ESPN Snubs Behren Morton on Notable Returning QB Graphic

Ahead of Week 0’s Farmageddon matchup between Kansas State and Iowa State, ESPN released a graphic highlighting several of the Big 12’s notable returning quarterbacks.

The list included Sam Leavitt, Sawyer Robertson, Rocco Becht, Avery Johnson, Josh Hoover, Noah Fifita, and Jalon Daniels.

Noticeably absent from the group was Texas Tech’s Behren Morton, who enters 2025 as one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the league. Morton has started games in each of the last two seasons and is expected to lead a Red Raiders team that has been projected as a dark-horse contender in the Big 12.

Morton’s omission quickly caught the attention of fans, especially given the context. Texas Tech has been mentioned in multiple national projections as a potential playoff team, and Morton’s development has been central to that optimism. While ESPN’s list did not claim to be exhaustive, leaving out one of the league’s more accomplished quarterbacks raised eyebrows.

The other names on the graphic reflect the wide range of talent set to define the Big 12 in 2025. Johnson and Daniels headline as proven dual-threats, while Leavitt and Fifita bring star power to some of the league’s newest members. Becht and Hoover are both viewed as rising passers capable of big seasons.

Still, Morton’s absence stands out. If the Red Raiders can contend for a Big 12 Championship this season, their quarterback will be at the center of it. Whether intentional or simply an oversight, ESPN’s graphic has already sparked debate about where Morton belongs among the conference’s top returning passers.