Surprising results make college football most interesting. Breakout players certainly fit that billing. There should be a handful of Big 12 players who break out in 2023.
Last season, the Texas Longhorns had several breakout players. We were all over the potential breakout of linebacker Jaylan Ford and left tackle Kelvin Banks. Even so, tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders exceeded expectations becoming the best tight end in the league.
The two conference championship representatives certainly had their breakout players. Kansas State quarterback Will Howard quickly elevated the Wildcats from above average to conference title contender. The team went on to beat the TCU Horned Frogs and cut short their opponent’s bid for a perfect season.
TCU’s Max Duggan went from benched and unheralded to arguably a top three quarterback in college football last season. His running back, Kendre Miller, saw his stock rise as the season progressed.
Let’s look at who makes this season’s all-breakout team.