BIG 12 FOOTBALL 2025
Correctly predicting the finish of the Big 12 should yield some type of reward for those daring enough to try. Arizona State’s meteoric rise from the bottom of the pre-season poll to the College Football Playoff is the most recent example of the conference’s total anarchy and unpredictability. We’ve hedged our bets on Houston to make that jump in 2025, rising from 13th to sixth in our projected finish line.
Below is the Magic Ball Sports 2025 Big 12 Preview Capsule; complete head-to-toe with evaluations for each position group on every team, players to watch and record predictions for the SEC’s 16 squads.
CEILING: 12-0
FLOOR: 5-7
TRAP GAME: HOU
PLAYOFF: LIKELY
OFFENSE
QB: Redshirt sophomore Sam Leavitt makes up one half of the best QB-WR duo in the nation, rifling 24 touchdowns in 2024 as a part of the Sun Devils’ magical run to the CFP Quarterfinals. Leavitt is heralded as one of the top QB prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
WEAPONS: Receiver Jordyn Tyson makes up the other half. Before missing the team’s final two games, Tyson snagged 75 balls for 1,101 yards and 10 scores. His return gives the Sun Devils a lifeline on offense. Jalen Moss comes over from Fresno State and could be a difference maker.
The loss of Cam Skattebo cannot be understated, but ASU did well in their attempts to replace him, bringing in Army bruiser Kanye Udoh to fill the role – or at least attempt to. Depth behind Udoh is a question.
OL: Four starters return for the Sun Devils up front (everyone but All-B12 center Leif Fautanu. This group should rank at the top of the conference with continuity on both ends of the line and NFL prospect Max Iheanachor at right tackle.
DEFENSE
DL: There’s a lot to like along this front, including the returning duo of CJ Fite at defensive tackle and Prince Dobrah on the edge. Those two give the Sun Devils a solid foundation to work off.
LB: Second year starter Keyshaun Elliot will be the pilot of the defense, with depth being provided by do-it-all senior Jordan Crook. This group should be pretty reliable in 2025.
S: The loss of nickel Shamari Simmons will hurt, but ASU returns four starters from last season and projects to be among the top in the Big 12. Adding in Purdue transfer Nyland Green gives the unit a huge boost with starting experience and talent.
STRENGTH: The perfect storm of a forgiving schedule, returning production and an intact coaching staff put the Sun Devils at the top of the conference.
WEAKNESS: Replacing program legend Cam Skattebo will not be easy. ASU will need a reliable second receiver to emerge.
CEILING: 11-1
FLOOR: 4-8
TRAP GAME: CIN
PLAYOFF: POSSIBILITY
OFFENSE
QB: New Mexico transfer Devon Dampier was brought in to repair the Utes’ putrid 48.5 PFF passing grade from 2024. Dampier is the prototypical dual-threat quarterback, throwing for over 2,700 yards while rushing for an additional 1,166 and 19 touchdowns. The Ute offense should be multi-dimensional under Dampier guide.
WEAPONS: Washington State standout Wayshawn Parker will make his way down to Salt Lake City after compiling 843 yards and five scores as a true freshman to lead the stable of Ute backs. New Mexico starter NaQuari Rogers is also in the room.
The receivers are all new as the Utes lose the top four from last season – perhaps for the better. Senior Ryan Davis looks to lead after following OC Beck from New Mexico, which will breed familiarity between Dampier and Beck. Utah will need a WR2 to emerge.
OL: Utah’s offensive line returns as a Joe Moore Award candidate with potential No. 1 overall pick Spencer Fano and likely first rounder Caleb Lomu bookending the line at tackle. The Ute offensive line is always stout under Whittingham but could be historic in 2025.
DEFENSE
DL: The pieces along the defensive line are a bit more unknown than fans are accustomed to seeing from Utah, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t talented. Two sophomores are projected to start, including Logan Fano who notched 6.5 TFL last season in limited action.
LB: Lander Barton returns to lead the defense for his senior season. Alongside him Levani Damuni returns after starting in the system last year. This room is overflowing with experience and will be the backbone of a stout Utah defense.
S: The true 4-2-5 shell puts a lot of pressure on the backend to perform well. Tao Johnson is the unit leader and an NFL caliber safety, but the rest of the starting lineup is unproven. Smith Snowden will slot in at nickel and could have a big 2025.
STRENGTH: The offensive line will be one of the country’s best. Kyle Whittingham is a terrific defensive mind and a stable leader at the helm.
WEAKNESS: It’ll be an entirely new group of receivers catching the ball from a new quarterback under a new scheme.
CEILING: 11-1
FLOOR: 6-6
TRAP GAME: @OSU
PLAYOFF: POSSIBILITY
OFFENSE
QB: Baylor’s backfield duo remains intact, and that starts with QB Sawyer Robertson. The senior gunslinger stepped in midway through last season and piloted the Bears during its six-game winning streak to end the regular season. Robertson is a big play waiting to happen and can win games with his downfield tenacity.
WEAPONS: Sophomore standout runningback Bryson Washington also returns next to Robertson. Washington went for 100 or more yards five times during the team’s six-game winning streak. The second year back could be the very best in the Big 12.
The receiving corps is laden with downfield threats, including No. 1 option Josh Cameron on the boundary and Alabama transfer Kobe Prentice. Cameron is an all-conference candidate at WR and returner and will line up next to redshirt senior tight end Michael Trigg.
OL: Both of last year’s tackles are gone but the interior will remain the same in 2025, saddled by Coleton Price at center. The Bear offensive line was a detriment at times and will need to find stability for the Baylor offense to reach its ceiling.
DEFENSE
DL: Baylor’s defensive front will be comprised of three veteran starters and a bevy of talented underclassmen depth behind them. Senior Jackie Marshall is the line leader and could be up for a big 2025 with the addition of redshirt sophomore Samu Taumanupepe in the middle.
LB: First-team All-B12 Keaton Thomas is back to lead the Bear defense and Aranda did well in the portal to surround him with CUSA DPOY Travion Barnes and versatile Fresno State transfer Phoenix Jackson to form one of the B12’s deepest linebacker rooms.
S: The Bears poached a handful of Power Four starters to bolster arguably the team’s worst unit from 2024. Northwestern transfer Devin Turner is a name to watch, along with Ohio State transfer Calvin Simpson-Hunt on the boundary.
STRENGTH: The Bears return eight starters to one of the conference’s top offenses from last season, including gunslinger Sawyer Robertson.
WEAKNESS: The secondary is redone, with transfers projected to start at two spots. The unit struggled last season and will be key for BU’s success in 2025.
CEILING: 11-1
FLOOR: 6-6
TRAP GAME: TCU
PLAYOFF: POSSIBILITY
OFFENSE
QB: Avery Johnson is back for a second year at the helm after guiding the Cats to a nine-win 2024 season. Johnson is an uber-athletic rushing threat out of the backfield that adds another layer of worry for opposing defenses. Piecing together the passing game will be vital for the K-State offense to take the next step.
WEAPONS: Johnson will run option looks with dynamic returner Dylan Edwards at his side. There isn’t too much depth behind him with the departure of program-great DJ Giddens.
The receiver corps will be buoyed by Jayce Brown who recorded 437 yards in six starts last season. The tight end duo of Garrett Oakley and Lincoln Cure looks to be the next best options, with depth being a question behind Brown at WR.
OL: This unit is always stout under Klieman and will be again in 2025 with the return of two interior starters, including all-conference center Sam Hecht. There will be some uncertainty with a pair of new tackles but the staff is usually correct with their choices.
DEFENSE
DL: Bodies return from the 2024 unit that competed in the Big 12, but losing leader Brendan Mott will hurt. The Wildcats return two starters but saw little pass rush production from them, leaving a hole along the defensive front in that area.
LB: All-American Austin Romaine is the heart of the defense and returns for his junior season in the middle. Do-it-all Desmond Purnell also returns, giving the Wildcats the clear top linebacking room in the conference heading into 2025.
S: Returning starter VJ Payne is back and the staff paired him with a duo of high-level transfers that includes CB Amarion Fortenberry and S Gunner Maldonado. The backend should shape out fine despite the loss of NFL Draft choice Jacob Parrish.
STRENGTH: The Wildcats possess a lethal run game combo with Johnson and Edwards. The offensive line is tough and the defense was improved.
WEAKNESS: The loss of RB DJ Giddens will sting. How the Wildcats adjust will be paramount for their success in 2025.
CEILING: 10-2
FLOOR: 7-5
TRAP GAME: BYU
PLAYOFF: NO
OFFENSE
QB: Third-year starter Rocco Becht is one of the top signal callers in the conference and returns to Ames with the same offensive coordinator for the first time in his career. Becht rifled 25 touchdowns under Taylor Mouser last year and those numbers should climb.
WEAPONS: The Cyclone rushing attack will be among the best in the Big 12 with productive duo Abu Sama III and Carson Hansen both coming back for their junior seasons. The two backs combined for over 1,300 yards last tear and should be even better in 2025.
Losing two NFL Draft choices at receiver will be tough to overcome, but the Cyclones welcome in a trio of experienced wide receivers to complement tight end Ben Brahmer. Xavier Townsend offers the most upside out wide with an X-type body.
OL: The right side of the line returns intact, which includes senior leader Tyler Miller at tackle. Becht’s blindside will be protected by former Louisiana Tech transfer James Neal while the interior gels with two new starters.
DEFENSE
DL: Nose tackle Domonique Orange is one of the best in the country at his position and anchors a defensive front looking to rebuild after losing the majority of its pass rush from last season. Look for Yale transfer Tamatoa McDonough to energize the pass rush.
LB: The linebacker room is laden with veterans, starting with top tackle man Caleb Bacon who returns from injury. Kooper Ebel and Will McLaughlin will rotate next to Bacon to form a solid and very well rounded linebacker corps.
S: The return of all-league safety Jeremiah Cooper does a lot to bolster the Cyclone’s secondary and pairing him with Jontez Williams on the boundary gives the Cyclones a terrific duo on the backend. The question will be if the Clones can find depth behind them.
STRENGTH: Becht returns for year three, along with a pair of elite runningbacks. The linebacker room goes four deep with veterans.
WEAKNESS: The Cyclones lose two program-great receivers to the NFL. ISU will need new weapons to emerge quickly with a difficult early slate.
CEILING: 10-2
FLOOR: 5-7
TRAP GAME: TCU
PLAYOFF: NO
OFFENSE
QB: Former five-star and Texas A&M starter Connor Weigman makes his way down from College Station to start under Fritz. Weigman’s physical attributes are first-class, but routinely he found himself on the bench due to costly interceptions with the Aggies.
WEAPONS: Each of the top three runningbacks from last season are back, and Fritz poached versatile Rice back Dean Connors from the cross town rival. Starter Re’Shaun Sanford should be one of the conference’s most explosive backfield threats.
There’s a reservoir of starting experience at the receiver position, with the unit going five deep with players who had six-plus starts last year. The Coogs will need a true No. 1 to emerge next to standout tight end Tanner Kozoil.
OL: Three starters depart from last season’s woeful unit, but the Cougars beefed up along the line with the addition of five transfers. Returning center Demetrius Hunter brings the most experience to the table for a unit that needs to improve in 2025.
DEFENSE
DL: The Cougars rebuilt the edges with proven transfers from lower-tiered conferences, including Eddie Walls and Brandon Mack, to pair alongside star defensive tackle Carlos Allen Jr. The Houston pass rush will be greatly improved in 2025.
LB: Jesus Machado is receiving plenty of off season hype as a breakout candidate after sitting out last season due to injury. The former Tulane starter was second team All-AAC in 2023.
S: This unit will be the team’s Achilles’ heel if no one steps into the shoes left by the departing duo of AJ Haulcy and Jeremiah Wilson. Haulcy is touted as one of the best safety prospects in the nation and will be missed. The unit will be made up primarily of AAC transfers.
STRENGTH: A favorable schedule and coaching staff that remains intact gives the Coogs a nice foundation to build off in year two of the Fritz era.
WEAKNESS: The secondary lost two impactful starters late to the portal. Patching up the backend in a pass-hungry conference will be crucial.
CEILING: 10-2
FLOOR: 7-5
TRAP GAME: @HOU
PLAYOFF: NO
OFFENSE
QB: Behren Morton, if healthy, has one of the top arms in the nation and can instantly upgrade any passing attack. Morton has struggled with injuries through his first three seasons and will need to find consistency this year to maximize the Raiders portal haul.
WEAPONS: RB Tahj Brooks took over 4,500 yards with him to the NFL, which makes replacing him nearly impossible from a volume perspective. USC transfer Quinten Joyner will assume RB1 duties in a downgraded room.
The receiving corps will be built around the return of Caleb Douglas, but the Red Raiders have four options outside of him, including former blue-chipper Micah Hudson and Miami-Ohio transfer Reggie Virgil.
OL: The five up front have starting experience, just not in Lubbock. It’s an overall deep room with the majority possessing starting experience somewhere, with returning center Sheridan Wilson anchoring the unit.
DEFENSE
DL: Possibly the most upgraded positional unit across all of college football, the Red Raiders project to have one of the country’s best pass rushes in 2025. Spearheaded by David Bailey and Romello Height off the edge and Lee Hunter in the middle, TTU possesses three potential first round picks along the defensive front.
LB: Returning star linebacker Jacob Rodriguez recorded 126 tackles and 5.5 TFL last season and is an All-America candidate. Starting next to him will be Ben Roberts, who notched 107 tackles in 2023.
S: The majority of last season’s unit is back for McGuire, including team leader Brice Pollock in the nickel. This is the only non-proven part of the defense but is nonetheless very talented and could rank at the top of the Big 12.
STRENGTH: Tech boasts one of the top off season hauls in the country, complete with the No. 2 portal class. Morton also returns at QB to lead the offense.
WEAKNESS: With so many new parts, how long will it take for the Red Raiders to gel? The receivers are unproven and will need to step up.
CEILING: 8-4
FLOOR: 5-7
TRAP GAME: @BYU
PLAYOFF: NO
OFFENSE
QB: The Horned Frogs will be spearheaded by one of the Big 12’s top passers, with Josh Hoover electing to return to Fort Worth after a career year in 2024. The redshirt junior threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns last season and is back for a fourth season in the scheme.
WEAPONS: The bulk of last season’s production is gone out wide, with only Eric McAlister returning from a room that produced two NFL Draft choices. Transfers Jordan Dwyer and Joseph Manjack IV will be looked upon to step into big roles immediately.
It’s paramount for TCU to find a stable run game in 2025. The Horned Frogs return Trent Battle and add Kevorian Barnes, so it’s a solid start, but Dykes needs to utilize the group more than he did in 2024 for the offense reach its full potential.
OL: Losing all-conference center James Brockermeyer is a tough blow, but TCU returns three starters from last season including Ryan Hughes on the blinside. This unit should be on par with last year.
DEFENSE
DL: Top sack man Devean Deal is back but only notched 5.5 last season. The progression of a pass rush will be crucial for TCU, especially with the bulk of last season’s unit remaining intact for 2025. This unit needs to take a step up.
LB: Namdi Obiazor returns and should join the upper tier of elite B12 linebackers. Next to him is the lightly experienced Kaleb Elarms-Orr, who recorded 92 tackles at Cal in 2023. This is a solid unit that could evolve into one of the conference’s best.
S: Safety Bud Clark is among the nation’s best and declined the NFL to return to Fort Worth. Alongside Clark, Dykes welcomed the return of two other starters in Jamel Johnson and Austin Jordan. This unit is the best on the defense.
STRENGTH: The passing game should be one of the conference’s most lethal. Hoover is a proven commodity at quarterback and is a team leader.
WEAKNESS: The Horned Frogs need to develop a running game to compete at the top of the conference. That all starts up front.
CEILING: 8-4
FLOOR: 7-5
TRAP GAME: @UCF
PLAYOFF: NO
OFFENSE
QB: If (with a heavy emphasis on the word if) Jalon Daniels can stay healthy in 2025, the Jayhawks will have the Big 12’s top dual-threat quarterback. Daniels is an electric playmaker but has been hindered by injuries every season of his college career.
WEAPONS: Devin Neal left for the NFL after last season, leaving a huge backfield vacuum for Leipold to fill this off season. The trio of Harry Stewart III, Leshon Williams and Daniel Hishaw Jr. was Leipold’s answer, with the Jayhawks likely to lean on a committee approach.
The receiving corps will be comprised mostly of transfers after the top six players left this off season. Cam Pickett (2nd team All-MAC) and Emmanuel Henderson Jr. will be the top two options for Daniels, bringing the most experience to Lawrence out of the group.
OL: Three starters depart but linchpin Bryce Foster returns at center to give the line a nice bedrock to build off. There are barely any starts on the line aside from Foster, so this unit will take a step back in 2025.
DEFENSE
DL: This group should be significantly better than last season’s unit, with top sack man Dean Miller back along with both defensive tackles. The Jayhawks then poached Justice Finkley from Texas to round out the front four, which could be the team’s strength in 2025.
LB: The Jayhawks brought in three versatile, experienced linebackers to fill up the room in 2025, including Trey Lathan (WVU) and Joseph Sipp (BGSU). It’s an all-around solid linebacking room with the potential to develop into a three-deep rotation of starters.
S: Stalwarts Kobee Bryant and Mello Dotson depart, taking with them a ton of the last three season’s experience. There isn’t a lot of experience across the entire unit as the Jayhawks may take a steep step back in pass defense numbers in the offense-centric Big 12.
STRENGTH: Jalon Daniels — if healthy — is one of the top playmakers in college football. The linebackers are experienced and talented.
WEAKNESS: The receivers are mostly new and unproven. The secondary is a grey area with the departure of two NFL Draft choices.
CEILING: 8-4
FLOOR: 5-7
TRAP GAME: @OSU
PLAYOFF: NO
OFFENSE
QB: The Bearcats return one of the Big 12’s most reliable quarterbacks in Brendan Sorsby, who threw for 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions after coming over from Bloomington in 2024. The redshirt junior could perform among the best in the conference in 2025.
WEAPONS: Sorsby was the team’s second leading rusher last season, so the Bearcats poached Wisconsin lead back Tawee Walker from the Badgers to pair alongside Evan Pryor and form a solid one-two punch out of the backfield.
Tight end Joe Royer is one of the nation’s top in-line threats and has broken numerous school records held by Travis Kelce. Cincy will need a No. 1 receiver to emerge from the litany of options they brought in from the portal, some from the FCS ranks.
OL: Center Gavin Gerhardt is back – and that’s about it. The unit will be entirely rebuilt following the departure of four impact starters, with only 81 career starts (Steele) on the roster. This unit is by far the team’s biggest question mark.
DEFENSE
DL: The interior of the Bearcat front will be held down by potential All-American Dontay Corelone, who returns after an injury-riddled 2024. A decent chunk of last season’s production is back on the line and Cincy could develop one of the B12’s best pass rushes.
LB: Jake Golday is back after finishing second on the team in tackles last season, but developing experience behind him will be key if the Bearcats want to remain one of the conference’s stiffest defenses.
S: Three starters are gone, including most of the safety room, leaving only Antwan Peak from last season’s unit. Cincinnati did well in the portal to bring in experienced starters, such as Coastal Carolina standout Matthew McDoom.
STRENGTH: The Bearcats return copious amounts of production at key positions and have two potential first round selections on the roster.
WEAKNESS: The offensive line lost four starters and the secondary is completely remodeled.
CEILING: 6-6
FLOOR: 3-9
TRAP GAME: @WVU
PLAYOFF: NO
OFFENSE
QB: Shedeur Sanders is gone, replaced by Liberty’s Kaidon Salter and blue-chipper Julian Lewis in the Buffalo backfield. Salter will more than likely start week one, but Lewis could very well end up starting towards the back end of the conference slate.
WEAPONS: Heisman winner Travis Hunter is in Jacksonville now, which means the Buffs have a dizzying amount of production to replace heading into 2025. Dre’lon and Omarion Miller project to be the top targets, with depth being provided by four transfers.
Dallan Hayden and Micah Welch return after totaling 382 rushing yards in 2024. The running game has been a non-factor under Sanders and will need to improve this year.
OL: Standout tackle Jordan Seaton returns to anchor the blindside, but that’s the extent of Buffalo returners. Four transfers will start next to Seaton, including two-time All-AAC tackle Xavier Hill. This group should be on par or better than last season’s group.
DEFENSE
DL: All four starters are gone from last season, including sack artist BJ Green and NT Chidozie Nwankwo. Colorado will need new edge rushers to step up, with eyes on senior Arden Walker and DT Jahiem Oatis.
LB: Two stalwart starters depart, leaving a gaping hole to fill in the heart of the Buffalo defense. All-AAC Martavius French looks to be the unit’s leader after transferring from UTSA this off season.
S: Most projected starters have experience within the program and will pair alongside reliable corner DJ McKinney to patch up the backend, which lost two starters. This group could have its lumps early.
STRENGTH: Colorado replenished talent at the skill positions and will be solid on the backend if the pass rush can hold up.
WEAKNESS: A lot was lost, including Heisman winner Travis Hunter. The front seven are all gone from last season, along with three leading receivers.
CEILING: 9-3
FLOOR: 5-7
TRAP GAME: @COLO
PLAYOFF: NO
OFFENSE
QB: It’ll be a fall camp battle for the starting spot following Retzlaff’s abrupt departure from the program. McCrae Hillstead and Treyson Bourguet appear to be the top candidates barring any unforeseen transfer-in.
WEAPONS: The Coogs return two all-conference caliber players in runningback LJ Martin and receiver Chase Roberts. Roberts has NFL potential and averaged 16.4 yards per reception last year. Martin is a powerful, thumping runner with a penchant for short yardage.
Other weapons include Stanford transfer Tiger Bachmeier and deep threat JoJo Phillips.
OL: BYU’s offensive line was stout last season, anchored by tackle Caleb Etienne. He is gone, along with two other starters, so a mini-rebuild commenced over the off season which saw Michigan transfer Andrew Gentry make his way over to slide into a starting role.
DEFENSE
DL: The Cougars lose team-leader Tyler Batty to the NFL and with him a lot of production from 2024. The pass rush will be saddled by Tausili Akana (Texas) and NT Keanu Tanuvasa (Utah) but is more inexperienced heading into 2025.
LB: The second-level duo of Harrison Taggart and Jack Kelly was the best in the Big 12 last season. Taggart transferred, leaving a hole next to Kelly in the starting lineup. Isaiah Glasker will need to step up as a full-time starter after showing potential last season.
S: The Coog defense has had a consistent run of top pass defenses in the conference, but the unit is much less experienced heading into 2025 than it has been in years past. Safety Tanner Wall will be tasked with leading the group, which will be tested on the back half of the schedule.
STRENGTH: Kelly could be the top LB picked in the 2026 draft. The Coogs return a proven receiver in Jake Roberts and runningback in LJ Martin.
WEAKNESS: Off the field issues leaves BYU without a starting quarterback. The secondary has glaring holes and the offensive line lost four starters.
CEILING: 5-7
FLOOR: 3-9
TRAP GAME: NONE
PLAYOFF: NO
OFFENSE
QB: Nicco Marchiol offers potential for Rodriguez in year one of his return to Morgantown. Marchiol threw for 434 yards, five touchdowns and two picks while filling in for Garrett Greene last season and has a big arm that can stretch the field vertically.
WEAPONS: One half of the two-headed backfield monster returns with Jahiem White now assuming the lion’s share of carries after notching 845 yards last season. There are a handful of DII and DIII transfers who rushed for over 1,000 yards to provide depth.
The top returnee (Rodney Gallagher) totaled just 288 yards last season, which means this unit will be relatively new. Rodriguez brought some guys over from JSU to provide experience in the system.
OL: All-American Wyatt Milum is now in the NFL, and with that the Mountaineer offensive line could take a sharp step back. The unit loses four all-conference players and will be a major question mark heading into 2025.
DEFENSE
DL: Zero starters are back (a common theme for this defense) as WVU looks to retool its pass rush after a middling finish last season. AAC DPOY Jimori Robinson will spearhead the pass rush as the lone proven piece along the front.
LB: Rodriguez brought with him Fred Perry from JSU, who was first team All-CUSA last season. That’s a good starting point, and pairing that with Colorado State transfer Chase Wilson creates a solid duo in the middle for WVU.
S: Nevada transfer Michael Coats snagged four interceptions for the Pack last season and will slot in as the unit’s leader this season. The rest of the unit is completely unproven, with App. State transfer Jason Chambers offering the most upside opposite of Coats.
STRENGTH: The Mountaineers cleaned house this off season and look to start anew with program legend Rich Rodriguez leading the charge in 2025.
WEAKNESS: Almost all of last season’s starting lineup is gone. WVU will be heavily dependent on the run game in the early going.
CEILING: 4-8
FLOOR: 3-9
TRAP GAME: TULSA
PLAYOFF: NO
OFFENSE
QB: Veteran Alan Bowman is gone, leaving redshirt sophomore Zane Flores and redshirt freshman Hauss Hejny to compete for the starting spot. It’s unclear who will have the edge, but Hejny provides more as a runner and could boast more potential.
WEAPONS: Freddie Brock will get the first chance to succeed program-great Ollie Gordon II, transferring from Georgia State where he averaged 5.4 yards per carry last season. The backfield is deep with No. 2 Trent Howland also returning.
The Cowboy passing attack will be significantly downgraded, with all three starting receivers gone and transfers ushered in to replace Ole Miss-bound De’Zhaun Stribling and his 882 yards from 2024.
OL: Gundy returns zero starters in 2025 after returning the entire unit last year. 264 career starts are gone, along with a handful of team leaders. This unit is the most unknown on the team, with transfers projected to start at all five positions.
DEFENSE
DL: The Cowboy defensive front was terrible against the run last season but returns NT Iman Oates in the middle to fortify the A-gap. Gundy will need impact players to emerge at other spots, particularly on the edges, for OSU to upgrade a dreadful pass rush from last season. Look for UTEP transfer Kyran Duhon to step into that role.
LB: The bulk of last season’s production is gone with all three starters departing Stillwater. Akron transfer Bryan McCoy projects to be the leader and was second team all-conference last season for the Zips. The rest of the unit is inexperienced.
S: Cornerback Cam Smith is the most talented player on the team and the leader of the unit with one interception and seven PDs in 2024. Dylan Smith is also back at safety but that concludes the returners, with transfers projected to start elsewhere.
STRENGTH: The receiver room is brand new but talented. There is always a chance with head coach Mike Gundy.
WEAKNESS: The Cowboys lose virtually everything from last season. The offensive line and secondary rank among the worst in the conference.
CEILING: 5-7
FLOOR: 3-9
TRAP GAME: NONE
PLAYOFF: NO
OFFENSE
QB: The Wildcats have the benefit of returning one of the conference’s top quarterbacks in Noah Fifita. The redshirt junior has thrown for 5,827 yards and 43 touchdowns since he took over the starting job in early 2023.
WEAPONS: Tetairoa McMillan was selected in the top 10 of the NFL Draft, taking with him over 3,400 yards and 26 touchdowns. Brennan did well in the portal, bringing in Luke Wysong and Kris Hutson to form a deeper unit than last season.
Ismail Mahdi transfers over from Texas State after two excellent seasons with the Bobcats and will pair with Kedrick Reescano to form a solid one-two punch out of the backfield.
OL: This unit also loses its heart and soul with Jonah Savaiinaea departing for the NFL. Despite the loss, the Wildcat front may be all-around better from a depth perspective, especially on the run blocking front with three players having starting experience.
DEFENSE
DL: Leader Tre Smith returns and could be one of the Big 12’s best edge rushers in 2025. Alongside Smith, Brennan beefed up the interior with transfers and will now need a second edge threat to emerge opposite of the fifth year senior.
LB: Taye Brown returns after ranking second on the team in tackles last season (69) and should take another step forward in 2025. The unit is deeper than last year but will need to stay healthy.
S: The safety duo of Genesis Smith and Dalton Johnson gives the secondary a good backbone, but the cornerbacks will need to gel quickly for the Wildcats to have a chance in the Big 12.
STRENGTH: Fifita returns for his junior campaign. Mahdi comes over from Texas State and should be a difference maker. The defense is experienced.
WEAKNESS: Losing studs across the offense — McMillian and Savaiiena — will hurt. The Cats have yet to prove anything under Brent Brennan.
CEILING: 4-8
FLOOR: 1-11
TRAP GAME: NONE
PLAYOFF: NO
OFFENSE
QB: It’ll be a two-horse between transfers Cam Fancher (FAU) and Tayven Jackson (Indiana) for the starting job in Orlando. Fancher is vastly more experienced, but Jackson’s upside may land him the job for the first year of Scott Frost’s return.
WEAPONS: RJ Harvey is gone, leaving Jaden Nixon (first team All-MAC) and Myles Montgomery as the top options. Montgomery averaged 5.7 yards per carry in 2024 and could be the offense’s bell cow early.
The top eight receivers from last season are all gone to the transfer portal or graduation, leaving the unit with zero full time starters and a bevy of inexperience.
OL: Four starters depart along the offensive line, leaving Paul Rubelt as the lone holdover from a 2024 unit that ranked among the top in the conference according to PFF (fourth in run block grade, fifth in pass block). Rubelt is an excellent blindside protector but the line as a whole is significantly depleted.
DEFENSE
DL: The most experienced unit on the team is the defensive front, which features Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly. The two edge rushers combined for 13 sacks last year and should take a step up in 2025. The interior will be new but is very experienced.
LB: Cole Kozlowski comes over from Colgate to lead the unit, which may be the most talented on the team. There are also a fistful of SEC and ACC transfers that made their way over to Orlando looking for starting jobs.
S: Much like the receiving corps, the Golden Knight secondary combines for zero starts in Orlando. The group will be made up entirely of transfers, with a handful possessing starting experience elsewhere.
STRENGTH: Tackle Paul Rubelt is an all-conference caliber player and an experienced, veteran leader.
WEAKNESS: Everything is new. The Knights lose RJ Harvey and four starters along the line, as well as eight defensive starters.