Today, Big 12 Conference Deputy Commissioner Tim Weiser announced his retirement following a distinguished 40-plus-year career in college athletics, effective at the end of 2024. Weiser has served as Deputy Commissioner for the Big 12 since 2008, following decades as an Athletic Director at Kansas State (2001-08), Colorado State (1997-01), Eastern Michigan (1993-97) and Austin Peay (1988-93).

“I have been so fortunate to be associated with so many outstanding people through my work in college athletics and will be eternally grateful for the friendships I have made along the way,” said Weiser. “The timing is right for me to begin the next chapter in my journey.”

“Tim has been a tremendous resource since my first day at the Big 12 – I will be forever grateful for his support,” said Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. “Tim will always be a part of the Big 12 family, and I look forward to our continued friendship.”

In addition to his role as Deputy Athletic Director, Weiser served the college athletics community in a variety of capacities, including two stints as chair of the Division I Baseball Committee, along with being appointed to the NCAA’s Championships / Competition Cabinet. Weiser also formerly served as the president of the D1A Athletics Directors Association (now known as FBS ADA).

Throughout Weiser’s tenure at the Conference, the Big 12 has won 57 team national championships and has grown into a 16-team league that spans ten states and four time zones.

Weiser will continue to serve as a consultant to Commissioner Yormark and the Big 12, providing strategic counsel on special projects and initiatives.

The Great Bend, Kansas native received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Emporia State, where he also played on the baseball team. He is a member of the Great Bend High School Hall of Fame and the Emporia State Hall of Fame.

Drake coach Todd Stepsis says great teams find a way to win and that is what the Bulldogs did last week in a 30-28 victory over San Diego. Drake squandered a 27-9 fourth quarter lead before putting together a late drive that resulted in a game winning 48-yard field goal on the final play of the game.

It was Drake’s 12th straight Pioneer Football League victory dating back to 2021. Nine of them have been by a touchdown or less.

The Bulldogs are on the road in the PFL on Saturday to take on Valparaiso. Drake edged the Beacons 20-14 last year in Des Moines.

The Big 12 will join forces with the Kansas City Sports Commission to host the Division I Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional during the 2027 NCAA Tournament at the T-Mobile Center.

With the 2027 selection, the Big 12 has had 18 opportunities to host Men’s March Madness since the Conference began competition in 1997. It was previously announced that the Conference would host NCAA First and Second Rounds at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City in 2026 plus the 2030 NCAA Men’s Final Four at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Most recently, the Conference hosted the 2024 NCAA South Regional at the American Airlines Center. The Big 12 last hosted the Big Dance in Kansas City during the 2023 Midwest Regional, also playing at the longtime host site of the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship.

Big 12 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Host History
2001 Kansas City, Mo (Kemper Arena), First/Second Rounds
2002 Dallas, Texas (American Airlines Center), First/Second Rounds
2003 Oklahoma City, Okla. (Ford Center), First/Second Rounds
2004 Kansas City, Mo. (Kemper Arena), First/Second Rounds
2005 Oklahoma City, Okla. (Ford Center), First/Second Rounds
2006 Dallas, Texas (American Airlines Center), First/Second Rounds
2009 Kansas City, Mo. (Sprint Center), First/Second Rounds
2010 Oklahoma City, Okla. (Ford Center), First/Second Rounds
2013 Arlington, Texas (AT&T Stadium), South Regional
2014 Arlington, Texas (AT&T Stadium), Men’s Final Four
2016 Oklahoma City, Okla. (Chesapeake Energy Arena), First/Second Rounds
2017 Kansas City, Mo. (Sprint Center), Midwest Regional
2018 Dallas, Texas (American Airlines Center), First/Second Rounds
2023 Kansas City, Mo. (T-Mobile Center), Midwest Regional
2024 Dallas, Texas (American Airlines Center), South Regional
2026 Oklahoma City, Okla. (Paycom Center), First/Second Rounds
2027 Kansas City, Mo. (T-Mobile Center), Midwest Regional
2030 Arlington, Texas (AT&T Stadium), Men’s Final Four

Iowa star running back Kaleb Johnson will be returning to his home state when the Hawkeyes visit third ranked Ohio State. The native of Hamilton, Ohio has tallied 685 yards through four games and was not recruited by the Buckeyes while in high school.

Johnson is trying not to pay attention to all the publicity he is receiving.

Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara says the Hawkeye offense needs to find a way to sustain drives against a Buckeye defense that is giving up less than seven points per game.

McNamara says these are games you dream about growing up.

Iowa is 10th in the country by averaging 250 yards of rushing per game. Hawkeye guard Connor Colby.

Colby says running the football will be imperative against the Buckeye defense.

Iowa tight end Luke Lachey makes his second trip to Ohio Stadium where he grew up watching games. His father, Jim, was an All-American offensive lineman for the Buckeyes before embarking on a lengthy NFL career. Lachey talks about the memories he had growing up.

His favorite memory in Ohio Stadium occurred when he was a freshman in high school.

Early in his high school career Lachey did not know if he would one day play in Ohio Stadium.

Iowa State defensive tackle JR Singleton says the Cyclones are enjoying the national attention they are receiving but have kept their focus on Saturday’s game against Baylor. The 16th ranked Cyclones are 4-0 for the first time since 2000 and part of the early playoff projections heading into a prime time “white out” in Jack Trice Stadium.

The Cyclone defense ranks fourth in the country by giving up just over seven points per game and Singleton says the Cyclone run defense will be tested by Baylor.

Singleton says the ISU defense is playing with a lot of confidence right now.

The Cyclones have been winning the turnover battle. They are a plus-seven through four games.

Free safety Jeremiah Cooper says the Cyclones are keeping all the national recognition in perspective.

Iowa State’s secondary has been dominant this season and has already intercepted seven passes.

Cooper says the Cyclone defense will be challenged by Baylor.