The Big 12 is trying to solidify itself as the third most powerful conference in college football, hoping to survive whatever comes next in the NCAA.
Adding strong programs, like the Utah Utes, helps, but star power is a critical element of success in the eyes of many. TV contracts drive a lot of conference prestige, and stars drive those contracts.
To achieve that star power the Big 12 needs Heisman Trophy candidates.
Deion Sanders and his Colorado Buffaloes are doing their part, with quarterback Shedeur Sanders and wide receiver/defensive back hybrid Travis Hunter both squarely in the mix ahead of Week 6 of the season.
The Colorado duo are not the only candidates to take home college football’s most coveted prize however, with Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson on the list… But what’s their present argument for the big prize? And is there a dark horse candidate in the Big 12? Let’s break it down:
The Favorite: Shedeur Sanders
The Colorado Buffaloes do top the list, twice. And to be fair, they have a lot left to prove. But the Heisman has been, by and large, a quarterback award. Since 2000, 20 quarterbacks have won the award. And the quarterback with the most star power in the Big 12 has to be the guy with a celebration that is…flexing his watch?
Sanders is top-10 in passing yards, top-5 in passing touchdowns, has just three interceptions, and – somehow – the stats don’t tell the whole story. Sanders is constantly running around for his life. He has the Hail Mary’s to seal comebacks and he can march down the field. The only question is: is Shedeur Sanders even his own team’s best player? And can he be the Most Outstanding Player in America if he isn’t?
The Best: Travis Hunter
Nationally, Travis Hunter is 4th in receiving yards, and 3rd in receiving touchdowns. Also, he has played more defensive snaps than offensive snaps this year because, as talented a wideout as he is, he is an even better defensive back. Hunter could be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft as a wide receiver or a cornerback. He was a preseason All-American at two positions. He makes dazzling plays on both sides of the ball and, if he really had the opportunity to focus on one thing, could probably play any position.
Sanders needs Hunter, Hunter needs Sanders. The only issue that either player could run into as they hope to get invited to New York for the Heisman ceremony is stealing one anothers’ votes.
The Other Guy: Avery Johnson
Avery Johnson is only ranked in the top 60 of all NCAA players in rushing yards and added a pair of rushing touchdowns last week… as a quarterback. He also has 880 pass yards and nine touchdowns. Obviously, the Wildcats took a spill in Provo, Utah, but most do.
The true dual-threat quarterback seems poised to help the Kansas State Wildcats bounce back from and win the Big 12. To do that, they would likely have to win on the road in Boulder, Colorado, on October 12th, and could avenge their early loss to BYU in a title game trip to Arlington, Texas. With the Buffaloes splitting votes, could Avery Johnson be the Big 12’s best bet?
The Dark horse: Jake Retzlaff
Retzlaff, quarterback of the BYU Cougars, is an elite passer. The Corona, California, native has over 1,200 yards passing and has thrown 11 touchdowns. After beating the Baylor Bears last week, BYU sits at 5-0 and could make noise nationally very soon. The Cougars’ early season win over the SMU Mustangs looks better every week, they beat KSU like very few teams have in the Chris Kleiman era, and their statement game comes in a game they call “The Holy War.” BYU heads to No. 18 Utah in early November in a game that could propel him into the conversation.
The Cougars wrap with the Kansas Jayhawks, the Arizona State Sun Devils, and the Houston Cougars. Four programs Retzlaff has the potential to light up on his way to a Big 12 title game in Arlington.