Ranking The Big 12 Quarterbacks Going Into 2025 Season
Jun 16, 2025, 9:30 AM | Updated: 1:22 pm
TUCSON, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 30: Quarterback Sam Leavitt #10 of the Arizona State Sun Devils looks to pass during the first half of the NCAAF game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on November 30, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Big 12 proved to be college football’s wildest rodeo last season, and 2025 could prove to be more of the same. However, there are a lot of familiar faces at the quarterback position.
Ten schools return their starting quarterbacks, while three programs have incoming transfers poised to take over. Only three teams face legitimate quarterback battles heading into summer camp.
RELATED: College Football Playoff Format Among Storylines At Big 12 Spring Meetings
Here’s how the Big 12 quarterbacks stack up heading into 2025.
The Big 12 Quarterback Rankings
2024 Stats: 61.7% comp., 2,885 yds, 24 TDs, 8 INTs; 110 rushes, 443 yds, 5 TDs
Leavitt wasn’t on many radars when the 2024 season began. By season’s end, he was the face of a Big 12 champion. Leavitt elevated his game as the season progressed, improving accuracy and decision-making. He played some of his best football in high-stakes matchups like the Big 12 title game and the CFP quarterfinal. The Sun Devils return a good core of skill players around him, and Leavitt enters 2025 as one of the league’s most dynamic dual-threat QBs. His game still has bouts of inconsistency, particularly under pressure, and Cam Skattebo usually stepped up in those big moments. Now, all eyes will be on Leavitt as he leads the Sun Devils into the 2025 season.
Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt Last Season:
🔱 350 Pass Attempts
🔱 5 Turnover Worthy Plays@ASUFootball pic.twitter.com/04bi8kmP1E— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 17, 2025
2024 Stats: 62.2% comp., 3,071 yds, 28 TDs, 8 INTs; 63 rushes, 230 yds, 4 TDs
Robertson stabilized Baylor’s season after stepping in as the starter. His late-season surge helped cool Dave Aranda’s hot-seat talk and gave Baylor a six-game win streak to close the regular season. With the highest QBR in the league (83.7), he’s entering 2025 with momentum and the benefit of a full offseason as QB1. Though Robertson’s numbers were inflated against the league’s lower half late in the year, he still showed a lot in leading the Bears throughout their win streak. He must show he can perform under the spotlight against top-tier defenses, but the Baylor offense is in great hands with Robertson. He’s established himself as one of the best in the conference, and many believe he has the tools to become an elite quarterback.
3. Avery Johnson, Kansas State
2024 Stats: 58.3% comp., 2,712 yds, 25 TDs, 10 INTs; 605 rush yds, 7 TDs
Johnson is arguably the most talented quarterback in the league. He entered last season with a lot of hype and, unfortunately, his play didn’t live up to it but came close. He had a few poor performances throughout the season that created a bit of a roller coaster ride for the Wildcats but Johnson still provided plenty to be encouraged by. His struggles seemed to be mental lapses more than anything, which is to be expected of a young quarterback. With key additions made at receiver and tight end, Johnson seems to have the players around him to take that next step in his game. If Johnson takes a step forward this year, eliminating some of the dropoffs, he’ll be in the discussion for top quarterback in the Big 12.
Slingin’ it pic.twitter.com/atDYo7REjQ
— K-State Football (@KStateFB) April 8, 2025
4. Rocco Becht, Iowa State
2024 Stats: 59.4% comp., 3,505 yds, 25 TDs, 9 INTs; 318 rush yds, 8 TDs
Becht has quietly put together one of the more consistent résumés in the Big 12. He threw at least one touchdown in every game and added solid rushing production. Entering his third year as a starter, Becht has to take on much more responsibility in leading the Cyclones this fall. With his top wideouts- Jayden Higgins and Jaylen Noel- off to the NFL, Iowa State brought in transfer receivers to address those departures. However, Becht’s ability to replicate production without elite weapons will be the big question mark going into the season.
5. Josh Hoover, TCU
2024 Stats: 66.5% comp., 3,949 yds, 27 TDs, 11 INTs; -19 rush yds, 4 TDs
Hoover took a big step forward in his sophomore campaign, leading the conference in passing yards and improving his efficiency rating significantly. He’s a strong-armed pocket passer who led TCU to a 9-4 record, with six wins in their last seven games. Hoover isn’t very mobile, and against fast, aggressive defenses, he becomes one-dimensional. Like Becht, Hoover is also working to build chemistry with a new group of pass catchers, after losing Jack Beck and Savion Williams to the NFL. Still, expectations are high for Hoover, who is in his third season in this offense.
6. Devon Dampier, Utah
2024 Stats (New Mexico): 57.9% comp., 2,768 yds, 12 TDs, 12 INTs; 1,168 rush yds, 19 TDs
Dampier was a truly dynamic dual-threat last season at New Mexico, and his individual production plays a big role in landing here. Against Arizona, Auburn, and Washington State, Dampier totaled 725 passing yards, five touchdowns to four interceptions, while adding 354 yards, five scores on the ground, and 58 total 1st downs (40 passing, 18 rushing). By following offensive coordinator Jason Beck to Utah, his command of the offense was evident throughout spring ball. That provides him with an advantage over other quarterback transfers in the league and should play a role in his adjustment to the Big 12. Still, there is an understandably big question mark regarding that adjustment to a more competitive league. Dampier has to answer that with his play in order for Utah to realize its potential this season.
🕷️🕸️@Devonddampier | #GoUtes https://t.co/ozBDb5dg60 pic.twitter.com/SnBXO8RZgF
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) June 6, 2025
7. Jake Retzlaff, BYU
2024 Stats: 57.9% comp., 2,947 yds, 20 TDs, 12 INTs; 417 rush yds, 4 TDs
Retzlaff defied almost everyone’s expectations, leading BYU to an 11-2 record. Despite ups and downs, his performance in clutch moments is what lands him here. He was nails in late-game situations, which proved to be pretty significant in a very competitive Big 12. Yet, the final stretch of the season was rough—he threw five interceptions to just two touchdowns over the last five games. Talk of his end-of-season struggles was suppressed due to the team’s success, which is all that matters in the end.
Retzlaff was recently accused of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit, and his status for 2025 could be impacted.
8. Behren Morton, Texas Tech
2024 Stats: 63.3% comp., 3,335 yds, 27 TDs, 8 INTs; -22 rush yds, 1 TD
Morton owns some of the conference’s best passing numbers, landing in the top five in yards and touchdowns. Ultimately, Morton was a safe quarterback who rarely took risks and did a good job of protecting the football. That was primarily due to 58% of all attempts going behind or within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. That was the second-highest rate in the Big 12 behind Shedeur Sanders. As the Red Raiders look primed for a Big 12 title run, Morton’s steady hand will be key to their chances, but he may need to be more aggressive in 2025.
9. Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati
2024 Stats: 64.0% comp., 2,813 yds, 18 TDs, 7 INTs; 447 rush yds, 9 TDs
It’s difficult to rank Sorsby here; he probably deserves to be higher and is worth betting on to climb rankings this season. He offered Cincinnati a stable presence at quarterback and proved to be a very capable passer. With a year of experience under his belt, he should build upon what he did last season. Sorsby displayed consistent accuracy and decision-making, while also being a threat with his legs. The Bearcats ended the year 5-7, but Sorsby was a bright spot nearly all season long. Going into 2025, Sorsby will need to elevate his level of play, but he established a firm performance baseline last season.
More 2️⃣🎯🔜@Brendan_Sorsby2 pic.twitter.com/naynkBWcSa
— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) May 12, 2025
10. Jalon Daniels, Kansas
2024 Stats: 57.0% comp., 2,454 yds, 14 TDs, 12 INTs; 447 rush yds, 6 TDs
Once viewed as a breakout star, Daniels has regressed since his stellar 2022 campaign. However, by leading Kansas to wins over ranked opponents in three consecutive weeks- Iowa State, BYU, and Colorado- Daniels seemed to regain some of that magic. The Jayhawks are replacing a lot around him, so Daniels needs to elevate his game in 2025. The potential is clearly there, can he realize it?
11. Noah Fifita, Arizona
2024 Stats: 60.5% comp., 2,958 yds, 18 TDs, 12 INTs; 17 rush yds, 1 TD
Fifita’s decision-making declined after head coach Jedd Fisch’s departure. Now, questions revolve around how he’ll perform without star receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Fifita still played well but ultimately struggled to lead Arizona to success. He must regain his 2023 form to give the Wildcats a chance this year. Fifita is plenty capable of playing disciplined football, which is what led to his instant success.
12. Kaidon Salter, Colorado
2024 Stats (Liberty): 56.3% comp., 1,886 yds, 15 TDs, 6 INTs; 587 rush yds, 7 TDs
Salter was dynamic in 2023 but regressed last year. Still, he brings experience and talent to Deion Sanders’ program. His downward trajectory in production is a red flag, but a fresh start in Boulder could be just what he needs. Highly touted freshman Julian Lewis will be waiting in the wings. Colorado is loaded with talent at the skill positions, but the reported struggles in the passing game throughout spring ball are a concern.
get familiar with 🎱@JosephWQB1 x @07KSalt pic.twitter.com/JiRyJXkVhA
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) April 7, 2025
2024 Stats (Texas A&M): 55.3% comp., 896 yds, 3 TDs, 5 INTs; 101 rush yds
Once a five-star recruit, Weigman has failed to live up to his billing, largely due to injuries and inconsistency. Now at Houston, he’s looking for a fresh start and appears to have landed in an ideal situation. The talent is there, but the clock is ticking. If it clicks for him, Weigman can quickly ascend the list this season.
Marchiol 2024 Stats: 66.1% comp., 434 yds, 5 TDs, 2 INTs
With a new head coach and no clear frontrunner, WVU is in flux. Marchiol has a slight edge due to familiarity and production in limited action. No QB in this group has separated from the pack. That kind of indecision spells mediocrity unless someone takes command quickly.
