Heisman Watch: Big XII Quarterbacks
From 2021, the Big XII saw the departures of quarterbacks like Spencer Rattler, Caleb Williams and Brock Purdy. However, this offseason has seen some new names come into the conference and some players looking to continue building their names. Therefore, what quarterbacks should the fans look towards this season that could make a run at being in New York when the Heisman Trophy presentation takes place?
Dillon Gabriel - Oklahoma
The big-time UCF transfer Dillon Gabriel almost ended up in Los Angeles playing for UCLA. That was until the late departure of Caleb Williams steered his choice over to the Sooners. Gabriel showed in 2020 that he has the talent to be a Sooners quarterback. Throwing for 32 TDs and four interceptions with over 3,500 yards, Gabriel will now enter a more pass-friendly system in Norman.
Despite quarterback wizard Lincoln Riley heading over to Southern California, Oklahoma believes they won’t skip a beat by bringing in former Ole Miss offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby to run the offense in Norman. Lebby was the mastermind in Oxford alongside Lane Kiffin in creating a feared offensive unit that was top ten in the country last season.
It will be tough since Oklahoma lost a lot of talent via the transfer portal, but Head Coach Brent Venables came over from Clemson with a lot of proven success to get the Sooners in the right direction. Expect a big year from Gabriel on a new-look Sooners roster.
Blake Shapen - Baylor
A player who didn’t even start the first half of the season, Blake Shapen not only earned his role as the starter this season during camp, but with an amazing performance in the Big XII championship game, he tossed three touchdowns and completed over 80% of his passes. While Shapen was only a three-star prospect coming out of high school, his accuracy and ability to throw under pressure are promising.
He was the man for only about three games for the Bears, but he also tore it up this spring. Maybe he’s going to make some headway like a former Big XII signal caller that’s similar in stature.
It may be a stretch to say, but it wasn’t long ago when a shorter three-star quarterback dominated the Big XII and went on to be the first-overall pick. Well, actually twice. Baylor should again be in contention in the Big XII and the success of Shapen may determine how far this team goes. Unfortunately, Baylor did lose their top two running backs from this past season and their best receiver, so they will need their players to fill in those vacant positions and help Shapen with targets to get the football to.
Quinn Ewers - Texas
One of the most highly touted prospects of all time, the once Ohio State Buckeye Quinn Ewers decided to return to his original decision and be a Longhorn. Now under second-year Head Coach Steve Sarkisian and a Heisman hopeful Bijan Robinson (1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns) carrying the rock, Texas fans are expecting the Longhorns to finally “be back” this season.
When it comes to projecting how good he’ll be, it’s hard since Ewers hasn’t taken any significant snaps since his high school days. However, he has a great situation with an elite running back, plus ultra-talented Xavier Worthy coming back at receiver (62 catches, 982 yards, and 12 touchdowns) and it’s hard to imagine Ewers not doing quite well. Ewers has one of the strongest arms in college football, and it will be up to him and the Texas staff to put him in the best situation possible.
J.T. Daniels - West Virginia
One of the most intriguing names that headed to the Big XII this offseason via the transfer portal, the former USC Trojan and Georgia Bulldog J.T. Daniels decided to head over to West Virginia. A program that hasn’t seen much success since 2018, when they peaked as a Top 10 team on the AP Poll.
For Daniels though, it appears he might finally get the chance to really show what he’s got. He hasn’t started double-digit games since his freshman season at USC, and hasn’t really had the system under him that could allow for him to display his arm talent. West Virginia's offense is definitely more pass-friendly compared to a team like the Georgia Bulldogs.
Daniels is probably not nearly as likely to be an NFL draft pick as he once was, but with a good season, he could potentially sneak into the sixth or seventh round or more likely an undrafted free agent. Nonetheless, West Virginia will need to see Daniels stay on the field and avoid the constant injuries that have plagued his career thus far if they want to get the very best from the California native.
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