CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein has his eye on several rising stars across college basketball, and the Big 12 Conference is once again well represented. In his early list of players poised for breakout seasons in 2025–26, Rothstein highlighted six Big 12 standouts, proof that the league’s depth and player development pipeline remain unmatched.
The group includes Houston’s Ramon Walker, Iowa State’s Nate Heise, Kansas State’s David Castillo, Utah’s Keanu Dawes, Colorado’s Bangot Dak, and TCU’s David Punch, all players who flashed potential last season and now appear ready to make major jumps in production.
For Houston, Walker represents the kind of gritty, versatile guard that head coach Kelvin Sampson has built his program around. After carving out a role as an energy piece off the bench, Walker’s toughness, defense, and improved offensive consistency make him a prime candidate to become a key contributor for a team that rarely lacks intensity. With Houston set to reload for another Big 12 run, his emergence could be a difference-maker.
Iowa State’s Nate Heise, a transfer from Northern Iowa, fits perfectly into T.J. Otzelberger’s system. Known for his perimeter shooting and ability to guard multiple positions, Heise brings maturity and a steady presence that thrived in Ames last season. His experience gives the Cyclones another reliable two-way player on a roster built to defend and frustrate opponents.
Kansas State’s David Castillo might be the most intriguing of the bunch. The former four-star recruit showed flashes of his elite scoring ability in limited minutes as a freshman, but with another year in Jerome Tang’s program, Castillo looks poised to become one of the league’s next big-time guards. His natural scoring instincts and playmaking potential could make him a focal point for the Wildcats’ offense moving forward.
Utah’s Keanu Dawes is another name to watch as the Utes continue to settle into Big 12 play under a new head coach. At 6-foot-9, Dawes brings size, athleticism, and shooting ability, making him a tough matchup in a league loaded with skilled forwards. His upside gives Utah a versatile weapon who can stretch the floor and create mismatches.
Colorado’s Bangot Dak and TCU’s David Punch round out the list as two players whose athleticism and energy could make them household names next season. Dak, a lengthy and active forward, fits perfectly in Colorado’s uptempo system, while Punch’s physicality and motor make him a classic Jamie Dixon player, relentless and fearless around the rim.
Rothstein’s list is another reminder of what sets the Big 12 apart: player development. Year after year, the conference produces stars who go from rotation players to All-Big 12 standouts seemingly overnight. If these six live up to the hype, the 2025–26 season could feature another wave of breakout talent that keeps the Big 12 at the top of college basketball’s hierarchy.
