Big 12 football power rankings: Can TCU’s Cade Bennett be a force on the O-line?
Much of the Big 12’s chances to compete nationally with the SEC and the Big Ten will come down to the play of the league’s offensive lines.
O-line is far from the most glamorous position on the field, but it’s the most impactful outside of quarterback. 2025 will be a year for new names to emerge across the conference as many of the first and second team All-Big 12 offensive linemen from a year ago have departed.
How quickly those stars can be replaced could be the difference between an eight win season or a potential trip to the Big 12 title game.
The Star-Telegram’s Big 12 power rankings continue with a look at the most impactful offensive linemen in the Big 12. Some players are on this list due to past production while others will be here on because of how much their teams will need them:
Spencer Fano, Utah
Breakdown: The lone returning first team All-Big 12 offensive lineman from 2024, Fano will have a good shot at hearing his name called in the 2026 NFL Draft. Fano was voted an All-American by multiple outlets after a tremendous season at right tackle. Despite Utah’s ineptitude on offense, Fano’s ability was still able to shine which should tell you a lot about who he is as a player.
Bryce Foster, Kansas
Breakdown: Foster was voted second team All-Big 12 last season after transferring to Kansas from Texas A&M. The interior offensive linemen helped the Jayhawks average over 211 rushing yards per game and the unit allowed less than a sack per game. Foster was one of three Jayhawks offensive linemen to earn All-Big 12 honors last season and he’ll have to be the leader of the unit with the other two gone.
Sam Hecht, Kansas State
Breakdown: An offensive line list wouldn’t be complete without at least one Kansas State Wildcat. Hecht was voted second team All-Big 12 after a stellar season at center for K-State in his first year as a starter. Hecht played nearly 850 snaps and helped the Wildcats set new program records yards per carry and yards per play.
Cade Bennett, TCU
Breakdown: A San Diego State transfer that signed with TCU last off-season, Bennett missed all of 2024 with a back injury. It was a huge loss for the Horned Frogs, as Bennett was a two-time All-Mountain West Conference selection with the Aztecs and was exactly what the Horned Frogs needed in the interior. Bennett went through the spring as a starter and TCU saw growth in its running game with him on the field opening up holes for the running backs.
Howard Sampson, Texas Tech
Breakdown: One of the many high profile transfer additions for the Red Raiders, Sampson was an honorable mention All-ACC pick after his lone season at North Carolina. He played over 800 snaps and blocked for future NFL running back Omarion Hampton. At 6-foot-8, Sampson stands out with both his play on the field and his physical stature.
Joe Cotton, Cincinnati
Breakdown: The Bearcats had to beat out a number of challengers to land Cotton from South Dakota. Cotton was a two-time all-league pick with South Dakota and also helped the program reach the FCS Playoff semifinals in 2024. Cotton was rated a four-star transfer by 247Sports.
Nick Malone, West Virginia
Breakdown: Wyatt Milum had been the star offensive lineman for West Virginia the last few seasons, but 2025 could be Malone’s time. Malone was graded a top five tackle by Pro Football Focus and just missed out on being an All-Big 12 selection after playing more than 900 snaps on offense.
Omar Aigbedion, Baylor
Breakdown: Aigbedion will be the top returning lineman for the Bears after being named an AP second team All-Big 12 selection. Aigbedion was a rock in the middle and helped Baylor running Bryson Washington have a breakout season, which helped the Bears go on a lengthy winning streak to end the regular season. Aigbedion will likely be a preseason All-Big 12 selection.
This story was originally published May 30, 2025 at 12:04 PM.
