Over the years, the Big 12 Conference has seen some of the most explosive offensive talents, such as Patrick Mahomes and Tavon Austin.
The league produces some of the highest-scoring games each season. However, several defensive talents on Big 12 rosters in 2025 will have major impacts on their squads.
PFF College released its highest graded linebackers in the Big 12 back on the field in 2025.
Kansas State linebacker Austin Romaine had the highest rating at 90.8. Last season, he recorded 54 solo tackles, two sacks, and three forced fumbles.
Listed at 6-foot-2, Romaine was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team in 2024 and tallied at least five tackles in 11 games. He was one of the most consistent players in the conference last season, playing in every game.
Arizona’s Riley Wilson came in at No. 2 (86.7) after making a name for himself with Montana last season. He transferred to the Wildcats after a strong career with the Grizzlies, highlighted by a team-leading 8.5 sacks in 2023.
Texas Tech improved its defense this offseason and will rely on linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who ranked third with a grade of 82.5. Last season, he recorded 78 solo tackles, three forced fumbles, five sacks, and one interception.
His stellar season earned him a spot on the All-Big 12 First Team. With 127 total tackles, Rodriguez inked his name in the Texas Tech record books, with the most tackles in program history since 2002.
Jake Golday, a linebacker at Cincinnati, ranked fourth (80.9) as he enters his second season with the Bearcats. He had the second-most tackles on the team with 58 and earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention.
Golday forced two fumbles and finished with 1.5 sacks.
The top six was closed out with UCF’s Cole Kozlowski (78.0) at No. 5 and Baylor’s Travion Barnes (77.9) at No. 6. Kozlowski finished last season with 133 total tackles with Colgate before transferring to the Knights this offseason.
Barnes spent last season with FIU, making 129 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions.
