Ranking The Top 10 Greatest Big 12 Football Players of All Time

The Big 12 Conference has been home to some of the most electrifying and accomplished football players in college football history. From record-breaking quarterbacks to game-changing defenders, the conference’s legacy is filled with unforgettable athletes. Here’s a look at ten of the best Big 12 players of all time, celebrated for their dominance, skill, and impact on the game.

1. Vince Young (Texas Longhorns, QB, 2003–2005)

Few players have left a bigger mark on college football than Vince Young. His iconic performance in the 2006 Rose Bowl, where he led Texas to a national championship with 467 total yards and the game-winning touchdown, is etched in history. A dual-threat quarterback with exceptional athleticism, Young won the Maxwell Award and finished as a Heisman Trophy runner-up in 2005. His ability to take over games defined his legacy.

2. Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma Sooners, RB, 2004–2006)

Adrian Peterson burst onto the scene as a freshman at Oklahoma, setting an NCAA freshman rushing record with 1,925 yards. A physical and explosive runner, Peterson was a unanimous All-American in 2004 and finished second in the Heisman voting the same year. Despite battling injuries during his college career, his dominance on the field made him one of the most feared running backs in Big 12 history.

3. Ricky Williams (Texas Longhorns, RB, 1995–1998)

Ricky Williams rewrote the college football record books during his time at Texas. He won the 1998 Heisman Trophy after rushing for 2,124 yards and setting the then-NCAA career rushing record with 6,279 yards. Known for his power and vision, Williams also won the Maxwell, Doak Walker, and Walter Camp Awards, solidifying his place as one of the greatest running backs in NCAA history.

4. Barry Sanders (Oklahoma State Cowboys, RB, 1986–1988)

While Barry Sanders’ standout 1988 season technically came before the Big 12 was formed, his impact on college football is too immense to overlook. Sanders rushed for an astonishing 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns that year, earning him the Heisman Trophy. His elusive running style and jaw-dropping moves make him one of the most electrifying players to ever step onto the field.

5. Sam Bradford (Oklahoma Sooners, QB, 2007–2009)

Sam Bradford was the architect of one of college football’s most explosive offenses. In 2008, he threw for 4,720 yards and 50 touchdowns, winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Oklahoma to the BCS National Championship Game. Bradford’s precision and poise in the pocket made him one of the most efficient quarterbacks in NCAA history.

6. Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska Cornhuskers, DT, 2007–2009)

A dominant force on the defensive line, Ndamukong Suh was a game-wrecker for Nebraska. In 2009, he won the Lombardi, Outland, and Nagurski Awards while finishing fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting—an extraordinary feat for a defensive player. Suh’s ability to disrupt both the run and pass game earned him a reputation as one of the best defensive players in college football history.

7. Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma Sooners, QB, 2015–2017)

Baker Mayfield’s rise from a walk-on to a Heisman Trophy winner is one of the most inspiring stories in Big 12 history. The charismatic quarterback won the Heisman in 2017 after throwing for 4,627 yards and 43 touchdowns. Known for his competitive fire and leadership, Mayfield also led Oklahoma to three consecutive Big 12 championships and two College Football Playoff appearances.

8. Colt McCoy (Texas Longhorns, QB, 2006–2009)

Colt McCoy left Texas as the NCAA’s all-time winningest quarterback, with 45 career victories. A two-time Heisman finalist, McCoy displayed incredible accuracy and leadership throughout his career. In 2009, he led Texas to an undefeated regular season and a national championship appearance, cementing his legacy as one of the program’s all-time greats.

9. Darren Sproles (Kansas State Wildcats, RB, 2001–2004)

Despite being undersized, Darren Sproles was a giant on the field. He rushed for over 4,979 yards during his Kansas State career, including a jaw-dropping 292-yard performance in the 2004 Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State. Sproles’ agility, speed, and versatility as a runner and returner made him one of the most dynamic players in Big 12 history.

10. Robert Griffin III (Baylor Bears, QB, 2008–2011)

Robert Griffin III, known as RG3, electrified college football with his dual-threat capabilities. He became the first Baylor player to win the Heisman Trophy in 2011 after passing for 4,293 yards, rushing for 699, and accounting for 47 total touchdowns. RG3’s ability to create magic on the field helped elevate Baylor’s program to new heights.

Honorable Mentions
The Big 12 has seen many other incredible talents, including Kyler Murray, Cedric Benson, and Justin Blackmon, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the conference.

These players not only dominated the Big 12 but also helped define college football during their respective eras, leaving behind legacies that continue to inspire future generations.