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Explaining the Big 12's new private equity deal + is 2026 Dabo Swinney's last year at Clemson?
TL;DR
The Big 12 is the first college football conference to secure a private equity deal with RedBird Capital, potentially providing teams with over $30 million. Discussions also raise the possibility that 2026 could be Dabo Swinney's last year as Clemson's head coach due to recent underperformance.
Key points
- Big 12 is first to agree to a private equity deal
- Teams could receive over $30 million from the deal
- Clemson had nine draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft
- Clemson's recent performance raises questions about Dabo Swinney's future
- NIL contract transparency compared to NFL contracts
Mentioned in this story
Big 12RedBird CapitalDabo Swinney
Clemson
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The Big 12 has officially become the first conference to agree to a private equity deal in college football. Ross Dellenger explains the new deal with RedBird Capital and what this will mean for the teams in the conference. Teams can get over $30 million, but whether they will choose to is the question. Andy Staples and Steven Godfrey join the conversation to discuss if this decision makes sense and what the greater impact is. Plus, Ross shares a report on the College Sports Commission (CSC) Participation Agreement. It still has not been signed, but multiple conferences are inching closer to signing the contract. The guys break down what this would mean for college athletics.
Then, the guys move the discussion to the performance of one specific team. In the recent 2026 NFL Draft, Clemson had nine draft picks. In the 2025-2026 season, Clemson only had seven wins. What does this massive underachievement say about the state of the program? Andy, Ross and Godfrey discuss if this season could be Dabo Swinney's last as the Tigers' head coach. This discussion leads to a fascinating conversation about NIL. So many NIL contract numbers for college athletes are tossed out in the media without actual confirmation. In contrast, everyone knows what every NFL player is making and the length of his contract. These sports handle this information differently, but would it benefit college to adopt that NFL model? The guys discuss.
Later, Andy, Ross and Godfrey discuss a recent coaches photo. The NFL gets a coaches photo every year and it is the topic of conversation for at least a day. Coincidentally, college football got a similar version of that this year. The Southern Company Peach Bowl Challenge charity golf tournament was recently held and there were 26 current and former head college football coaches there. The guys break down this group photo and discuss whom they would want to golf with the most.
Q&A
What is the Big 12's private equity deal with RedBird Capital?
The Big 12 has entered a private equity deal with RedBird Capital, marking the first of its kind in college football, which could provide teams with over $30 million.
How many draft picks did Clemson have in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Clemson had nine draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, despite only achieving seven wins in the previous season.
Is 2026 likely to be Dabo Swinney's last year at Clemson?
There are discussions among analysts suggesting that 2026 could be Dabo Swinney's last year as Clemson's head coach due to the team's recent underachievement.
