Top returning quarterbacks in the Big 12 per Pro Football Focus

The Big 12 is set to feature some of the most talented and highest-potential quarterbacks in all of college football in 2025.

Always a conference known for its offense, the conference hasn’t been this stacked at the quarterback position for some time. While Buffaloes Wire has already ranked the quarterbacks, the leader in football analytics, Pro Football Focus, has ranked the top six returning quarterbacks.

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PFF used the players’ 2024 grades to rank them and included transfers like Colorado Kaidon Salter in the list. With that said, let’s jump into the rankings.

6. Behren Morton – 79.7

Morton provided much-needed stability for the Red Raiders last season, who have been searching for a quarterback since Patrick Mahomes. In 2024, he totaled almost 3,000 passing yards and 25 touchdowns while taking good care of the football, throwing only eight interceptions.

Texas Tech brought in the No. 1-ranked transfer portal class over the offseason, which should provide Morton a boost in 2025.

5. Avery Johnson – 81.7

The former Pop Tart Bowl MVP, Johnson, has filled out his trophy case during his time as a Wildcat. Setting a school record with 25 passing touchdowns last season, he added 2,712 passing yards, 606 rushing yards and seven more scores on the ground.

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Kansas State is the favorite to win the Big 12, according to ESPN’s SP+ ranking, and Johnson’s experience will play a key role in the Wildcats’ title aspirations.

4. Kaidon Slater – 82.3

Salter is facing a jump in competition, leaving the Conference USA behind for the Big 12. With that said, however, Salter’s career at Liberty was undeniably fantastic, leading the FBS in total touchdowns in the last two seasons.

While Salter’s ability in the air wasn’t entirely on display last season, as he threw for just 15 touchdowns, 1,886 yards and six interceptions, his scambling ability will bring new life to the Colorado offense. In his two years at Liberty, Salter ran for 19 touchdowns and around 1,600 yards.

3. Josh Hoover – 83.3

Hoover was a breakout star for TCU and is slated to take an even larger leap in 2025. Throwing for almost 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns last season, Hoover excelled in taking care of the football and taking what the defense gave him.

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While Hoover lost a significant part of his receiving corps to the NFL, if he continues his ascent in TCU’s air raid offense, the Horned Frogs will be a threat in the Big 12.

2. Sam Leavitt – 89.1

The last returner from the Big 12 last season, Leavitt, is a player who passes the eye test alongside a high-scoring PFF ranking. The Sun Devils’ star has dual-threat capabilities, totaling over 3,000 total yards and 29 total touchdowns in 2024.

A rising top-tier wideout will aid Leavitt in Jordan Tyson as Arizona State seeks to defend its Big 12 Conference title.

1. Devon Dampier – 89.9

The newest Utah Ute, Dampier, brings incredible athletic ability to the quarterback position. His passing stats from last season, New Mexico, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, might make some write him off, but one glance at his rushing ability and it’s easy to see why the Utes brought him in.

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Dampier ran for 1,166 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns, including an 85-yard score, last season. He’ll be a crucial element if Utah wants to return as a contender in the Big 12.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Top Big 12 returning quarterbacks ranked by PFF ahead of 2025 season