The Big 12 continues to be the most underrated conference in the country. Despite having much lower budgets than Big 10 or SEC schools, the Big 12 pumps talent into the NFL at an extremely high rate, just behind the two conferences with uncapped resources. With 8 signal callers on the preseason list for the nation’s best quarterback, the Big 12 is set to be a wide-open chaos-inducing mess this season, and I cannot wait to watch it play out.
Speaking of chaos, let’s talk about this for a second. Hoover is trolling but people are actually believing that he is a furry. Incredible stuff from TCU’s QB, who threw for the 7th-most yards in the entire nation a season ago.
Some upcoming things surrounding the Big 12 and some specific games you should know about. On August 21, the Draft Professors podcast (myself, Jim & Bob) will be talking a little Ireland preview of one of the league’s most important matchups in week 0: Kansas State vs Iowa State.
Following that podcast, I’ll be posting my gigantic Big 12 season preview with players to watch that could get drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft. I’ll go even more in depth on these 8 QBs and where I think they’ll get taken in April. I’ll take a look at some key games on the schedule, including Texas Tech vs Arizona State along with others.
The Big 12 is going to be so incredibly entertaining to watch unlike boring SEC & Big 10 games where the scores are 10-7 in triple OT. Now let’s let ChatGPT tell us about the 8 Big 12 QBs on the watch list. Have a fantastic weekend!
1. Sawyer Robertson (Baylor)
2024 Recap: Threw for 3,071 yards and 28 TDs, added 230 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs.
2025 Outlook: Returning as a high-efficiency leader; carrying preseason Watch List recognition into All‑Big 12 expectations.
2026 NFL Preview: Prototypical size with a refined pocket game; likely a Day 3 pick or UDFA with upside if he maintains composure under pressure.
2. Rocco Becht (Iowa State)
2024 Recap: Completed 3,505 passing yards (11th nationally) and 25 TDs, added 318 rushing yards with 8 rushing TDs. In the Pop-Tarts Bowl, he threw for 270 yards and 3 TDs, including the game-winner.
2025 Outlook: Anchoring a winning Iowa State squad; leadership and dual-threat gameplay set to shine amid high expectations.
2026 NFL Preview: Intriguing QB who can move; developmental Day 3 target if he showcases better deep accuracy and processing speed.
3. Josh Hoover (TCU)
2024 Recap: Passed for 3,949 yards, 27 TDs, 11 INTs, with a 73.9 QBR (28th nationally).
2025 Outlook: A rising star in Texas—The Athletic ranked him No. 9 nationally; slated to lead TCU’s offense amid high expectations.
2026 NFL Preview: Efficient, accurate passer—Day 3 pick or UDFA status likely, with upside as a practice squad/reserve QB.
4. Avery Johnson (Kansas State)
2024 Recap: Dual-threat dynamo with 2,712 passing yards, 25 pass TDs, 605 rushing yards, and 7 rushing TDs.
2025 Outlook: Electrifying leader with Heisman buzz—and high ceiling in K-State’s offense.
2026 NFL Preview: High-upside Day 2 candidate if he refines mechanics, reads, and accuracy alongside his athleticism.
5. Devon Dampier (Utah)
2024 Recap: At New Mexico, threw for 2,768 yards and 12 TDs while rushing for 1,166 yards and 19 scores, earning First-Team All–Mountain West honors.
2025 Outlook: Transfers to Utah with two years of eligibility, expected to be the dual-threat focal point of the Utes’ Big 12 debut.
2026 NFL Preview: Day 3/UDFA projection whose elite rushing ability intrigues scouts if passing accuracy and decision-making improve.
6. Behren Morton (Texas Tech)
2024 Recap: Career veteran of Texas Tech’s Air Raid system with significant passing volume; The Athletic ranks him No. 27 among QBs nationally.
2025 Outlook: Returns with experience and command, aiming to cut down turnovers and improve efficiency.
2026 NFL Preview: Fringe Day 2/3 value with a strong arm; needs sharper decision-making to solidify pro attention.
7. Sam Leavitt (Arizona State)
2024 Recap: Highlighted multiple games with 3 TD efficiencies (e.g., 3 passing TDs vs. UCF, 3 vs. Oklahoma State, 3 vs. Iowa State in Big 12 Championship).
2025 Outlook: Given the starting nod heading into the season; a key figure in ASU’s playoff hopes.
2026 NFL Preview: Longshot—but a breakout campaign could significantly improve his stock.
8. Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati)
2024 Recap: In a win against Arizona State, he passed for 206 yards and rushed for 2 TDs.
2025 Outlook: A solid leader in his second season after transitioning from Indiana; expected to bring stability to Cincy’s offense.
2026 NFL Preview: Early-round developmental QB3 unless he significantly boosts passing totals and efficiency.
Final Takeaways
Each of these QB’s brings a unique blend of skills—from pocket precision to dual-threat explosiveness—making the Big 12 one of college football’s most exciting conferences in 2025. As scouts start plotting for the 2026 NFL Draft, the stars of this list—especially Becht, Hoover, and Johnson—offer compelling futures.