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 taking place later this week, we've identified the 10 defensive talents that possess the most upside to produce this campaign.
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
It remains to be determined how Colorado's two-way star Travis Hunter will split reps between wide receiver and cornerback throughout a draft-eligible campaign. Many NFL scouts believe he possesses more upside at cornerback. Hunter totaled eight passes defensed and three interceptions last season. Offensively, he produced 57 catches for 721 yards and five touchdowns.
Dylan Wudke, DT, Kansas
Dylan Wudke transferred to Kansas earlier this summer after being a productive player at Youngstown State. He brings experience, size, and athleticism to the Jayhawks program. A disruptor, Wudke produced 20 tackles for loss and 9.0 sacks across the past two seasons.
Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona
The No. 26 overall prospect on our way-too-early 2025 Big Board, Tacario Davis led the Pac-12 in pass breakups (15) and passes defensed (16) throughout the 2023 campaign. Davis brings some immediate star power to the Big 12. The big-bodied cornerback (listed at 6-foot-4) is a potential first-round pick.
Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU
Kaleb Elarms-Orr transferred to TCU from California after ranking third in the Pac-12 with 8.4 tackles per game (92 overall) last season. The junior should thrive under defensive coordinator Andy Avalos this year. A 100-plus tackle season appears to be on the horizon.
Amier Washington, EDGE, Texas Tech
Amier Washington's 2023 campaign was cut short to just two games after suffering a season-ending injury. He flashed in the Independence Bowl victory over California when he recorded four tackles for loss, including two sacks and a forced fumble. A former defensive tackle, Washington has made a successful position change to the edge, one that should make him a game-breaker as a redshirt freshman.
Jeremiah Cooper, SAF, Iowa State
Continuity and consistency are the themes of Matt Campbell's ongoing nine-year run with Iowa State. Jeremiah Cooper is a talented center-fielder who finished second in the Big 12 and sixth nationally last season with five interceptions. Cooper added 15 passes defended, including 10 pass breakups, and 45 tackles to his defensive totals.
Steve Linton, “JACK,” Baylor
Steve Linton played the outside linebacker/edge position for Texas Tech last season after primarily playing as a defensive lineman throughout four previous campaigns at Syracuse. He showed flashes of making successful adjustments, totaling 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks in just eight appearances. He transferred to Baylor earlier this offseason to play out his final year of eligibility.
Logan Fano, EDGE, Utah
The Utah Utes may have the best overall roster in the Big 12. Defensive end Logan Fano will be the playmaker tasked with replacing Jonah Elliss' sack production from last season. Fano totaled 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles despite appearing in just five games due to a season-ending injury.
A.J. Haulcy, SAF, Houston
Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz went shopping for defensive contributors in the transfer portal, but safety A.J. Haulcy is a mainstay. Haulcy led the defense with 98 tackles at free safety last season. He'll continue spearheading Shiel Wood's system.
Brendan Mott, DE, Kansas State
Brendan Mott decided to return to Kansas State for his final season of eligibility. He was a 13-game starter last year who accumulated 27 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two pass breakups, and two forced fumbles en route to All-Big 12 Honorable Mention accolades. Mott is a high-energy player who's always around the action.
