If Cincinnati.com were to release its "way-too-early" Big 12 quarterback rankings for the 2025 season, the discussion would undoubtedly center on the Bearcats' own Brendan Sorsby and how he stacks up against a surprisingly deep and talented conference.

Brendan Sorsby: Under the Radar, High Upside

For Cincinnati.com, the focus would naturally be on Sorsby. Nationally, he often lands in the middle or latter half of Big 12 QB rankings (e.g., USA Today recently placed him at No. 9 among 16 starters). However, local coverage would likely emphasize his potential for a significant leap.

Key Strengths: Sorsby demonstrated his dual-threat ability in 2024, leading Big 12 quarterbacks in rushing touchdowns. He also showed improved passing accuracy (64% completion rate) and a knack for extending plays. Having a full second year in Scott Satterfield's system, coupled with new offensive coordinator Mike Brown, is expected to foster growth.

Areas for Improvement: Consistency in the passing game, especially on deep balls, and reducing turnovers will be crucial for him to climb the rankings. The Bearcats' offensive line play will also be key to his success.

The Big 12 QB Landscape: Competitive and Diverse

Cincinnati.com's rankings would then weigh Sorsby against the rest of the league, which features a compelling mix of returning experience and high-ceiling talent:

Top Tier Contenders:

Avery Johnson (Kansas State): Often considered the favorite due to his electric athleticism and a full offseason as the starter.

Sam Leavitt (Arizona State): A rising star who impressed as a freshman, blending mistake-free passing with mobility. Some project him as a potential 2026 NFL Draft pick.

Sawyer Robertson (Baylor): Finished 2024 strong and led Baylor's late-season surge. Phil Steele notably has him as a First-Team All-Big 12 QB.

Josh Hoover (TCU): Led the Big 12 in passing yards in 2024 and returns as a productive veteran.

Veterans with Upside:

Rocco Becht (Iowa State): A steady, experienced hand who leads a disciplined Iowa State offense.

Jalon Daniels (Kansas): His talent is undeniable, but his ability to stay healthy will dictate Kansas's ceiling.

New Faces/Wildcards:

Devon Dampier (Utah): A transfer who brings explosiveness but must adapt to Big 12 defenses.

Hauss Hejny (Oklahoma State): A true freshman taking over for a team looking to rebuild after a tough 2024.

Bear Bachmeier (BYU): The highly-touted true freshman who could compete for the starting job after Jake Retzlaff's departure.

In summary, Cincinnati.com would likely view Brendan Sorsby as a key piece for the Bearcats' Big 12 hopes, emphasizing his dual-threat capabilities and potential for growth. However, they would acknowledge that he's part of a crowded and highly competitive Big 12 quarterback class, where many teams possess the talent to make a strong run for the conference title.

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