The end of the season is here and the NDL is wrapping everything up with the bowl games and CFP taking place over the next week or so. The Big XII has had a great season with some solid coaches leading their players on the battlefield. Teams are now reflecting on their journeys, from thrilling victories to hard-fought battles. With conference standings solidified and bowl game aspirations either realized or crushed, it's a pivotal time for programs to assess their performances and lay the groundwork for the future. As we wrap up the season, let's take a look at the standout stars and what they were able to accomplish in this competitive landscape.
OFFENSE
QB Jalon Daniels - Kansas Jayhawks - 3293 Yards / 29 TD's / 4 INT's / 226.8 Rating
The argument could be made for several other QB's to take Daniels spot on this list as he was only fourth in total passing yards this season, almost 1000 yards behind the leader. Despite having less passing yards he was still very close in total passing TD's and only gave the ball away on 4 INT's for the season.
Second Team: Dequan Finn - Baylor Bears
RB Devin Neal - Kansas Jayhawks - 144 Carries / 1714 Yards / 21 TD's
Another selection where there are strong arguments for different RB's but Neal was able to accomplish his impressive season with half as many carries as the two RB's who surpassed him in yards.
RB Corey Kiner - Cincinnati Bearcats - 370 Carries / 1740 Yards / 26 TD's
Bell cow RB for the Bearcats. With a whooping 370 carries it's easy to see the offense went through Kiner.
Second Team: LJ Martin - BYU, Jaheim White - WVU
WR Monaray Baldwin - Baylor Bears - 72 Rec / 1932 Yards / 22 TD's
Led the NDL in receiving yards and was fourth in receiving TD's. The next closest XII receiver was 700 yards behind him! Baldwin set the world on fire early and never let up.
WR Travis Hunter - Colorado Buffaloes - 45 Rec / 1272 Yards / 11 TD's
Hunter was able to do more with less by averaging 28 yards per reception but a significantly lower total reception number than most of the top receivers in the conference.
Second Team: JP Richardson - TCU, Joseph Manjack IV - Houston
TE Brant Kuithe 47 Rec / 856 Yards / 6 TD's
The TE position seemed to be the red headed step-child in the Big XII. Utah, however, found a way to make sure their TE was involved. Kuithe fell a little short of topping the 1000 yard mark but he was a highly sought after target for the Utes in the passing game.
Second Team: Keanu Hill - BYU
Offensive Line: Bryce Foster - Kansas, Luke Kandra - Cincinnati, John Williams - Cincinnati, Kobe Baynes - Kansas, Bless Harris - TCU
DE Dylan Brooks - Kansas Jayhawks 15 TFL / 7 SCK / 1 PD
Another dominate Jayhawk. Everyone has to be hoping Jrod leaves for a different conference....
DE Dakyus Brinkley - Kansas Jayhawks 11 TFL / 7.5 SCK / 1 FF / 1 FR
See Dylan Brooks. I hope you guys tried running inside on him.
Second Team: Clayton Smith - ASU, Tyler Batty - BYU
DT John Nelson - BYU Cougars 20 TFL / 7 SCK / 3 INT / 2 PD / 1 FF
As if the 7 sacks and 20 tackles for a loss weren't impressive enough, Nelson added in 3 interceptions and 2 passes defended for good measure. A dominant force most teams should have game planned for.
DT Junior Tafuna - Utah Utes 14 TFL / 5.5 SCK / 1 PD / 1 FF
Our first Ute makes the list. A dominate force on the interior that also accumulated 29 tackles.
Second Team: Chidozie Nwankwo - Colorado, Dontay Corleone - Cincinnati
LB Ben Bywater - BYU Cougars 81 TKL / 20 TFL / 4 SCK / 4 INT / 4 PD / 1 DTD
There wasn't anything Bywater's team couldn't count on him to do. Wreaking havoc all over the field was his specialty.
LB LaVonta Bentley - Colorado Buffaloes 79 TKL / 21 TFL / 1.5 SCK / 1 PD / 2 FF
Another LB'er that struck fear in the offense. A centerpiece to build around.
LB Jacob Manu - Arizona Wildcats 91 TKL / 10 TFL / 2 INT / 4 PD / 1 DTD
Would have liked to seen some sacks here, but clearly he was a pass coverage beast that loved to tackle people.
Second Team: Jake Clifton - KSU, Jesiah Pierre - UCF, Jack Dingle - Cincinnati
CB Mac McWilliams - UCF Knights 50 TKL / 8 INT / 3 PD / 1 DTD
"Throw it my way, I dare you" This lockdown CB was a stalwart for the Knights, forcing QB's to look at the other side of the field.
CB Cobee Bryant - Kansas Jayhawks 48 TKL / 2 TFL / 7 INT / 7 PD / 1 FF / 3 FR
One of the stingiest defenses in the NDL. You expect to see multiple Jayhawks on this list.
Second Team: Keontez Bradley - ASU, Javan Robinson - ASU
S DJ Taylor - Cincinnati Bearcats 84 TKL / 4 TFL / 11 INT / 1 PD / 2 DTD / 2 FF
Led the Big XII in INT's. If you got past the CB, this guy was waiting on you...well, rather the ball.
S Kekoura Tarnue - WVU Mountaineers 49 TKL / 1 TFL / 8 INT / 8 PD / 3 DTD / 1 FF
Lower tackle numbers, but that was because you needed to tackle him. Eight INT's that led to 3 defensive TD's for the ball hawking safety.
Second Team: Kamari Wilson - ASU, Aubrey Burks - WVU
PK Baker Tucker - ASU Sun Devils 9/11 FGs 46/46 XPs
Apparently had a FG Long of 86,016 yards. That's impressive. ; )
Second Team: Will Ferrin - BYU
P Mark Vassett - Colorado Buffaloes 29 Punts inside the 20 / 5 Touchbacks
Second Team: Ethan Craw - TCU
PR/KR: Some crazy stats here. I was unable to determine what has happening so..... I'll let you guys debate this one! : )
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