NDL Season 31 Big XII Conference Media Day Opening Remarks
Good morning, everyone! Welcome to the NDL Season 31 Big XII Conference Media Day, where excitement fills the air and anticipation is palpable as we embark on a brand-new season. This year marks a thrilling chapter in the history of our league, as the Big XII welcomes all 16 of its proud members into a new era. The conference is brimming with energy, enthusiasm, and optimism, with each team eager to make its mark on the digital field, its conference, and the NDL community.
As the sun rises on a fresh season, we find ourselves with a unique opportunity to write a new story. One where rivalries are rekindled, underdog teams rise to the occasion, and champions emerge with determination and heart. From last seasons returnees who have stood the test of time to the newcomers who bring a renewed sense of vitality, the Big XII is as strong as ever.
Across this great conference, from the Xboxes to the PS5s, fans are already gearing up to cheer on their teams, coaches are preparing for battle, and players are ready to leave it all on the field. The 16 members of the Big XII represent the very best in NDL sports, and we are all excited to see what each team will bring to the table this season.
With new faces, fresh strategies, and the unwavering spirit that defines the Big XII, the story of NDL Season 31 is one filled with limitless potential. Today, as we come together to kick off this journey, we do so with pride, passion, and a sense of unity that will carry us all through the months ahead.
So let’s get started! A new season awaits. And together, we are poised to make it unforgettable.
Now, as we continue our excitement for the season ahead, it's time to take a closer look at how the teams in the Big XII are viewed heading into NDL Season 31. The coaches across our conference have weighed in, and today we present the highly anticipated Coaches' Vote Power Rankings for all 16 teams.
This ranking reflects the respect and expectations each program holds within the Big XII, shaped by both past performances and the potential each squad brings to the table this year. It's always fascinating to see how the coaches see the landscape unfolding, and these rankings provide us with a unique snapshot of what to expect.
Hold onto your seats, folks—because it's time to unveil the results of the highly anticipated Coaches' Vote Power Rankings for NDL Season 31! The excitement is thick, the tension is real, and the Big XII is ready to deliver a season unlike any other. So let’s dive right in and see how the 16 teams are ranked as we kick off this thrilling new chapter!
And before we get started, let’s give a special shout-out to the teams who **abstained** from this year’s vote: Oklahoma State, Texas Christian, and Utah. Make sure to drop them a friendly reminder (or maybe a not-so-friendly one) about their absence.
Alright, let's start from the bottom and work our way up—because as we all know, the only way is up when you're fighting for greatness.
16. West Virginia Mountaineers
A brutal 1-10 season. Yikes. But don’t worry, WVU is ready for a fresh start with new head coach Lambchop99, who’s looking to restore glory after a rough patch. Can he bring the Mountaineers back to their former CFP glory? It’s a tall task, but who’s to say they can't surprise us all?
15. Arizona State Sun Devils
A tough 2-10 season last year has priest19 looking to turn the corner in his second year. The Sun Devils have plenty of fight, but the skepticism surrounding them is real. Will they rise from the ashes or stay stuck in the desert?
14. Houston Cougars
The offense has been exciting, no doubt about it. But after back-to-back 3-9 seasons, the Cougars’ climb up the ranks feels a bit far off. Yragha returns for a third season, but can he work his magic and get Houston back to their winning ways? Time will tell.
13. Oklahoma State Cowboys
After a mediocre 6-7 season, Oklahoma State decided a change was needed. Enter Chillichill79, fresh off a 7-6 season at Florida International. Will his experience bring new life to the Cowboys or will they be stuck in the same rut?
12. Brigham Young Cougars
A rocky 5-8 season for BYU last year didn’t deter coach TheBruisedBagel. He struggled early, but as the season wore on, his squad started to find its rhythm. Can he carry that momentum into a fresh start and surprise the conference?
11. Cincinnati Bearcats
The Bearcats had a stellar S30, making it all the way to the CFP, but their coach took his talents elsewhere. Now, Ofc Meep is tasked with maintaining that success. With a 6-7 record at Army under his belt, can he continue what was started in Cincinnati?
10. Baylor Bears (1)
Last season’s runner-up is now at a crossroads. With their former coach gone, Cnasty—a 23-year vet—takes the reins. Though his recent record with UMass wasn’t impressive, don’t let that fool you. This veteran coach could still be a force to be reckoned with... if he can shake off the rust. Fun fact: He got a first-place vote. Someone clearly believes in him!
9. Kansas State Wildcats
A new face is calling the shots at Kansas State, with Texanole taking over after a solid 6-7 record and bowl win at Tulsa. Can he steer the Wildcats to new heights or will he struggle to meet expectations? The pressure is on.
8. Texas Tech Red Raiders
The last two coaches couldn’t find consistency, leaving Texas Tech stuck at 4-8 for two seasons. But hope springs eternal as Addilopes—fresh off an 8-5 record at NIU—takes the reins. Can he continue his success and bring the Red Raiders back into the Big XII’s upper echelon?
7. Arizona Wildcats
A solid 9-4 record last season was enough to attract Korben_Dallas7, who will be tasked with continuing Arizona’s winning ways. Coming off his own successful season at Colorado State (9-5), can he keep this momentum going and take Arizona even further?
6. Texas Christian Horned Frogs
Despite a stellar 9-4 season last year, TCU is still seen as a bit of a sleeper pick in the conference. But with srgrtzt back in charge, his explosive offense and star quarterback have the potential to take TCU to new heights. Can they prove they deserve to be considered among the elite?
5. Iowa State Cyclones
Coming off a 13-3 campaign that included a CFP appearance, Iowa State is a team in transition. With new coach Neal taking the helm, he inherits one of the best rosters in the conference but will have big shoes to fill. Will he rise to the challenge or crack under the weight of expectations?
4. Kansas Jayhawks (1)
A team that’s historically struggled (sarcasm), the Jayhawks are finally on the rise. With razorback44 taking over after an up-and-down season at Purdue, the questions are swirling: Can he keep this newfound momentum going? Or will the weight of last year’s success be too much to bear? Someone out there believes in him—he got a first-place vote also! Maybe they didn't realize Jiggy left...
3. Utah Utes
A very solid 9-4 season last year wasn’t enough to keep Utah's previous coach in charge. Enter jasonUL, the mastermind behind Cal’s 10-3 record last season. The Utes are in good hands, but the pressure to perform and advance to the Big XII Championship is on. Can jasonuk deliver?
2. Colorado Buffaloes (5)
A powerhouse in the making! A 10-3 season, a CFP appearance, and a squad led by the unstoppable Travis Hunter make Colorado a legitimate threat to everyone in the Big XII. Coach Dcanady1 has unfinished business this season, and his sights are set on both the conference title and an NDL Championship. Be afraid, Big XII. Be very afraid.
1. Central Florida Knights (6)
Who would’ve thought that a team coming off a 3-9 season would land at the top? Well, when you bring in one of the most successful coaches in a two year span of NDL—Smitty229—anything is possible. With an astonishing record of just 4 losses in two seasons, Smitty229 has the Knights poised for greatness. The bar has been set high, but with his track record, can anyone stop them? Only time will tell.
The stage is set, the rankings are in, and NDL Season 31 is shaping up to be one for the ages. Buckle up—this season is going to be wild!
Some fun facts for you - perhaps bulletin board material -
Colorado received a 12th place vote
UCF received a 10th place vote
WVU was a clear choice for last place with 4 last place votes, five 15th place votes, and two 14th place
UCF and Colorado actually tied for 1st in total votes with UCF receiving one more 1st place vote
Baylor and Kansas both received the other two 1st place votes
Arizona had the widest margin of votes, receiving votes ranging from 2nd to 13th
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