Where each Big 12 program lands in PFF’s college football rankings

PFF now has their initial college football rankings in place. For the Big 12 conference in particular, Iowa State fell to No. 21 overall.

PFF has officially released their initial college football rankings ahead of the 2021 season.

All 130 teams were ranked in order, while PFF took a closer look at the top 25 and listed the highest-graded returning player. Four Big 12 programs cracked the top 25, but where Iowa State landed may surprise you.

In many major publications preseason rankings, Iowa State has commonly landed within the top 10. However, PFF ranked the Cyclones at No. 21 overall behind conference foes Oklahoma, Texas and Oklahoma State.

PFF isn’t confident that Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy will finally live up to lofty expectations. In regards to the Longhorns under first-year head coach Steve Sarkisian, PFF is banking on Casey Thompson winning the quarterback battle and offering more dual-threat ability than Sam Ehlinger.

Here’s where each Big 12 team landed in PFF’s initial college football rankings ahead of the 2021 season: