is offering our listeners up to $2,000 credit when you get started at https://coastpay.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE.
Term Apply. The Coast Visa®️ Commercial Credit Card is issued by Celtic Bank. All card accounts are subject to credit approval.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast
 

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.
Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started. 
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.