Big 12 Ensures Game Integrity After Unencrypted Communications Concern
The Big 12 Conference recently conducted a comprehensive review of its games following concerns about unencrypted coach-to-player communications. The investigation found that none of the conference’s games were compromised, ensuring the integrity of the season’s competitions.
Unencrypted Frequencies Used
For the first time ever, the use of coach-to-player helmet communications and tablets was permitted at the FBS level. However, it was discovered that the communications for many Power 4 college football games this season were conducted via unencrypted frequencies.
The Investigation
Sources reported to ESPN that anyone with a scanner and knowledge of how to locate these frequencies had access to the in-game communications. Texas Tech requested a report from the Big 12 to investigate its recent losses against TCU and Baylor, to ensure the games’ integrity was not compromised.
Taking Action
The Big 12 worked swiftly to address the issue. During a call with athletic directors, Kirby Hocutt, athletic director of Texas Tech, raised the concern, spurring the conference into action.
"We’ve got to have a game whose integrity is not questionable in any way on a Saturday afternoon. We owe it to the 120 young men on our football team to ensure that happens, that it’s a game of fair competition and the same set of rules are enforced."
— Kirby Hocutt, Texas Tech Athletic Director
Review and Update
The review showed that no Big 12 competition was compromised. All Big 12 helmet communication programs have now been updated to provide encryption, giving schools the option to use either CoachComm or GSC for coach-to-player communication.
Beyond the Big 12
This issue is not confined to the Big 12. Football operations executives from the SEC, Big 12, Big Ten, and ACC have collaborated with GSC since April to address and improve the security of their communications platforms.
Paranoia in the Industry
The revelation frustrated several Big 12 athletic directors. However, a senior athletics professional dismissed the potential advantages of decoding the messages.
"There’s no real advantage. One, you’re speaking a different language. Two, if you think you’d be able to enact in real time what they say and try to do it on the field, you’re delusional. You’re just being your stereotypical paranoid football coach. You can’t relay it to the kids fast enough."
NCAA’s Response
This issue also follows in the wake of the NCAA’s investigation into Michigan’s signal-stealing scheme, which included the use of CoachComm devices. The NCAA’s approval of in-game communications coincides with the launch of their investigation this year.
Conclusion
The Big 12’s quick and thorough review has reassured fans and coaches alike of the integrity of their games. As the use of in-game communications continues to evolve, so too will the measures taken to ensure their ethical application.
Call to Action
Join us as we continue monitoring and reporting on the evolving landscape of college football communications. Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know which team you believe will rise to the top of the Big 12 this season.
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