A New Big 12 Quarterback Enters the Heisman Discussion

The name Brendan Sorsby just moved into the spotlight, and not quietly. The Cincinnati Bearcats’ quarterback was ranked No. 8 this week in the On3 Heisman Trophy poll after his standout start to the 2025 season.

It’s not every day a player from the Big 12 makes a move like this. Sorsby has done it with production. He’s thrown for over 1,800 yards with 20 touchdowns and just one interception so far this fall, while also running for more than 425 yards and seven scores. The numbers stack up incredibly well against the nation’s best.

The jump into the Heisman conversation is notable for a few reasons. First, quarterbacks dominate the race, but Sorsby isn’t operating in the flashiest media markets; he’s building his case from Cincinnati. Second, the margin for error shrinks when you’re listed among the top contenders. One slip‑up, one bad game, and the momentum can vanish. But for now, he’s earned his spot.

This move also speaks to what the Big 12 is becoming. Programs that were once longshots or rebuilding models are now producing players with national‑award visibility. Sorsby’s rise doesn’t mean he’ll win the trophy, but it means people won’t ignore him. It means his name is part of the conversation, something that holds weight for the team and the league.

For Cincinnati, the timing matters. They’re in a window where expectations are higher, the stage is brighter, and the opportunity is real. The Bearcats’ success this season hinges in part on Sorsby continuing to perform under pressure, elevate at the right times, and keep his team moving forward. He’s opened the door; walking through it is the next step.

Brendan Sorsby isn’t just another name on a poll. He’s someone forcing attention. And in the crowded, noisy world of college football, where guys can spin up hype overnight, Sorsby’s shot is grounded in film, numbers, and a moment that just might be his.