In the world of college football, the question of which teams and coaches will leave a lasting legacy is a topic of much debate and speculation. The article delves into the potential of various coaches and programs to become legendary, with a focus on the Big 12 conference. The author highlights the current status of coaches like Dabo Swinney, Kirby Smart, and Kirk Ferentz, who are already considered legends in their respective programs. The discussion also extends to younger coaches like Kalani Sitake at BYU, who has built a strong program and is on the path to becoming a legendary coach. The article also mentions the potential of Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham and the impact of financial investments on a program's success, using Texas Tech as an example. The author also touches on the importance of brand recognition in college football, comparing it to the establishment of a national championship-winning team like BYU in the 1980s. The discussion then shifts to the potential of BYU and other programs to become new-age national contenders, benefiting the Big 12's brand. The article also includes a section on the 'Pac-12 After Dark' schedule, analyzing the late-night college football games and their impact on the sport. The author provides a unique perspective on college football, emphasizing the importance of pageantry and community engagement, and how it differs from the NFL. The final section of the article addresses the possibility of a Group of 6 All-Star team winning the national championship, considering the talent gap between the Group of 5 and the top-tier programs. The author concludes by reflecting on the evolution of college football and the impact of NIL and conference realignment on the sport's landscape.
