The dizzying impact of constant playoff tweaking and a growing war between the SEC/B1G and the rest of college football can make even the most diehard fan nauseous. So let’s shift our focus back onto the playing field. In the Big 12, having 16 teams with fairly equal rosters, a team with a high-level quarterback could be the deciding factor on who can claim the top spot. With plenty of top-tier talent in the league, which one of these field generals can call themselves the best Big 12 quarterback returning for action in 2025?
Best Big 12 Quarterback Returning For 2025
Deep Quarterback Conference
Out-of-conference transfers aren’t considered in these rankings. There are two notable transfer quarterbacks projected to be starters in the Big 12 this fall. Conner Weigman transferred from Texas A&M to Houston. When healthy (which is a struggle), Weigman has been productive. Kaidon Salter came to Colorado from Liberty, where he was a dynamic playmaker for the Flames in leading them to a NY6 Bowl in 2023. Elsewhere in the Big 12, multiple quarterbacks are entering their second and third seasons as the starting quarterback. That list includes:
- Jalon Daniels – Kansas
- Noah Fifita – Arizona
- Behren Morton – Texas Tech
- Jake Retzlaff – BYU
- Rocco Becht – Iowa State.
All of those quarterbacks, on their best day, can out-duel any quarterback in the conference. However, there are four that stand out as being just a cut above the rest.
4. Avery Johnson – Kansas State
Coming into 2024, Avery Johnson was garnering plenty of dark horse selections for the Heisman trophy. That was largely rooted in his ability to run the ball so dynamically. Last year, he finished the season with 605 yards rushing and 7 rushing touchdowns. The issue was that his passing was not nearly as dynamic. Johnson has a 58.3 completion percentage for 2,712 Yards. He also finished with 25 passing touchdowns to 10 interceptions. Chris Klieman knows that as Johnson goes, so does Kansas State. Johnson still needs to take the next step through the air to give Kansas State a chance at a Big 12 title. Even more so, he needs to limit the turnovers through the air.
3. Josh Hoover – TCU
For those who don’t follow the Big 12 closely, the name Josh Hoover might be foreign. But when it comes to claiming the title of best Big 12 quarterback, Hoover has a compelling case. In terms of returning quarterbacks, Hoover leads the Big 12 in average passing yards per game (303.8 per game). He also improved his efficiency rating in his second season as TCU’s starting quarterback. Similarly to Johnson, he has to improve on his touchdown-to-interception ratio (27-11) if he and TCU want to get back to the top of the conference. But Sonny Dykes has to feel very good about his starting quarterback entering his third year leading this offense.
2. Sawyer Robertson – Baylor
Similar to Hoover, Sawyer Robertson might not be a quarterback that the casual college football fan would know. After all, Dave Aranda’s Bears started the 2024 season 2-4. Robertson did not become the full-time starter until game three last year. Despite the poor start, Robertson led Baylor to a strong second half, which included a six-game win streak. He had the highest QBR rating (83.7) in the Big 12 in 2024. Despite not being the full-time starter all year, he still boasted a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 28-8 and threw for 3,071 yards. There is plenty of optimism in Waco going into 2025, and it starts with Robertson.
The Best Big 12 Quarterback Returning for 2025 Is Sam Leavitt – Arizona State
It’s no surprise that the best Big 12 quarterback in the conference is going to be orchestrating the offense of one of the top contenders in 2025. Kenny Dillingham’s team came out of nowhere to capture the Big 12 crown in 2024. Dillingham’s 2025 squad returns plenty of talent, including quarterback Sam Leavitt. In addition to the Big 12 crown, Leavitt had the Sun Devils on the brink of an all-time comeback against Texas in the College Football Playoff. He threw for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns to only six interceptions. In addition, he added 443 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. This season’s title defense will rest even more on Leavitt’s shoulders with the departure of running back Cameron Skattebo to the NFL.
Main Image: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
