Emerging Talent in the Big 12
The Big 12 Conference has become a hotbed for quarterback talent, with several players catching the attention of NFL scouts ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. According to a recent report on ESPN, as many as seven quarterbacks from the conference have shown the potential to be draftable, marking a significant depth of skill at this critical position. This surge in talent is attributed to the competitive nature of the conference and the innovative offensive schemes employed by many Big 12 teams.
Among the standout names is Sam Leavitt from Arizona State, who has been ranked highly in preseason projections for 2025. Posts found on X and reports from USA Today highlight Leavitt's strong performance in the 2024 season, positioning him as a top contender. Other notable quarterbacks include Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, who has been frequently mentioned in mock drafts as a potential high pick, reflecting his dual-threat capabilities on the field.
Scouts' Insights and Draft Projections
NFL scouts are keeping a close eye on the Big 12, with ESPN noting that the pool of draftable quarterbacks runs deep this year. 'We've seen a remarkable level of skill and poise from these young quarterbacks, especially in high-pressure situations,' a scout was quoted as saying on ESPN's coverage of college football prospects. This sentiment is echoed across various analyses, with many experts pointing to the conference's ability to produce NFL-ready talent.
Shedeur Sanders, in particular, has been a focal point, with projections placing him among the top picks for 2025. Additionally, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers has been highlighted in posts on X as a potential first-round selection, with some mock drafts predicting him to be chosen as high as eighth overall. The diversity of skills among these quarterbacks—from pocket passers to mobile threats—offers NFL teams a wide range of options to fit their offensive needs.
Future Implications for the Big 12
The depth of quarterback talent in the Big 12 not only bodes well for the conference's reputation but also for the upcoming college football season. As noted in a recent article on The Athletic, the conference produced 31 draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, and with the current crop of quarterbacks, that number could rise in future drafts. This trend underscores the growing influence of Big 12 programs in shaping professional football talent.
Teams like Colorado, Arizona State, and Texas are likely to see increased attention from scouts as the season progresses. With intriguing battles for starting positions at schools such as UCF, BYU, and Oklahoma State, as reported by Heartland College Sports, the competition within the conference will only push these quarterbacks to elevate their game further. The coming months will be crucial for these athletes to solidify their status as top prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft and beyond.