By Dorrington Myers
As the 2024 college football season approaches, the Big 12 Conference is once again poised to be a hotbed of quarterback talent. Known for its high-octane offenses and prolific passing attacks, the conference boasts a lineup of dynamic signal-callers ready to leave their mark.
From seasoned veterans aiming to solidify their legacies to promising newcomers eager to make an impact, the quarterbacks of the Big 12 are set to be at the forefront of the college football landscape. This season promises thrilling performances and intense competition as these quarterbacks lead their teams in pursuit of conference supremacy and national recognition. Let’s take a closer look at the key players under center and what to expect from each as they prepare to shine on the big stage.
1. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado Buffaloes
Synopsis:
Some may dislike this choice as number one, but there’s no denying Sanders’ ability and skill set. Despite lacking solid offensive line play, he still took care of the ball, throwing 27 touchdowns against 3 interceptions. Being sacked 52 times contributed to his low QBR of 63.1. However, his impact on the offense is evident. With a stronger offensive line unit in place this season, the sky’s the limit for him.
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2. Garrett Greene, West Virginia
Synopsis:
I can’t say it enough, impact, impact, impact! Greene is what makes this mountaineer offense go. His QBR was a solid 75.8. This tells you that he’s doing something right. Greene didn’t have huge numbers throwing but he still left an imprint on the game and his dual-threat ability is a big part of that. He amassed 772 yards on 120 carries which averages out to an insane 6.4 yards per carry. Greene capped this all off by rushing for 13 touchdowns. There’s a reason PFF has him as the Big 12’s best QB.
3. Noah Fifita, Arizona Wildcats
Synopsis:
The one knock on Fifita would be his size (5’10”), but he makes up for it with his play. With a 72.4% completion rate, there’s no arguing his ability to slice and dice defenses. He’s surgical through the air and above average in the accuracy department. His QBR was an outstanding 83.8, placing him in the top ten for quarterbacks nationally. However, his limited impact on the ground drops him just a bit in this ranking.
4. Cam Rising, Utah Utes
Synopsis:
Rising last played in 2022 before missing the entire 2023 season due to injury. Known for clutch performances against USC, Rising’s stats from 2022 include a 64.7% completion rate, 3,034 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He also rushed for 465 yards and 6 touchdowns. Now, he faces the challenge of proving himself again after the injury layoff, with high expectations from fans and analysts alike.
5. Jalon Daniels, Kansas Jayhawks
Synopsis:
Daniels is recognized for his considerable talent and potential to become the top quarterback in his conference. Injuries have just held him back, never playing in more than nine games. Still, in just three games in 2023, Daniels achieved a solid QBR of 82.7. To solidify his status, observers await the 6’0″ passer to deliver consistent performances across full seasons which has been the biggest knock.
Conclusion:
As the 2024 season unfolds, the spotlight on Big 12 quarterbacks will only intensify further. With a blend of seasoned leaders and rising stars, the conference promises a showcase of diverse talent and exhilarating play. These quarterbacks are not just central to their teams’ fortunes but are also shaping the future of college football with their performances. Whether it’s delivering clutch plays in tight games or setting new records, the signal-callers of the Big 12 are primed to capture the imagination of fans and pundits alike. As we look forward to the thrilling matchups and high-stakes battles that lie ahead, one thing is certain: the journey of the Big 12 quarterbacks in 2024 will be a captivating narrative, filled with unforgettable moments and remarkable achievements.
