We are approaching the halfway point of the 2016 college football season. The Big 12 Conference has had its ups and downs. Contenders like the Oklahoma Sooners, TCU Horned Frogs, and Oklahoma State Cowboys have taken themselves out of College Football Playoff contention. However, some of the quarterbacks at the top of the conference are among the nation’s best. Now let’s look at the Big 12 quarterback power rankings midway through the season.
Big 12 Quarterback Power Rankings
1. Patrick Mahomes-Texas Tech
The Red Raiders quarterback has looked every bit the part of a top tier quarterback this season. He leads the conference in yards per game at 487.2. The next closest player in the Big 12 in that category is TCU’s Kenny Hill with 391.3. He is also the leader, by far, in passing touchdowns, with 20. That stat is especially impressive considering he has only thrown four interceptions. If Texas Tech had a defense to speak of, the Red Raiders could be a legitimate Big 12 contender with Mahomes behind center.
2. Baker Mayfield-Oklahoma
Since losing two of their first three games this season, the Sooners have looked great. They have started out with two straight victories in conference play, and Mayfield been the biggest factor in their success. He also has the second highest quarterback rating in the conference, according to ESPN stats. Mayfield has 1,457 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, with only four interceptions. Furthermore, he has added 75 yards and three touchdowns rushing in the last two weeks.
3. Mason Rudolph-Oklahoma State
The Cowboys season has been a roller coaster so far. Much like the Sooners, they have won their last two conference games since starting 2-2 this season. Rudolph is fourth in the nation in total offensive yards gained. He is also third in the conference in passing yards with 2,039. Oklahoma State’s has been very fortunate to have Rudolph this season. his touchdown to interception ratio is very impressive with 13 touchdowns compared to only two interceptions.
4. Seth Russell-Baylor
Baylor is currently the front-runner to win the Big 12 title. Russell has been impressive, especially considering the rough times the Bears have gone through in the last few months. Russell is second in the Big 12 in touchdown passes with 14. And he is third in the conference in quarterback rating. He has also racked up 1,326 passing yards.
5. Kenny Hill-TCU
Hill has been one of the most inconsistent quarterbacks in the conference. He is second in the conference in total offensive yards but also leads the conference in interceptions with eight. His inconsistencies has led to an up and down season for the Horned Frogs. TCU currently sits at 4-2, with a near loss against Kansas last weekend. However, Hill is still one of the best duel-threat quarterbacks in the Big 12 as he currently has seven rushing touchdowns this season.
6. Skyler Howard-West Virginia
The Mountaineers have been one of the more positive surprises in the Big 12 so far. They are currently undefeated and ranked inside the top 20. He is fifth in the conference in quarterback rating and has one of the more impressive completion percentages at 65.8 percent. Howard has also been sacked the second fewest times of any starting quarterback in the conference, he has only been brought down four times. West Virginia will be dependent on him to continue their success for the rest of the season.
7. Shane Buechele-Texas
The Longhorns seemed to have start the season as well as any team, but have gone far downhill since. Since their win against Notre Dame to open the season, Texas has lost three straight. However, Buechele has been impressive considering he is only a true freshman. He is one of only six quarterbacks in the conference to have double digit passing touchdowns with 11. Buechele has a bright future with the Longhorns under the direction of new offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert.
8. Joel Lanning-Iowa State
In the last two weeks, Lanning and the Cyclones look like one of the most improved teams in the country. After starting 1-2, with two ugly losses to Iowa and Northern Iowa out of the FCS, Iowa State has been competitive. Lanning helped the Cyclones to near upset victories of both Baylor and Oklahoma State. He has over 150 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns to compliment an impressive touchdown to interception ratio (nine touchdowns with three interceptions). Considering Lanning was benched against Iowa and San Jose State for backup quarterback Jacob Park, he has rebounded very well.
9. Jesse Ertz-Kansas State
It might seem unfair to some people that Ertz is ranked this low. However, he hasn’t had the biggest chance to show what he’s got yet. Out of all the Big 12 starting quarterbacks, he is last in passing yards and has the second fewest touchdowns (688 yards passing and five touchdowns). However, he has tacked on an additional three touchdowns on the ground. Ertz hasn’t looked great in conference play yet, but he has a good team around him and a lot more chances to prove himself.
10. Ryan Willis-Kansas
Willis did not play much for the Jayhawks in their first three games. However, he has gotten plenty of work in the last two games. Despite throwing three interceptions, he almost led the Jayhawks to an upset victory over TCU. Willis has had problems with turning the ball over throughout his entire young career. In his career, he has thrown 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. If he can eliminate the turnover problems, Kansas could put some teams on upset alert through the stretch run of the season.
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