The landscape of college football is shifting rapidly, with the College Football Playoff (CFP) considering expansion and conference realignment shaking up traditional power structures. Amid these changes, the Big 12 finds itself at a pivotal crossroads.
While Oklahoma and Texas’s departures initially cast doubt on the league’s national standing, a new narrative emerges.
Big 12 Quarterback Depth: The League’s Secret Weapon
The Big 12 has some of the best quarterbacks in the country. While the SEC and Big Ten feature a few dominant quarterbacks each season, the Big 12 consistently has an average quarterback level.
Nearly all the conference’s rosters feature star quarterbacks like Sam Leavitt and Sawyer Robertson, who are both high-talent and full of playing energy. Because there is so much talented quarterback play, even mid-ranked Big 12 teams can rely on quarterbacks who can dominate key games and set impressive records.
Because of this depth, the games become very well-balanced and full of surprises. Since many teams have excellent quarterbacks, the Big 12 is unlikely to experience a single outstanding team.
SleeperCFB Big 12 Preseason QB Rankings pic.twitter.com/ig8pYQq5zP
— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) May 8, 2025
Rather, the league faces one hard team after another every week, which improves the level of play and makes each conference game a possibility for CFP recognition. Therefore, fans and analysts from the country believe the league is both exciting and highly respected.
Moreover, the Big 12’s quarterback-driven offenses are tailor-made for the modern playoff era. High-scoring games, explosive plays, and clutch performances in prime time attract the kind of attention that sways rankings and playoff berths.
As the CFP contemplates expanding to include more teams, the Big 12’s ability to produce headline-grabbing quarterback performances could be the difference-maker in securing multiple playoff spots each season.
Why the Big 12 Could Dominate the CFP Race
With the CFP considering giving the Big 12 two automatic bids, the league could gain a clear advantage over other programs. Because almost every NCAA team can make the playoffs, having excellent quarterbacks is increasingly important.
Teams that used to hover around playoff contention will now have the chance to reach the playoffs, depending on their quarterback performances in crucial games.
KEEP READING: Top Rushing QBs by Power 4 Conference: Who Leads the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC in 2025?
For example, Oklahoma State is regarded as a main program that can use its broad base to gain national importance. If a Big 12 team, especially the Cowboys, can rely on a dominant quarterback for a great playoff run, both the team and the league will benefit.
If the Big 12 wins, it would show everyone that it can stand with the SEC and Big Ten among the strongest conferences.
Ultimately, the Big 12’s quarterback depth is more than just a talking point- it’s a strategic asset that could define the league’s future. As the CFP era continues to evolve, expect the Big 12 to be at the forefront, driven by a relentless wave of quarterback talent that few conferences can match.
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