Get ready, college football fans! The 2025 Big 12 season is shaping up to be a wild ride, packed with electrifying talent, breakout stars, and NFL Draft prospects ready to light up the gridiron. From dual-threat quarterbacks to bone-crushing defenders, these players are poised to dominate headlines, chase Heisman glory, and cement their legacies. Here’s our rundown of the Top 10 Big 12 Players to Watch in 2025, complete with their stats, team affiliations, standout moments, and why they’re must-watch talents. Let’s dive in!
1. Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State
Stats (2024): 2,885 passing yards, 24 TDs, 6 INTs, 443 rushing yards, 5 rushing TDs
Why He’s Must-Watch: Sam Leavitt, the Michigan State transfer, was a revelation in 2024, leading Arizona State to an 11-1 record and a Big 12 title game appearance. His dual-threat prowess (2,885 passing yards, 443 rushing yards) makes him a nightmare for defenses. With a knack for extending plays and thriving in Kenny Dillingham’s system, Leavitt is a Heisman dark horse for 2025.
Standout Moment: Throwing for 24 TDs while guiding ASU to a CFP quarterfinal run, only falling in double overtime to Texas.
2025 Prediction: Leavitt could hit 3,500 total yards and lead ASU to another deep CFP run, boosting his stock as a potential first-round NFL Draft pick.
2. Jalon Daniels, QB, Kansas
Stats (2024): 2,454 passing yards, 14 TDs, 12 INTs, started all 12 games
Why He’s Must-Watch: Jalon Daniels is Kansas’ heartbeat, a dual-threat QB with a rollercoaster career of highs (three straight wins over ranked opponents in 2024) and lows (injury history). His ability to sling it deep or scramble for clutch gains keeps defenses guessing. If he stays healthy, Daniels is a Heisman contender and a top NFL Draft prospect.
Standout Moment: Leading Kansas to a thrilling upset over Iowa State in 2024, showcasing his grit and playmaking.
2025 Prediction: Daniels could throw for 3,000 yards and rush for 700, vaulting Kansas into Big 12 title contention.
3. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Stats (2023): 90 receptions, 1,402 yards, 10 TDs
Why He’s Must-Watch: Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan is the Big 12’s premier wideout, a 6-foot-5 mismatch with hands like glue. A likely first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, McMillan’s ability to dominate double-teams makes him a game-changer. His size and speed scream Biletnikoff Award candidate.
Standout Moment: Hauling in 10 catches for 200 yards in a 2023 rout of UCLA, proving he’s unguardable.
2025 Prediction: McMillan could top 1,500 receiving yards, anchoring Arizona’s offense under new coach Brent Brennan.
4. Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
Stats (2024): 110 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 55 solo tackles over three seasons
Why He’s Must-Watch: Known as “The Godfather,” this 6-foot-1, 325-pound nose tackle is a wrecking ball. After overcoming blood clots to return in 2024, Corleone’s decision to stay for his senior year makes him a cornerstone for Cincinnati’s defense. His power and quickness make him a top NFL Draft prospect.
Standout Moment: Recording 3 sacks in a 2024 win over UCF, clogging the middle and disrupting plays.
2025 Prediction: Corleone could hit double-digit sacks, earning All-American honors and lifting Cincinnati’s defense to elite status.
5. Rocco Becht, QB, Iowa State
Stats (2024): 3,120 passing yards, 23 TDs, ISU freshman records
Why He’s Must-Watch: Rocco Becht emerged as the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2024, leading Iowa State to a 10-win season and a Pop-Tarts Bowl victory. With top receivers gone, Becht’s poise and arm strength will be tested, but his leadership makes him a breakout star.
Standout Moment: Throwing for 300 yards and 3 TDs in the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl, sealing a win over Miami.
2025 Prediction: Becht could push for 3,500 passing yards, keeping Iowa State in the Big 12 title hunt.
6. Jordan Dwyer, WR, TCU
Stats (2024 at Idaho): 78 receptions, 1,192 yards, 12 TDs
Why He’s Must-Watch: Transferring from Idaho, Jordan Dwyer brings elite production to TCU’s high-octane offense. His 11-catch, 189-yard, 2-TD performance in an FCS playoff game shows he’s ready for the Power 4 stage. Dwyer’s speed and hands make him a breakout candidate.
Standout Moment: Racking up 100+ receiving yards in four of his last five games at Idaho in 2024.
2025 Prediction: Dwyer could hit 1,000 yards and 10 TDs, becoming TCU’s go-to target and an NFL Draft sleeper.
7. Chase Sowell, WR, Iowa State
Stats (2024 at East Carolina): 81 receptions, 1,300 yards, 4 TDs
Why He’s Must-Watch: This 6-foot-4 East Carolina transfer fills the void left by Iowa State’s drafted receivers. Sowell’s size and catch radius make him a red-zone nightmare and a perfect fit for Rocco Becht’s deep balls. He’s a breakout star in the making.
Standout Moment: A 150-yard, 2-TD game against Tulsa in 2024, showcasing his big-play ability.
2025 Prediction: Sowell could haul in 80 catches and 1,200 yards, boosting Iowa State’s passing attack.
8. Jake Retzlaff, QB, BYU
Stats (2024): 2,906 passing yards, 20 TDs, 12 INTs, 372 rushing yards
Why He’s Must-Watch: Jake Retzlaff’s arm strength and mobility made him a fan favorite in BYU’s 11-win 2024 season. His deep-ball accuracy (highlighted by TDs against Southern Illinois and Baylor) marks him as a potential top-five college QB. He’s a 2026 NFL Draft prospect to watch.
Standout Moment: Earning Alamo Bowl Offensive MVP honors with 2 TDs in 2024.
2025 Prediction: Retzlaff could cut down on interceptions and throw for 3,200 yards, pushing BYU toward a CFP berth.
9. Isaiah Glasker, LB, BYU
Stats (2024): Big 12 leader in tackles for loss, 5 sacks
Why He’s Must-Watch: Isaiah Glasker’s transition from safety to linebacker paid off big in 2024, leading the Big 12 in tackles for loss. His speed and instincts make him a sideline-to-sideline menace and a 2026 NFL Draft prospect.
Standout Moment: A 2-sack, 3-TFL game against Oklahoma State, anchoring BYU’s top-ranked Big 12 defense.
2025 Prediction: Glasker could rack up 100 tackles and 8 sacks, earning All-American buzz.
10. Terrance Carter Jr., TE, Texas Tech
Stats (2024 at Louisiana): 76 receptions, 944 yards, 7 TDs over two seasons
Why He’s Must-Watch: The top tight end in the Sun Belt last season, Carter Jr. brings his sure hands and red-zone prowess to Texas Tech. With two years of eligibility left, he’s a breakout candidate in a pass-heavy offense.
Standout Moment: A 100-yard, 2-TD game against App State in 2024, proving his big-play potential.
2025 Prediction: Carter could hit 800 yards and 8 TDs, becoming a key weapon for Texas Tech’s playoff push.
Why This Season Matters
The Big 12 is a battleground of talent in 2025, with these players driving their teams toward conference glory and CFP dreams. From Leavitt’s dual-threat magic to Corleone’s defensive dominance, each athlete brings something special. Heisman hopefuls like Daniels and McMillan, alongside NFL-bound stars like Corleone and Retzlaff, make this list a snapshot of the conference’s brightest future.
Fan Question: Which of these Big 12 stars are you most excited to watch in 2025, and who’s your pick for the Heisman? Drop your thoughts in the comments and share this article with your fellow football fanatics!
