Big 12’s bold replay change hits broadcasts this week

Al Formicola

Big 12’s bold replay change hits broadcasts this week image

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The Big 12 Conference joins ACC in offering broadcast transparency with new replay center access

The Big 12 is pulling back the curtain on one of the most debated aspects of college football: replay reviews. Starting this week, according to CBS Sports, fans will see inside the conference’s replay center during live broadcasts, offering a rare glimpse into the decision-making process that shapes game outcomes.

The league tested the feature quietly during Houston’s matchup with Colorado. Now, it’s rolling out across ESPN, Fox, and TNT broadcasts, beginning with No. 16 Utah facing No. 17 Texas Tech on Saturday. Here’s what makes the move stand out:

Unlike past seasons where viewers were left waiting, broadcasts will now show live video from the Big 12’s command center during reviews.

The ACC launched a similar setup earlier this year, pairing video with audio from officials. The Big 12 will keep it visual-only for now but plans to add audio in 2026.

The Utah-Texas Tech clash offers the perfect stage, with both ranked programs under the national spotlight.

College football thrives on passion, and with this change, the Big 12 is betting transparency will win fans’ trust. If the rollout lands well, it could become a standard across the sport.

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Al Formicola

Al Formicola is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over 20 years of television production experience as a writer and producer. He has previously written for Athlon Sports.