Top 5 Big 12 Football Players Who Can Make a Big Leap in 2025

The Big 12 represented several names called in the 2025 NFL Draft, including Heisman trophy winner Travis Hunter, along with former Arizona star wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

Meanwhile, multiple key players are returning to their programs with high expectations, highlighted by Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson and Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.

There are plenty of players flying under the radar heading into the 2025 season.

West Virginia quarterback Nicco Marchiol decided to return to Morgantown after Neal Brown was fired as head coach. After serving as backup to Garrett Greene the past few seasons, Marchiol is expected to start in Rich Rodriguez’s second stint leading WVU.

The dual-threat quarterback has shown glimpses throughout his career, not losing a game as a starter (3-0). Of the quarterbacks on the roster, Marchiol has the most experience, seeing action in 19 games.

In his career, he has thrown for 742 yards and eight touchdowns while showcasing flashes as a runner. He picked up 285 rushing yards and three touchdowns through the ground game.

With Jahiem White returning in the backfield, the West Virginia offense can turn some heads in 2025, after averaging 29.8 points in 2024.

Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson heated up towards the end of last season, helping the Bears win six of their last seven games.

He totaled 3,071 passing yards and passed for 28 touchdowns, and with a full offseason with Robertson as the starter, Baylor can compete for the Big 12 title. He had the seventh highest QBR in the country last season at 82.9.

Even though Robertson solidified himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the Big 12 last season, he can take an even bigger leap in 2025.

BYU linebacker Jack Kelly was one of the most underrated defenders last season, making 50 total tackles and five sacks.

Kelly can make a significant jump in 2025 because the program lost eight defenders who played over 200 snaps last season. He will have a bigger role defensively and lead a team that is coming off a strong 11-2 outing in 2024.

Arizona State exceeded expectations, earning its way to the College Football Playoff last year in large part due to star running back Cam Skattebo’s impact. He was drafted by the New York Giants in this year’s NFL Draft, leaving the pressure on quarterback Sam Leavitt.

The passing game should open up for Leavitt, and tight end Chamon Metayer may have an increased role in 2025.

He had 32 catches for 306 yards and five touchdowns last season and averaged an impressive 9.6 yards per catch. Tyson needs more help in the receiving game, leaving plenty of opportunity for the 6-foot-4 tight end.

His speed and versatility make him a serious red-zone threat, as ASU has a serious chance to repeat as Big 12 champions.

Kansas State wide receiver Jayce Brown has the opportunity to become one of the biggest deep threats in college football after averaging 17.5 yards per catch in 2024.

He has a strong chemistry with Johnson and played an instrumental role in the team’s 9-4 finish.

While Brown still had a strong showing in 2024, he will have the ability to turn heads and eclipse 1,000 yards this season.