It might be July, but it is never too early to preview the 2025 college football season. The Big 12 conference was one of the more fun leagues this past season, having such a high level of parity. There are several teams that could win the conference this fall, which makes things fun, but also extremely chaotic. 

With so much volatility, there’s a good chance there are several players and teams that surprise in 2025. Here are some hot takes for the Big 12 conference heading into the season. Buckle up, folks. It’s going to be a quite a ride. 

Sawyer Robertson becomes a national elite 

Robertson, who was a former Mississippi State transfer, quietly had a fantastic season in 2024 for Baylor. He managed to throw for 3,071 yards and 28 touchdowns, while adding another 230 yards and three scores on the ground. The 6-4, 220-pound passer really hit a groove during his first year with the Bears. 

Now entering his second season, there is optimism that Robertson could become one of the very best signal callers in the country. While his NFL prospects are a bit all over the place, one thing is certain, Robertson is a very, very good college quarterback. 

Jordyn Tyson eclipses 1,500 yards 

After some early career injury issues, Tyson was finally able to have his breakout season in 2024. He managed to lead the Sun Devils with 75 receptions for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. Tyson did all of that in just 12 games due to a season ending collarbone injury. 

There is a good argument, if healthy, that Tyson is the best wide receiver returning to college football this season. With quarterback Sam Leavitt also returning, this has a chance to be an outstanding connection. With star running back Cam Skattebo off to the NFL, there be a higher emphasis on the passing attack for Arizona State.

I expect Tyson to have a huge year. 

The Utah Utes win the conference 

For what has traditionally been a winning program under head coach Kyle Whittingham, the Utes have been plagued with injuries the last couple of seasons. That injury bug can’t stick around forever, right? If it gets remedied in 2025, this Utah team has a lot of talent. 

That includes the best offensive tackle duo returning to college football in Caleb Lomu and Spencer Fano. Both players have a chance to go very high in the 2026 NFL Draft if their development continues. There will always be defensive talent on this team as well, most notably linebacker Lander Barton and safety Tao Johnson.

The key for the program is going to be how good New Mexico transfer Devon Dampier is at quarterback. While he isn’t a very consistent passer, Dampier is an outstanding runner. That element could be exactly what the Utes need to get this offense back on track, especially with this offensive line. 

Bearcats bounceback 

The Cincinnati Bearcats under head coach Scott Satterfield have not been an overly good program so far, but that on field success could change in 2025. The Transfer Portal was very kind to the Bearcats this offseason, bringing in several underrated additions. The overall talent on the roster has flipped quickly. 

They completely remade the wide receiver room, giving second-year starting quarterback Brendan Sorsby a lot more options. With stars like tight end Joe Royer, defensive tackle Donte Corleone, and linebacker Jack Golday returning, this Bearcat team could compete to win the conference in 2025. 

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