Sweeping changes are coming to the Big 12 this season as conference realignment continues altering the landscape of college football. The Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah programs are new to the conference. An abundance of talent is joining the Big 12 as a result.
With Big 12 media day approaching, we've identified the 10 offensive talents that possess the most upside to produce this campaign.
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders possesses a legitimate chance to be the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. The precise signal-caller threw for 3,230 yards and 27 touchdowns last season. Sanders' ball placement is as impressive as any QB in college football. His upside screams potential franchise quarterback at the next level.
Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State
After winning the 2023 Doak Walker Award winner, the accolades have continued rolling in for Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II this offseason. He was the lone unanimous selection on the annual Preseason All-Big 12 team and was also named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Gordon, who totaled more than 2,000 yards of offense last season, blends size with speed as a three-down playmaker.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The No. 5 overall player on our way-too-early 2025 Big Board, Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is a towering X-receiver with outstanding athleticism and body control. The Waimanalo, Hawaii native produced 90 receptions for 1,402 yards last season. Another massive campaign looms large for the 6-foot-5 pass-catcher.
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
It remains to be seen how Colorado's two-way star Travis Hunter will split his time between wide receiver and cornerback throughout 2024 as he enters a draft-eligible campaign. A rare breed, Hunter thrived at both positions last season, accumulating 57 receptions for 721 yards and five touchdowns to go along with eight passes defensed and three interceptions. He's an elite athlete who makes game-changing plays on offense and defense.
Brant Kuithe, TE, Utah
Hoping to follow in the footsteps of Dalton Kincaid is Utah tight end Brant Kuithe. A season-ending injury just four contests into his 2022 season cost him the entire 2023 campaign as well. When Kuithe was last on the field in a full-time capacity in 2021, the Katy, Texas native recorded 50 receptions for 611 yards and six touchdowns.
KJ Jefferson, QB, UCF
KJ Jefferson takes over as quarterback for the UCF Knights after transferring to the program from Arkansas earlier this summer. He'll be among the Big 12's most experienced quarterbacks in 2024, already throwing for 7,923 yards and 67 touchdowns while adding 1,876 rushing yards and 21 additional scores in 44 games at Arkansas. Jefferson is a draftable talent.
Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins is another big-bodied wideout, listed at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds. Higgins places opposing cornerbacks in a blender with advanced route-running and tempo skills. He averaged an explosive 18.5 yards per catch last season, finishing with 53 receptions, 983 yards, and six scores.
Dalton Cooper, OT, Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State returns its entire offensive line from last season and left tackle Dalton Cooper is their standout. Cooper helped generate rushing lanes for Gordon to gallop for 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns. An experienced tackle who's nimble on his feet, the Cowboys standout has top-64 potential in 2025.
Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech
Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks is a physical downhill runner who dishes out punishment. A violent playmaker, Brooks exploded in 2023, rushing for 1,538 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. There's room to improve as a pass-catcher after being limited to 72 receiving yards via 29 receptions.
Kobe Hudson, WR, UCF
Kobe Hudson will quickly become Jefferson’s favorite target at wide receiver. The explosive playmaker averaged 20.5 yards per reception last season while hauling in 44 catches for 900 yards and eight touchdowns. A 1,000-yard campaign should arrive for Hudson in 2024.
