By Dorrington Myers
Last time out, I wrote about my top 5 quarterbacks from the Big Ten. In this edition, I’ll be sharing my top 5 quarterbacks from the Big 12 Conference—a league known for producing quarterbacks with a true gunslinger mentality. While that trait can come with both strengths and weaknesses, it’s certainly a valuable one to have in your back pocket.
According to stats from ESPN.com, five Big 12 quarterbacks surpassed the 3,000-yard passing mark in 2024—no easy feat in any conference. Here are my top five in the Big 12.
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No. 5: Avery Johnson, Kansas State
2024 Stats: 2,712 yards, 25 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 7 rushing touchdowns, 58.3 percent completion
Why: Johnson earns a spot on this list because he’s the engine that drives the Kansas State offense. He’s a self-starter and a true dual-threat prototype who improves with every rep. As a freshman, he stepped in with confidence and delivered. He has the arm talent to make all the necessary throws and helped lead the Wildcats to a victory in the Rate Bowl over Rutgers, tossing three touchdowns with one interception, and adding a rushing score. His ceiling is extremely high. I see a future Heisman Trophy contender and eventual NFL Draft pick.
That's my team leader🫡
— Big 12 Studios (@big12studios) November 24, 2024
Rocco Becht Highlights⬇️#Big12FB | @CycloneFB pic.twitter.com/VRFEZPEkdg
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No. 4: Rocco Becht, Iowa State
2024 Stats: 3,505 yards, 25 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 8 rushing touchdowns, 59.4 percent completion
Why: What a talent. Becht combines accuracy with impressive arm strength and isn’t afraid to scramble when needed. I love how effortlessly the ball comes off his hand. He led Iowa State to the Big 12 Championship game, where they fell to Arizona State, but Becht held his own with two touchdowns and one interception. He later capped off the year with a win over Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. He’s shown he can perform on the big stage.
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No. 3: Josh Hoover, TCU
2024 Stats: 3,949 yards, 27 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 4 rushing touchdowns, 66.5 percent completion
Why: Hoover’s ability to manipulate throwing windows and deliver accurate back-shoulder passes is elite. That’s a throw not many quarterbacks can consistently make. He puts his receivers in a position to succeed with catchable passes and shows excellent command of his progressions. Hoover reads defenses well and exploits their weaknesses, all while maintaining good mobility as part of his toolkit.
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No. 2: Sam Leavitt, Arizona State
2024 Stats: 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 5 rushing touchdowns, 61.7 percent completion
Why: Two things immediately stand out about Leavitt: his pocket awareness and mastery of play-action. His movement is smooth and his play fakes are so convincing they often lead defenders into making costly errors. Add in his mobility and you’ve got a true Swiss Army knife at the quarterback position.
#Baylor starting quarterback Sawyer Robertson at spring practice. #SicEm pic.twitter.com/HIEUwAs1q8
— Grayson Grundhoefer (@GrayGrundhoefer) April 15, 2025
No. 1: Sawyer Robertson, Baylor
2024 Stats: 3,071 yards, 28 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 4 rushing touchdowns, 62.2 percent completion
Why: The most underrated quarterback in the Big 12, Robertson is—in my opinion—the best overall in the conference. He excels at two things that separate elite quarterbacks from the rest: touch and anticipation. His back-shoulder throws are a thing of beauty, and his ability to throw receivers open is next-level. Pair that with above-average mobility, and you get a well-oiled machine ready to dominate.
