Oklahoma’s rise to the top of the Big 12 directly correlated with the rise of star quarterback Baker Mayfield as he led them to an 11-2 record while guiding them to the Big 12’s first appearance in the College Football Playoff. Expectations are just as high for the Sooners heading in to 2016 but there is no doubt they will only go as far as Mayfield can take them. Here is a look at the four most indispensable players in the Big 12 right now.
QB: Baker Mayfield
Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma went from 8-5 to 11-2 and secured the Big 12 championship as well as an appearance in the College Football Playoff thanks in big part to Mayfield’s performance under center last season. Mayfield threw for 3,700 yards with 36 touchdowns while running for an additional 405 yards and seven scores on the ground. His understanding of the Sooners’ Air Raid offense and ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs led to outstanding production a year ago. All eyes will be on Mayfield to see what he has in store for Oklahoma this season and there is no doubt he is their most indispensable player as they begin their Big 12 title defense.
QB: Mason Rudolph
Oklahoma State
The Cowboys are hoping they can knock the rival Sooners out of the top spot in the Big 12 this season. Oklahoma State will need Rudolph to perform at an elite level in order to have any shot at making that happen. The Rock Hill, South Carolina-native threw for 3,770 yards and 21 touchdowns compared to nine interceptions in his sophomore season and he is expected to put up even better numbers with another year of experience in the Cowboys’ system. Oklahoma State will return all five starting offensive linemen along with star receiver James Washington, so the weapons are certainly in place for the offense to put up big numbers this season. We know how explosive the Cowboys can be but they need to perform better against elite competition. Remember that the Cowboys started the season 10-0 last year before playing three straight games against teams ranked No. 12 or higher. They ended up losing all three. Rudolph’s completion percentage was less than 60% in each of those games. They were 9-0 when his completion percentage was 60% or higher last season and 1-3 in games when it was lower. He needs to be more accurate and deliver against the toughest of competition.
Ultimately, the Cowboys will need Rudolph to perform at an elite level to challenge for a Big 12 title in 2016 and there is no doubt at this point that he is their most important player.
WR: K.D. Cannon
Baylor Bears
The return of star quarterback Seth Russell is expected to have a major impact on Baylor’s fortunes in the Big 12 next season. However, he might not be the Bears’ most indispensable player at this point. We will give that title to the star receiver Cannon, who is set to lead one of the most explosive offenses in the entire nation this season. The departure of leading receiver Corey Coleman and No. 3 receiver Jay Lee will make Connon that much more important to the Baylor offense this season. Russell’s return will be an important factor in the Bears bouncing back this year but in order for the quarterback to succeed he will need Cannon to play to his immense potential.
QB: Jerrod Heard
Texas Longhorns
The Longhorns aren’t expected to contend for a Big 12 title this season but they will need to show marked improvement in order for Charlie Strong to keep his job as head coach. That will mean getting the most out of the sophomore quarterback Heard, who showed flashes of his immense potential last season. Heard completed 57.9-perent of his passes for 1,214 yards and five touchdowns with an additional 556 rushing yards and three scores on the ground. Texas isn’t ready to contend in a loaded big 12 conference just yet but they have the potential to be a lot better than the 5-7 record they recorded last season and it will be Heard leading the way for them under center.
