The landscape of college athletics is constantly shifting, with the Big Ten and SEC often perceived as the dominant forces shaping its future, especially regarding the College Football Playoff. However, for the Iowa State Cyclones and the entire Big 12 conference, this narrative shouldn’t be a source of anxiety. Instead, it underscores their critical need to maintain and assert their autonomy in the evolving collegiate sports world.The Big 12, despite its recent realignments, has shown resilience and a clear vision for its future. Its members, including Iowa State, possess unique identities and fan bases that contribute significantly to the
