There were rumors that the Big 12 was disbanding amid conference realignment talks less than 4 years ago, but now the Big 12 is alive and thriving as the most competitive conference in college football. Top to bottom the 16-team conference is loaded with quality teams, including four inside the AP Preseason Top 25. BYU, Utah, and Baylor are the first three teams receiving votes just on the outside looking in with TCU and Colorado also receiving votes. That’s 9 total teams ranked or receiving votes, and the nation will see the Big 12 on full display in week 0 with the Farmageddon rivalry between No. 17 Kansas State and No. 22 Iowa State.

Quality teams develop quality players, and the Big 12 is loaded top to bottom with NFL talent. Every team in the conference has players that will play on Sundays… yes, even Kansas. To start the 2024 NFL season, the Big 12 had 265 former players on NFL rosters. Many of today’s stars played in the Big 12 including Brock Purdy, Geno Smith, Breece Hall, David Montgomery, Chuba Hubbard, Brandon Aiyuk and Tyler Lockett. The list goes on. Hell, the 3-time Super Bowl winning trio of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Andy Reid each hailed from a current Big 12 school.

The talent is clear and abundant throughout the country’s most wide-open league, and I want to find the next wave of NFL talent coming out of the Big 12. Below is a very in-depth look at each team’s 2026 NFL Draft hopefuls and what they need to do to improve their stock come April.

ARIZONA
Arizona was one of the most disappointing teams in the conference a season ago, yet they saw four players drafted to the NFL including WR Tetairoa McMillan who was drafted 8th overall to the Carolina Panthers.

The offensive line will be protecting senior QB Noah Fifita who has thrown for just shy of 3,000 yards each of the past two seasons. In 2023, he posted 25 touchdowns and 6 interceptions but regressed in 2024 posting just 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The running game took a hit early in the season with Washington Commanders 7th round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt only playing one game before being ruled ineligible by the NCAA. With that being said, Fifita has to be better this season alongside new offensive coordinator Seth Doege if the Wildcats want to make any headway in the Big 12.

They are going to have new skill players across the offense, led by Texas State transfer RB Ismail Mahdi who totaled nearly 3,000 yards and scored 17 touchdowns in two seasons for the Bobcats. The wide receiver room also got a complete overhaul in the portal with the additions of Luke Wysong (New Mexico), Kris Hutson (Washington State), Tre Spivey (Kansas State) and FCS transfer Javin Whatley (Chattanooga).

On the defensive side of the ball, the Wildcats were abysmal in 2024, ranking 103rd in the country in passing yards per game despite having CB Tacario Davis, a 6'4 cornerback draft prospect now at Washington. Part of the reason for the struggles was senior DB Treydan Stokes going down with an ACL injury early in the season. The 2024 team captain is recovering and should be ready for week 1 this season. The 6'1 nickel corner improved each year of his Wildcat career, and if he returns healthy from his season-ending knee injury could hear his name called in April. A likely 2027 NFL Draft prospect is FS Genesis Smith who has played 25 games already in his first two seasons. Smith is a 6'2 physical safety that has the size and production to play in the NFL.

Last season, the Wildcats ranked 106th in yards per game and 98th in the country in rushing yards per game. Arizona's front defensive line should improve in 2025 with a few transfer additions. They added some help on the interior with UT Martin transfer DT Deshawn McKnight and nose tackle Tiaoalii Savea returning to Tucson after a quick trip to Texas for the 2024 season. Linebacker Riley Wilson joins the defense from Montana where he was named 2nd-Team All-Big Sky in 2023.

Overall, the outlook is bleak for the Wildcats in terms of winning the Big 12. But as we saw last season, preseason rankings don't mean a thing in this conference. Don't lose hope Arizona fans.

ARIZONA STATE
Arizona State was the surprise of the 2024 college football season, going toe-to-toe with Texas in the College Football Playoff after being picked dead last in the 2024 Big 12 preseason poll. With Cam Skattebo gone, the Sun Devils' Big 12 title repeat is on the back of redshirt sophomore quarterback Sam Leavitt, who was named the Big 12's Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. I think he needs two more seasons before he's ready for the NFL, but if he improves on his 2024 campaign Leavitt could hear his name called early in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Leavitt was the first quarterback I summer scouted for the Draft Professors Podcast, and it's easy to see why the people of Tempe are excited. Over his last 7 games en route to a CFP appearance, he posted 16 touchdowns and just two interceptions. During the stretch, Leavitt three for 3+ touchdowns in five games. His pocket mobility really stands out on tape even if you want to look away at times. He's a gunslinger by every definition of the word. Watching him play reminds me of another Sun Devil, Jake Plummer. Same school comps always get scoffed at, but as a lifelong Broncos fan I just can't unsee it.

Four more Sun Devils joined Leavitt earning preseason All-Big 12 accolades, led by my current WR1 in the 2026 NFL Draft, Jordyn Tyson. The junior receiver grabbed 75 passes a season ago for more than 1100 yards and 14 touchdowns. His ability to win against man coverage is exceptional. My current player comp for Tyson is former second round pick, Tyler Boyd, who has amassed more than 6,000 yards during his 9-year NFL career.

Replacing Skattebo will be no easy task, but Army transfer Kanye Udoh should help ease the blow. Udoh ran for 1,117 yards and 10 touchdowns last season and joins an RB room with Kyson Brown who totaled 351 yards in 2024. Raleek Brown could see carries as well after being hurt much of last season. More skill position players to watch out for this season are Fresno State transfer WR Jalen Moss, WR Xavier Guillory and TE Chamon Metayer who caught a pass in every game last season.

ASU has an advantage on both sides of the trenches with OG Ben Coleman and DL CJ Fite earning preseason All-Big 12 honors. The preseason 11th-ranked team returns four starters on the offensive line including OT Max Iheanachor. The Sun Devils return a ton of talent on defense as well with LB Keyshaun Elliott and DE/Edge Clayton Smith (6'5 245) who led the team in sacks in 2024. In the secondary, the NFL-level talent and collegiate experience is on full display as all four starting DBs from last year. Safeties Xavion Alford and Myles Rowser alongside cornerbacks Keith Abney II and Shamari Simmons who forced not one, not two, not three, but FOUR fumbles a season ago.

The Sun Devils are a team that can make some noise in the conference on the back of its superstar quarterback and their 17 returning starters. There's NFL talent all over this roster so keep an eye out as they battle for their second consecutive Big 12 Championship after just recently joining the league.

BAYLOR
I would argue Baylor has one of the most difficult schedules in the entire conference this season. Non-conference foes kick the season off for the Bears with back-to-back games against P4 powers Auburn and SMU. Last year's Big 12 champion, Arizona State, and Kansas State will travel to Waco.

The good news for Bears' fans is the return of senior QB Sawyer Robertson, who is one of the most dynamic offensive leaders in the conference. During Baylor's 6-game win streak to end the regular season last year, Robertson threw for more than 1,500 yards and 17 TDs while completing 66% of his pass attempts. The 6'4 QB also rushed for 230 yards and 4 touchdowns, showing off his mobility. His draft outlook will vary based on his performance this season, and if all goes well, he could hear his name called early in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Robertson has a plethora of offensive weapons that should make his life easier, including redshirt sophomore running back Bryson Washington who posted more than 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2024 on less than 200 touches. Washington and WR Josh Cameron were named to the Preseason All-Big 12 team. The 6'2 receiver could be a draft sleeper as of now, but with another quality season he should find himself drafted on Day 3. Wide receiver Ashtyn Hawkins also returns for the Bears and in portal news, Baylor added Bama transfer WR Kobe Prentice.

Arguably the most underrated player on the entire offense is TE Michael Trigg. He only scored three touchdowns last season, but at 6'4 245 he looks like a redzone weapon. He's a really good blocker and should find a spot in the NFL. I currently have a Day 2 grade on him. Baylor also returns its starting offensive line from a season ago, and the group has a ton of experience. The five starters (Sidney Fugar, Ryan Lengyel, Coleton Price, Omar Aigbedion, Kaden Sieracki) have played in 91 career games for the Bears and helped the offense put up 34.4 points per game in 2024. The returning offensive production should have the Bears primed for success in 2025.

The defense isn't as experienced, but that doesn't mean there isn't NFL talent. Preseason All-Big 12 honoree LB Keaton Thomas headlines the Bears' defense. Thomas finds himself on the Bednarik Award watchlist as well after posting 114 tackles last season. FIU transfer LB Travion Barnes is another name to watch this season. The 2024 C-USA Player of the Year recorded 129 tackles in his lone season with the Panthers after transferring from Georgia Military Academy. On the defensive line, Baylor returns DE Jackie Marshall who was the top-graded PFF defender on the Bears last season.

Baylor's defense was ranked 11th in the conference in both YPG allowed (396.2) and PPG allowed (26.7) which will need to improve if they want to reach the Big 12 title game. Two Tulane transfers in NT Adonis Friloux and OLB Matthew Fobbs-White will look to make an impact in the front seven along with Texas A&M transfer NT Samu Taumanupepe who is listed at 6'3, 376 pounds. In the back end, starting FS Bobby Devyn returns after leading the Bears with three interceptions last year. Cornerback Caden Jenkins also returns for the Bears.

With a large amount of experience returning in Waco, the Bears are my pick for a dark horse shot at a Big 12 Championship. They could see themselves back in Arlington for the first time since 2021. Their tough non-conference should prepare them for the most competitive conference in college football. And how could you not like Sawyer Robertson? My early QB1 in the class.

BYU
True freshman QB Bear Bachmeier (#47 wtf) was named the starting quarterback for the Cougs earlier this week, laying to rest a camp-long battle with McCae Hillstead and Treyson Bourget. He transferred from Stanford after spring practice and was still able to win the job. It's the first time a true freshman QB will start the season for BYU since Zach Wilson in 2018, a truly impressive feat given his lack of time on campus. Keep him in mind for the 2028 NFL Draft.

First thing, Bear's brother, WR Tiger Bachmeier. I'm not kidding. You might remember Tiger if you watched Elic Ayomanor. He recorded 36 receptions for 409 yards and 3 total touchdowns as a true freshman in 2023. Reconnecting with his brother should be a good opportunity to improve his NFL Draft stock. Fellow WR Chase Roberts led the Cougars with 52 catches and 854 yards last season. The 6'4 receiver was named to the Preseason All-Big 12 team and is simply a dude. I don't know how else to say it, he's just a damn good receiver.

BYU has more returning weapons on offense including WR Jojo Phillips and RBs LJ Martin, who rushed for 718 yards and 7 touchdowns last year, and RB Sione Moa. As of now, the Cougars are awaiting the NCAA's decision on the eligibility of RB Hinckley Ropati. If the waiver is not granted, RB will become a scarce position. The team needed 5 running backs just to get through the month of September last year. In portal news, the Cougs grabbed OG Kyle Safrcioc (Southern Utah) and OT Andrew Gentry (Michigan) to solidify the right side of the offensive line, while adding TEs Carsen Ryan (Utah) and Keayen Nead (Weber State).

The best draft eligible prospects for the Cougars are on the defensive side of the ball with DT Keanu Tanuvasa, who made waves in the portal transferring from Utah to its in-state rival, and LB Isaiah Glasker who led the team with 70 tackles, 14.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 3 interceptions and a forced fumble. Glasker (6'5 235) is as athletic as linebackers come. The former wide receiver has exceptional closing burst, power and speed. He has a motor and tenacity that can't be taught. I think he's flying a bit under the radar right now, but his ceiling is out of this world.

Tanuvasa is an absolute menace in the middle of the D-line and instantly improves an already solid BYU defense. He's quick off the line of scrimmage and doesn't budge in the run game. He has a knack for splitting double teams and winning with elite hands at the point of attack. With a breakout season, he could find his name called early in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Look out for kicker Will Ferrin as well, who was named a Preseason 2nd-Team All-American along with earning Preseason All-Big 12 honors. The big-legged kicker tied the BYU record for 2nd-longest field goal, drilling two separate kicks from 54 yards out. He was 4-for-5 from 50+ last season and hit game-winning kicks against SMU and Utah.

Ultimately no level of defensive cohesiveness and returning playmakers can overcome poor QB play. It'll be on the shoulders of Bear Bachmeier to carry the Cougars in 2025. He'll have a solid supporting cast around him and every opportunity to elevate his draft-eligible peers. I don't know that they can contend for a Big 12 title, but they will be scrappy and not very fun to play against. That's a method that just might get you far enough in this wild and wacky conference.

CINCINNATI
As I mentioned in the opening, Dontay Corleone is an absolute dude. I mean holy forking shirt. If it wasn't for a scary blood clot issue last season, we would be talking about Corleone as a surefire first rounder. Just look at the way he moves at 6'1, 335 pounds.

Tight end Joe Royer has captured the attention of many, including at least one Draft Professor who has him as his TE1 in the class. Corleone and Royer were both named to the Preseason All-Big 12 team. I'm not totally sold on Royer yet. He has the frame (6'5 240) to be an NFL tight end, but I think is lacking high level NFL athleticism. I have him as a round 3-4 grade right now.

The Bearcats return RB Evan Pryor who rushed for 418 yards and 6 touchdowns last season. The dynamic ball carrier averaged 7.5 yards per carry in 2024. He will compete with Wisconsin transfer Tawee Walker who carried 190 times last season for the Badgers, totaling 864 yards and 10 TDs. The O-line returns Big 12 Media Day representative C Gavin Gerhardt, OTs Xavier Lozowicki and Deondre Buford as well as OG Evan Tengesdahl.

Five transfers join the squad and will look to make an instant impact for QB Brendan Sorsby and the offense. Jeff Caldwell (Lindenwood), Caleb Goodie (Colorado State), Cyrus Allen (Texas A&M), Noah Jennings (Charleston Southern) and Isaiah Johnson (Western Carolina) will look to make immediate impacts for the Bearcats. I haven't completed my full grade on Sorsby yet, but man am I excited to watch him this season. He falls into those 10 or so QBs that really make the Big 12 something special in 2025.

Moving to the defense, Cincinnati hit the transfer portal in hopes of building around Corleone, especially along the D-line. Defensive end transfers CJ McCray (Virginia Tech), Jaylon White-McClain (Old Dominion) and Isaiah Rogers (Monmouth) will look to improve Cincy's depth. Linebacker Jake Golday is poised for a big season after posting 58 tackles and 7 TFLs last season. Golday (6'4 240) is a monster at the position and once hit 22+ mph. Watch for him as a breakout candidate that can drastically improve his draft stock.

In the secondary, the Bearcats were able to secure Coastal Carolina CB Matthew McDoom (1st Team All-Name) in the transfer portal along with Tennessee transfer Christian Harrison who can play safety, nickel corner and even the SAM linebacker position in Cincinnati's defense. Middle Tennessee State transfer S Xavier Williams (6'2 215) and New Mexico State transfer Tayden Barnes give the Bearcats quality depth on the back end. Returning for Cincinnati is junior FS Antwan Peek Jr, who led the Bearcats with four forced fumbles in 2024.

The Cincinnati Bearcats are just 8-16 after two seasons in the Big 12. They are just 5-15 versus fellow Power-4 conference teams. Head Coach Scott Satterfield enters a very pivotal third year in Cincy and finally has some pieces to make some noise. Week 1 should be a good test against a Nebraska team in what will essentially be a road game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

COLORADO
The biggest question mark in Boulder, CO is how in the world is Deion Sanders going to replace QB Shadeur Sanders and WR/CB Travis Hunter, who both left for the NFL after leading the Buffaloes to a 9-4 record in 2024. Hunter, the generational two-way player and Heisman winner, will need multiple players to cover his production on both sides of the ball.

My source at CU thinks Liberty transfer QB Kaidon Salter will be first up for the opportunity to replace Sanders with true freshman five-star QB Julian Lewis redshirting this season at just 17 years old.

Salter and Lewis have new playmakers to get acquainted with on the outside led by returning WRs Dre'lon Miller (2027 NFL Draft) and Omarion Miller. The Buffs added 16 total transfers to the offense including Campbell transfer Sincere Brown, Florida State transfer Hykeem Williams and Tulsa transfer Joseph Williams. At running back, sophomore Micah Welch is listed as the starter after a 400+ yard and 4 TD freshman campaign. Returning for Colorado as well is former Ohio State transfer Dallan Hayden who caught 17 passes out of the backfield last season. Senior transfers DeKalon Taylor and Simeon Price could see playing time in 2025.

The offensive line is completely reimagined outside of true sophomore left tackle Jordan Seaton. Four transfers make up the other five starting OL spots for CU highlighted by the right side of the line with Illinois transfer OG Zylon Crisler and Tennessee OT Larry Johnson III (6'7 348). Tight end isn't a strong area for the Buffs, with their starter listed as NW Missouri State transfer Zach Atkins, ahead of former 5-star recruit Sav'ell Smalls.

Moving to the defensive side of the ball, CB DJ McKinney is a potential top 50 pick. He's at his best in zone coverage and in press coverage where he can be physical at the line of scrimmage. He's a pretty fluid mover and at 6'2 he has NFL size and length. With some improvement in his man-to-man technique, he could find himself drafted on Day 1. I have a round 3-4 grade on him, but the hype is real.

Colorado also returns S Carter Stoutmire in the secondary alongside McKinney, who recorded 43 tackles and 7 passes defensed in 2024. Illinois State transfer CB Teon Parks and USF transfer S Tawfiq Byard are listed as the other two starters for CU.

The Buffs return much of their defensive line from 2024, led by DE Arden Walker and Samuel Okunlola who flashes as a pass rusher. On the interior, Amari McNeill and Anquin Barnes Jr lead the returners. Alabama transfer Jehiem Oatis will be in the mix for playing time as well. Colorado lost its top three leading tacklers from a season ago, paving the way for LB transfers Reginald Hughes, Martavius French and Shaun Myers to make an instant impact.

With an early non-con test against Georgia Tech, the Buffs will know quickly whether or not their portal transfers can keep the momentum trending positively in Colorado. I think they are a bit overhyped given the amount of talent the team lost from last year. Overall, I see this team as bowl eligible in 2025 and that's about it. It will be an interesting year to see how Deion Sanders can handle retooling the roster.

HOUSTON
Houston, much like Cincinnati, is having a tough time adjusting to Big 12 competition. They have the same record as the Bearcats (8-16) with two different head coaches over its first two years in the league.

From an NFL talent standpoint, Houston likely isn't hearing many player's names called in April. However, TE Tanner Koziol has garnered significant attention as a potential top 75 pick. He has the frame to develop into a quality tight end, but I have him with a round 6-7 grade. The Ball State standout has 18 TDs in 22 career games and left for Wisconsin in the transfer portal before ultimately leaving Madison and joining the Cougars after spring practices. My biggest issue with Koziol is his muscle and physicality. At 6'7, 230 pounds there has only been one TE drafted with those measurables since 2003. If he can fill out his frame and put on some mass, he could ascend to where scouts are projecting him. Regardless of my thoughts, he makes plays.

Outside of Koziol, the Cougs lack NFL talent. One thing they don't lack is a good head coach that will get the most out of his guys. Year 3 Willie Fritz is a thing, so look for Houston to potentially make its first bowl game as a member of the Big 12.

QB Connor Weigman will look to improve a Houston offense that ranked dead last in the Big 12 last season and second-to-last in the entire country, scoring just 14 points per game. The projected offensive starting line includes OT Alvin Ebosele (14 starts at Baylor), OG Jason Brooks Jr. (1 start at Vanderbilt, 11 starts at Oklahoma State), C Matthew Wykoff (9 starts at Texas A&M, 15 starts at Cal), OG McKenzie Agnello (12 starts at New Mexico), and OT Dalton Merryman (6 starts at Texas Tech). Returning OT David Ndukwe and C Demetrius Hunter will compete for playing time along the O-line as well.

Sophomore RB Re'Shaun Sanford leads the returners, while Rice transfer Dean Connors looks to make an impact after back-to-back 750+ rushing yard seasons with 105 receptions for just under 1,000 yards and 22 total touchdowns. Connors is a guy I'd take a look at if I was an NFL team. He has the pass catching ability out of the backfield that franchises covet, and he's athletic enough with above average vision with the ball. At receiver, Houston returns its top option in Stephon Johnson who led the team with 32 receptions and 402 yards a season ago.

Defensively, Houston was solid last season. They ranked in the top half of the Big 12 in total defense (2nd), points allowed per game (4th) and takeaways (7th). There's a new defensive coordinator in town and there are a bunch of holes to fill. The Cougs replace last year's tackle and sack leaders as well as a CB duo that accounted for nine of Houston's 12 interceptions on the season. Defensive tackle Carlos Allen looks to lead the Cincy defense, recording 43 tackles a season ago. The team also brought in veteran D-line talent through the portal with Khalil Lafau (Washington State) and Eddie Walls III (FIU).

The secondary was decimated in April when CB Jeremiah Wilson and S AJ Haulcy transferred. The Cougs managed to land former Louisiana Tech safety Blake Thompson and former Wyoming nickel CB Wrook Brown. The transfers will join CB Latrell McCutchin who enters year two as a starter and is poised for a breakout. Safety Kentrell Webb also returns after starting all 12 games last season.

Houston is relying on a total revamp of their offense in order to make a push for a bowl game in 2025. If Weigman and the offense can crank it up a notch, the defense can keep them in games. The Cougars, if everything goes right, could be a potential breakout team in the Big 12 this season.

IOWA STATE
Coming off an 11-3 season, the first 10-win season in 133 seasons for the Cyclones, means high expectations in Ames. They have an unfortunate schedule to open the season, taking on a ranked Kansas State team in a rivalry game on foreign soil (Dublin, Ireland) in week 0. It's the only game on TV at 12pm EST on Saturday, August 23, and gives both teams to shine on a national stage. Head Coach Matt Campbell took ISU to the Big 12 Championship game a season ago and beat Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Despite losing two wide receivers in Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel to the NFL, Iowa State returns 12 starters from last season led by QB Rocco Becht.

Becht is a super interesting quarterback to study, and I look forward to seeing his development this season. How much of his success was because of his two NFL receivers? He posted 20 turnover worthy plays, which ranked 6th worst among FBS QBs last season. I want to see him cut down on those plays and focus on staying within himself and the offense.

Running the ball is going to be imperative for the success of the Cyclones' offense. Luckily for ISU fans, two quality RBs are making plays in Ames. Carson Hansen (6'2 220) and Abu Sama III (5'11 210) can both really tote the rock. The duo, led by Hansen's 15 total touchdowns, helped Iowa State make a deep push in the conference and compete for the Big 12 Championship. Each guy should get about 150 carries this season and have a chance to show the NFL that they belong.

Replacing Higgins and Noel will be a much bigger task. There are 167 vacated receptions left by the duo and many more targets. The Cyclones brought in transfers Chase Sowell (East Carolina) and Xavier Townsend (UCF) to join junior Carson Brown and sophomore Brett Eskildsen. However, the biggest target on the field could be the guy who sees the largest amount of the vacated production. Let me introduce you to TE Benjamin Brahmer. The 6'7, 250 missed five games due to a leg injury in 2024, but I think he's poised for a huge breakout this year. He posted a 68.4 PFF run block grade in 2023, 11th best among TEs, and scored in the 99th percentile of PFF's athleticism score the same year. He averaged 18 yards per reception last season on just 10 receptions.

The offensive line is loaded with talent as well, mostly on the interior. Center Dylan Barrett and likely 2027 Guard prospects Brendan Black and Trevor Buhr highlight potential pros along the O-line. Starting RT Tyler Miller is a behemoth at 6'9, 330 pounds and has experience starting on both sides. He could sneak his way into the late rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft with improvements this season.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Cyclones have solid NFL prospects across all three levels. Two of those, DT Domonique Orange, S Jeremiah Cooper and CB Jontez Williams find themselves on the Preseason All-Big 12 squad and for good reason. Orange's production won't wow you, but I'd argue that's not his job. His job is to be disruptive in the A-gap and that's what he does. Cooper is listed as a safety but played 50 percent of his snaps in the slot last year. With that versatility and production (7 career INT) he could hear his name called in April. Williams, his secondary counterpart, will likely hear his name called even earlier in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Outside of "The Big 3" on defense, Iowa State returns LB Caleb Bacon who missed the entirety of the 2024 season after suffering an injury on special teams in the season opener. In 2023, Bacon led Power-5 linebackers in PFF run grade (91.3). He's a guy that could be in Day 3 conversations.

It's going to be a tough start to 2025 with archrival K-State in Ireland, followed by FCS-contender South Dakota and then a date with in-state rival Iowa. Campbell and the Cyclones could be in for a down year compared to last season, which makes sense. Last season has literally never happened in Iowa State history. It would be shocking to see back-to-back 10-win seasons. That being said, I fully expect Becht and company to be competitive in each game within the conference.

KANSAS
The Kansas Jayhawks have a new stadium and a brand new $300 million donation to its athletic department. Is that enough money to turn around one of the worst college football programs of the last 15 seasons? I certainly believe in Head Coach Lance Leipold, who I've followed since his days at Buffalo after winning SIX National Championships at the Division-III level with Wisconsin-Whitewater.

The Jayhawks were abysmal in the fourth quarter of games in 2024, leading to multiple losses that could have easily been wins. I don't expect the same thing to happen in 2025. Quarterback Jalon Daniels is back with another year of eligibility, and he's the engine that drives the Hawks. His starting center, Bryce Foster, is the top 2026 NFL Draft prospect for Kansas this season and who I want to highlight.

Foster has the ability to move around to either guard spot as well, giving him the versatility to play on Sundays. Outside of Foster and Daniels, the Jayhawks' offense lacks proven talent. I think the return of RB Daniel Hishaw Jr. will lessen the blow of Devin Neal's departure, but the top three pass catchers from a season ago are also gone. Transfers Levi Wentz (UAlbany), Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (Alabama) and Cam Pickett (Ball State) will look to cover 100 vacated receptions. Offensive tackle Enrique Cruz Jr. joins after transferring from Syracuse and is the favorite to start at RT. He only appeared in three games last year but started all 12 games at LT for the Orange in 2023, improving throughout the season.

Kansas lost its top 6 tacklers from a season ago, leaving S Taylor Davis as the leading returner with 33 tackles in just 9 games. No player on KU's roster last season had an interception outside of those top 6 tacklers, so forcing turnovers is something they'll need to do better in 2025.

KU returns its leading sack-maker in DE Dean Milller, who recorded 6 sacks last year with a team-high 10 TFLs. DTs DJ Withers and Tommy Dunn Jr. also return for the Hawks. The rest of the front seven is up for grabs, and Leipold brought in several P-4 transfers to fill some gaps. DEs Justice Finkley (Texas) and Alex Bray (Illinois) don't have much playing experience but come from solid programs. At linebacker, the Jayhawks brought in Bangally Kamara (South Carolina), Trey Lathan (West Virginia) and Joseph Sipp Jr. (Bowling Green).

Daniels has proven success as a starting QB in the Big 12 (remember KU's shocking 5-0 start in 2022?) and Leipold has a knack for getting the most out of his guys and winning games. After a tremendously disappointing 2024, I expect the Jayhawks to be just outside of the top teams in the Big 12.

KANSAS STATE
I'm going to try and sound like I'm not too much of a homer, but this could be the second time in the last four seasons that the K-State Wildcats are competing for a Big 12 Championship. The team, on paper, is that good. After what many considered a disappointing 9-4 season a year ago, losing to Farmageddon rival Iowa State for the second consecutive season, Head Coach Chris Klieman has the squad ready to travel to Ireland looking for revenge.

Quarterback Avery Johnson will look to show the world why he is being named as a dark horse Heisman candidate with his elite ability to run the football. Johnson posted an 81.7 PFF rush grade which ranked top 15 among QBs last season. He's also an elite play action passer, posting an 83.9 PA passing grade which ranked in the top 25 in the nation. His problem, and biggest reason why he isn't talked about at the top of this class, is his passing grade. He only recorded a 62.6 PFF pass grade last season and 25 percent of his throws were charted as uncatchable. He's going to need to improve his passing ability and mechanics this season to have a chance to enter the 2026 NFL Draft.

Johnson has a chance to become a Day 2 pick this season if all goes right, but in my opinion the best NFL Draft prospect on the Wildcats is 6'3 safety VJ Payne. He's extremely physical coming downhill and thrives playing in the box where he can use his aggressiveness in the run game.

Payne can get lost in coverage sometimes, but I still think his physical traits take over and earn him a spot on an NFL roster. He has enough versatility to move around and should make some money on special teams alone. Joining him defensively is LB Austin Romaine who was named to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team after earning second team honors in 2024. Romaine is another guy that should hear his named called in April, I currently have a late Day 3 grade on him. He's a tremendous football player but I'm not convinced his athleticism plays at the next level.

The secondary saw the addition of S Qua Moss (West Georgia) and CBs Jayden Rowe (Oklahoma) and Amarion Fortenberry (South Alabama), but on the depth chart three sophomores are listed as starting DBs including CBs Donovan McIntosh and Zashon Rich, as well as S Wesley Fair. Of these guys, I'm highest on McIntosh (6'3) and Moss, who Klieman talked about when asked about filling the Marques Sigle/Josh Hayes role - two current NFL players. Transfer S Gunner Maldonado will also look to make a big impact but has battled injuries through camp. He's listed as "probable" for week 0.

Back to the offense to round out this year's K-State team. With OG Taylor Poitier and C Sam Hecht as the only returning starters, protecting Johnson will be key. The Cats hit the portal and brought in Penn State transfer OG JB Nelson and Pittsburgh transfer OT Terrence Enos Jr. to fill the right side. Of these four linemen, I'd say Hecht is the best bet to end up in the NFL. He'll likely be a day 3 pick but if he puts together another good season, he could be a plug and play center.

Johnson needs skill players to step up this season if K-State wants to make any noise. WRs Jayce Brown (6'0 179) and Jaron Tibbs (6'2 212) are two guys that I think could be drafted Day 3. Tight end Garrett Oakley is another returning pass catcher for the Wildcat offense, but I have a 2027 grade on him. At the running back position, I saved the most dynamic playmaker in the entire Big 12 for last. Dylan Edwards is electric. It's really as simple as that. Give the ball to Edwards and watch with amazement. The only thing holding him back in NFL circles is his size (5'9 170). He has return skills and game-changing speed. Teams are going to want Edwards on their roster if he can bulk up in 2025.

Again, I don't want to be a homer but I think we have a repeat of 2022 and K-State gets to the Big 12 Championship game. I just have a good feeling. But the game to watch for me is October 4 in Waco. The Wildcats don't typically play well in big games down there, and that might be the biggest on the schedule outside of week 0 Farmageddon.

OKLAHOMA STATE
Mike Gundy and the Cowboys are coming off one of the worst seasons under his tenure. Oklahoma State is looking to move forward after a 3-9 season a year ago in which they went 0-9 in conference play. It was their worst season since 1991, snapping an 18-year bowl streak. It's a complete overhaul for the MooMen and I'll be honest, it's really difficult to weed through these transfers. Over 50 new players joined the program with sweeping coaching changes. It's a new year in Stillwater, let's dive in.

Gundy mentioned upwards of 27 new faces playing their first games in Stillwater come week 1. They'll need to iron things out quickly as they have a nasty date with Oregon on Sept 6. The biggest question mark comes at QB and the battle between Zane Flores and Hauss Hejny, neither of which are 2026 NFL Draft prospects.

A potential future draft name to watch is S Zaquan Patterson, who is not currently with the Cowboys. He was a top 100 recruit in 2024 when he signed with Miami. Two other secondary transfers, CBs Jaylin Davies (UCLA) and JK Johnson (LSU) would be outside my top 300 but have the potential to make a leap in 2025.

Another player that intrigues me is DT De'Marion Thomas who transferred from Vanderbilt. He's 6'2 337 and has some experience playing nose tackle. Potential starting LT Markell Samuel (again we have no depth chart so nobody knows) is a guy I could see kicking inside to guard at the NFL level. He was a former defensive lineman that switched positions during fall camp of 2022. Coming off 11 starts at App State in 2024, raising his level of competition will be a good test of his ability to hold up at tackle.

TCU
Josh Hoover is not a furry!! Okay, now that I got that off my chest let's get horny... frog. In all seriousness, TCU has a crazy tough schedule this season. They take on Bill Belichick's North Carolina team and SMU, who appeared in the 2024 CFP. In the Big 12, the Horned Frogs have to face Arizona State, Kansas State, Baylor and Iowa State.

TCU is led by WR Eric McAlister who was second on the team in yards (762) last season behind Jack Bech. McAlister was named to the Preseason All-Big 12 team and will look to improve on his solid 2024 campaign. Hoover to McAlister could be the next 1,000-yard duo at TCU.

Quarterback Josh Hoover is back after setting the single season passing yards record, throwing for just under 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns last year. He completed 66 percent of his pass attempts, averaging 303.8 yards per game. If he has another year similar to last year and can lead this team to a few tough wins, TCU could end up competing for a Big 12 Championship.

Safety Bud Clark highlights the defense, earning Preseason All-Big 12 honors. Clark led the Frogs with 3 interceptions a season ago and at 6'2 he has the size to play at the next level. He has the ability to line up in the box, in the slot or as a deep safety. He has a knack for finding the football too with 11 career interceptions. Linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr was productive in limited action last season and could be poised for a breakout season in 2025. He finished sixth on the team in tackles a year ago despite not receiving a single start.

Two other players on defense stand out to me as potential NFL Draft picks, edge rusher Devean Deal and DT Ansel Mbuh-Din, who transferred from Washington State where he was named Pac-12 Defensive Lineman of the Year (yes, that's a real award in a 2-team conference).

The Horned Frogs return two starting offensive linemen, C Coltin Deery and RG Carson Bruno, but all five projected starters were on the roster last season. That's a rare thing these days. A full offseason workout program, plus spring ball and fall camp. This offensive line could be much improved in 2025.

With TCU's tough non-conference schedule, they will be battle tested come Big 12 play. However, having to play in Manhattan, Tempe and Morgantown isn't an easy conference draw. The competition should be fierce throughout the conference, and TCU can throw their hat in the ring for a Big 12 Championship if Hoover takes another step.

TEXAS TECH
Texas Tech spent a bunch of money in the offseason to upgrade its roster, and everyone seems to be high on them after securing the top transfer portal class in the country. Tech suffered its first blow of the season with USC transfer RB Quentin Joyner already down for the year with an injury. But the Red Raiders have plenty of other NFL talent on the roster, starting with QB Behren Morton. Morton has a lot of things going for him. He's a coach's son, his teammates love him, and he has NFL arm talent. My comp for Morton is Taylor Heinicke.

I think the way he plays, and the way he puts it on the line every single game for his teammates sets him apart. I think he's a Day 3 guy as of now, but he has a chance to improve that throughout the season. He'll have every opportunity to improve in a brand-new offense, led by Offensive Coordinator Mack Leftwich who joins the Red Raiders after successful years at Texas State.

Joining Morton and Leftwich on offense is Miami (OH) WR Reggie Virgil, who caught 41 passes for 816 yards and 4 touchdowns last season. Former 5-star WR recruit, Micah Hudson, is also back along with WRs Caleb Douglas and Coy Eakin. Douglas and Eakin combined for 109 receptions, 1,529 yards and 13 touchdowns last year. The returning WR unit plus Virgil is enough to have Tech in conversations for a Big 12 Championship, but then they went out and added Louisiana transfer TE Terrance Carter. He was of the most coveted TEs this offseason after posting 48 receptions for 689 yards and 4 touchdowns a season ago. Carter's 86.4 PFF overall grade over the past two seasons ranks third among FBS TEs, behind only Harold Fannin Jr. and Tyler Warren, two top 70 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Starting LT Howard Sampson (North Carolina) is an absolute unit at 6'8, 340 pounds. He has NFL size and length. Rounding out the portal additions up front are OG Will Jados (Miami (OH)) and OT Hunter Zambrano (Illinois State). The portal hoppers will join established starters C Sheridan Wilson and OG Davion Carter, the latter of which is just 6'0, 295 pounds, and I'm not sure that plays in the NFL. We saw Willie Lampkin play well as a smaller interior lineman but it's uncommon.

Moving the defense, like I talked about in the intro, there is one player that stands above the rest of the Red Raiders and that's edge rusher David Bailey. The Stanford transfer posted a 93.7 PFF pass rush grade last season, totaling 7 sacks. He's not an every down player at the next level, but he could be dangerous as a pass rush specialist. He has elite bend and closing burst. What separates him from others at the position is his ability to drop into coverage, giving him scheme versatility. If teams are patient with his development, Bailey can become a Pro Bowl player. Inside of Bailey (pause), UCF transfer DT Lee Hunter wreaks havoc. He's totaled 20+ TFL over the past two seasons. At 6'4, 325 pounds he has the size to play on Sundays. He's a top 10 DT in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

You can see the duo of Hunter and Bailey has the chance to dominate up front for the Red Raiders. Two more transfers, DT Skyler Gill-Howard (Northern Illinois) and Edge Romello Height (Georgia Tech) will start along the D-line alongside the fearsome duo.

Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez was named to the Preseason All-Big 12 team after leading the team with 127 tackles, 11 TFLs and 5 sacks in 2024. Fun fact, Rodriguez was a dual threat QB in high school. He threw for 7,000 yards and rushed for more than 3,000 during his high school career. At 6'1, 230 pounds he isn't the prototypical size for an NFL linebacker, but he could get looks on Day 3. Two transfers in the secondary I'm excited to watch are CB Brice Pollock (Mississippi State) and 6'4 S Cole Wisniewski (North Dakota State).

Overall, Texas Tech could have one of the best rosters in the entire Big 12. With a new, high-octane OC and 13 transfers rated as 4-star prospects the Red Raiders have lofty expectations. Joyner's season-ending injury is a huge blow, and I think it hurts their chances of ending up in the Big 12 Championship. They are in the mix with the top teams in the conference though, but they'll need to remain healthy and get the most out of Morton and the transfers.

UCF
There are nearly 70 new players joining the Golden Knights. Head Coach Scott Frost returns which should be a boost, but he hired Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch who is coming off a very bad stint at USC in 2023 where he ranked 118th in the country, allowing 34.4 points per game.

Only one starter returns on offense, OT Paul Rubelt. The 6'10, 330-pound German is an absolute unit. If I were an NFL team, I'd take a shot on him based on his size and basketball/swimming background. Quarterback Cam Fancher, a lefty, will start for the Knights and offers some rushing upside. Jackson will be helped by the fact that his RB duo Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon each were named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List. It will help everyone in Orlando if the team can run the football.

Maryland transfer TE Dylan Wade is another guy to watch on offense. He's likely a 2027 prospect but he showed flashes last season with 374 yards. Four WR transfers will be in the mix for targets and look to give UCF more balance on offense: Chris Domercant (Chattanooga), DJ Black (Limestone), Duane Thomas Jr. (Charlotte) and Marcus Burke (Florida). Black began his career at South Carolina before stepping back to the D-II level last season. The 6'3 WR could be in for a breakout season.

The defense will be led by transfer CB Jayden Bellamy (Syracuse) and 2027 NFL Draft prospect DE Sincere Edwards. They also were able to secure another potential NFL talent in 6'6, 355-pound nose tackle Horace Lockett (Georgia Tech). UCF also returns one of the best all-around edge defenders in the Big 12 from a season ago, Nyjalik Kelly. His 78.7 PFF overall grade ranked third in the conference. The former Miami Hurricane was one of four edge defenders to post 70+ PFF grades as both a pass rusher and a run defender. At 6'5, 250 pounds, Kelly has the build to play in the NFL.

It is going to be a very telling year for Frost, Grinch and the UCF Golden Knights. The defense has some potential, but the offense is going to need to be much more balanced in 2025 if the Knights hope to reach a bowl game for the first time since 2021.

UTAH
After entering the 2024 as one of the on-paper favorites within the Big 12, Utah had a disappointing 5-7 season. It was the Utes' first losing campaign since 2013. The biggest issue was QB, and that issue has seemingly been resolved with New Mexico transfer QB Devon Dampier joining the squad. Dampier ran for 1,166 yards and 19 touchdowns last year, while adding 2,768 through the air with 12 more TDs. He will need to clean up his 12 interceptions and 10 fumbles if he hopes to lead Utah to a Big 12 Championship. But man, he is electric!

He'll get the benefit of playing behind an offensive line with two tremendous talents that are currently being taken in the first round of NFL Draft analyst's mocks. And for damn good reason. LT Caleb Lomu (6'6 304) and RT Spencer Fano (6'6 302) are legitimate NFL talents. I have Fano rated as the higher prospect right now, he's my number one tackle in this class. For me personally, I think Lomu has some things to work on this year in order to get into first round territory, but he has all the tools to do it.

Any team getting either one of these offensive tackles is going to have a very solid player on their hands for the next decade.

Utah added three transfers at the running back position as well as the wide receiver room. It's a totally new offensive playmaker unit than 2024, highlighted by two of Dampier's teammates from last season: WR Ryan Davis and RB NaQuari Rogers. Sophomore RB Wayshawn Parker, who transferred from Washington State after putting up 735 yards last season, is another name to watch for the 2027 NFL Draft.

The defense returns a ton of starters, especially in the secondary with the Utes' second-leading tackler S Tao Johnson and CBs Elijah Davis and Smith Snowden who each had two interceptions in 2024. Utah also returns its leading tackler, Lander Barton (brother of NFL LB Cody Barton), who also tied for the team lead in interceptions.

This feels like a redemption year for Head Coach Kyle Whittingham. Utah added a bunch of offensive playmakers and returns multiple impact starters on defense. This roster is filled with NFL talent, especially on the offensive line, and can easily push for a Big 12 Championship.

WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia brings back Rich Rodriguez, who led the Mountaineers from 2001-2007. After a 3-8 start in 2001, "Rich Rod" led WVU to six consecutive 8-win seasons, including three straight 10-win seasons to end his tenure before taking the HC job at Michigan. Rodriguez returns home where he began his coaching career as a student assistant all the way back in 1985. He led the Gamecocks to two conference titles (ASUN in 2022, C-USA in 2024) was named the 2024 C-USA Coach of the Year.

They are in total rebuild mode, highlighted by the fact that all but two players listed as second string are transfers. Not to mention that 12 projected starters are also transfers. They haven't even named a starting QB yet, but Nicco Marchiol is expected to be the guy.

The NFL-talent pool in Morgantown is headlined by UTSA transfer DE Jimmori Robinson, who was the AAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 after racking up 10.5 sacks and 17 TFLs. He will be an integral part of the D-line. He has good size (6'4 294) and I'm excited for his development.

Offensively, the Mountaineers are headlined by returning RB Jahiem White. What I like about him is his improvement in the receiving game. He caught just 5 passes as a freshman but reeled in 19 last year. Wide receiver Cam Vaughn is another player that I think has real potential. He joins Rich Rod from Jacksonville State, coming off a 2024 season where he recorded 48 catches for 803 yards and 5 touchdowns. At 6'2, he has size on the outside.

WVU's starting LG is Walter Young Bear. Not to be confused with BYU starting QB Bear Bachmeier. I just think that's a cool name, I don't even know if he is any good.

At this point, we don't know a lot about how WVU will look this season. One thing is for sure, whether it's in 2025 or beyond, the Mountaineers are rejuvenated with Rich Rod.

MY 2025 PREDICTIONS

Big 12 Championship Game: Baylor vs Kansas State

Offensive Player of the Year: QB Sawyer Robertson, Baylor

Defensive Player of the Year: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

Offensive Newcomer of the Year: QB Devon Dampier, Utah

Defensive Newcomer of the Year: LB Travion Barnes, Baylor

Special Teams Player of the Year: K Will Ferrin, TCU

Offensive Lineman of the Year: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

Defensive Lineman of the Year: DT Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati

Coach of the Year: Chris Klieman, Kansas State