The Big 12 has long been celebrated for its high-octane offensive play, and at the heart of that success is the quarterback position. As we look ahead to 2025, the importance of this role remains undeniable, especially as the conference navigates a changing landscape. With the influx of new talent and the ongoing impact of the Transfer Portal, the quarterback competitions in the Big 12 are shaping up to be thrilling.
Quarterback Competitions Across the Big 12
Keeping track of which quarterbacks are suiting up for which teams can feel like a daunting task. The Transfer Portal has added an extra layer of complexity, allowing players to switch schools and shake up the dynamics within their respective teams. This makes it crucial to pay attention to the quarterback battles unfolding across the conference.
So, who are the projected starters for the upcoming season? Let’s break down the quarterback situations for each team in the Big 12 as we gear up for an exciting year of college football.
Arizona State Sun Devils
Projected starter: Sam Leavitt
Competition: Jeff Sims
Sam Leavitt is poised to lead the Arizona State Sun Devils as their starting quarterback in 2025. Coming off a season where he guided the team to the College Football Playoff, Leavitt, now a redshirt sophomore, was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2024. His growth is expected to continue, making him a key player to watch. Jeff Sims remains on the roster but will serve as the backup.
Arizona Wildcats
Projected starter: Noah Fifita
Competition: Braedyn Locke
After a challenging first season in the Big 12, the Arizona Wildcats are looking to bounce back with Noah Fifita at the helm. With 21 starts under his belt, Fifita is set for a fourth season, and the addition of experienced transfer Braedyn Locke provides solid support behind him.
BYU Cougars
Projected starter: Jake Retzlaff
Competition: Treyson Bourguet, McCae Hillstead
Jake Retzlaff emerged as a standout for BYU last season, stepping in as the starter late in 2023. His rapid improvement has made him a formidable presence, and if he can address some turnover issues, the Cougars will be a force to reckon with. Backup competition will come from Treyson Bourguet and McCae Hillstead, but Retzlaff is expected to hold his ground.
Baylor Bears
Projected starter: Sawyer Robertson
Competition: Walker White
After a rocky start to 2024, Baylor found its stride with Sawyer Robertson under center. He racked up an impressive 32 touchdowns since taking over as the starter, making him a key player for the Bears in 2025. Auburn transfer Walker White is anticipated to back him up.
Cincinnati Bearcats
Projected starter: Brendan Sorsby
Competition: Brady Lichtenberg, Samaj Jones
Brendan Sorsby had a promising start for Cincinnati, leading the Bearcats to a 5-2 record before a tough finish to the season. With two consecutive losing seasons in the Big 12, Sorsby will need to elevate his game to fend off challenges from Brady Lichtenberg and Samaj Jones.
Colorado Buffaloes
Projected starter: Kaidon Salter
Competition: Julian Lewis
Replacing Shedeur Sanders will be no easy feat for Colorado. However, they’ve brought in experienced transfer Kaidon Salter, who is expected to take the reins. Freshman Julian Lewis, a four-star recruit, adds an intriguing dynamic to the competition.
Houston Cougars
Projected starter: Conner Weigman
Competition: Zeon Chriss
As Houston continues to rebuild, Conner Weigman, a transfer from Texas A&M, is set to lead the charge. Despite facing injury challenges in the past, Weigman’s talent is undeniable. Zeon Chriss, who started games in 2024, will provide solid backup options.
Iowa State Cyclones
Projected starter: Rocco Becht
Competition: Connor Moberly
Rocco Becht has established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the Big 12, and his return in 2025 is a significant boost for Iowa State. The competition for the backup role will be fierce, with Connor Moberly vying for the position.
Kansas Jayhawks
Projected starter: Jalon Daniels
Competition: Cole Ballard
Jalon Daniels has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, and despite injury struggles, he remains the presumed starter for Kansas. With a wealth of experience, he’ll be looking to lead the Jayhawks to success, while Cole Ballard is expected to step in as the backup.
Kansas State Wildcats
Projected starter: Avery Johnson
Competition: Jacob Knuth
After handing the offense over to Avery Johnson in 2024, Kansas State is hoping for a more consistent performance this season. Johnson’s dual-threat capability makes him a valuable asset, while Jacob Knuth will serve as the backup.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Projected starter: Hauss Hejny
Competition: Garret Rangel, Maealiuaki Smith, Zane Flores
The quarterback race at Oklahoma State is wide open, with Hauss Hejny projected to start. A highly-regarded recruit, Hejny has four years of eligibility ahead of him. The competition for backup roles will be fierce, with Rangel, Smith, and Flores all in the mix.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Projected starter: Behren Morton
Competition: Will Hammond
Texas Tech is looking to build on Behren Morton’s first full season as a starter. With hopes of competing for a Big 12 Championship, Morton’s experience will be crucial, while redshirt freshman Will Hammond is expected to provide backup support.
UCF Knights
Projected starter: Tayven Jackson
Competition: Cam Fancher, Dylan Rizk, Jacurri Brown
After a tumultuous 2024 season that saw four different quarterbacks take the field, UCF is seeking stability under new head coach Scott Frost. Transfer Tayven Jackson is the frontrunner, but Cam Fancher and returning players Rizk and Brown will also compete for the starting role.
Utah Utes
Projected starter: Devon Dampier
Competition: Isaac Wilson, Nate Johnson
With the quarterback position having been a challenge for Utah, the Utes are looking to move forward with Devon Dampier, a transfer from New Mexico. As they seek to regain their footing in the Big 12, Wilson and Johnson will compete for backup roles.
West Virginia Mountaineers
Projected starter: Nicco Marchiol
Competition: Jaylen Henderson, Max Brown
As West Virginia undergoes a coaching change, Nicco Marchiol will look to solidify his position as the starting quarterback. With competition from transfers Henderson and Brown, the Mountaineers are set for an intriguing battle for the backup role.
As the 2025 season approaches, the quarterback competitions in the Big 12 promise to be an exhilarating aspect of the college football landscape. With so much talent and potential on display, fans can expect thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments on the gridiron.
