Heisman Watch 2026: Brendan Sorsby and Devon Dampier Headline Big 12 QB Race
We're still months away from kickoff, but the Heisman conversation is already heating up - and two Big 12 quarterbacks are right in the thick of it. Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby and Utah’s Devon Dampier are drawing early attention from oddsmakers, and for good reason. Both are coming off strong seasons and heading into pivotal final years that could define not only their college legacies, but their NFL draft stock as well.
Sorsby has the shorter odds at +2500, while Dampier sits at +4000. But don’t let the numbers fool you - both quarterbacks bring serious firepower into the 2026 season, and their trajectories could shape the Big 12 race.
Brendan Sorsby: A High-Stakes Move to Lubbock
After stops at Indiana and Cincinnati, Sorsby is now on his third college team - and possibly his best shot yet at a signature season. He’s set to take over the reins at Texas Tech from Behren Morton, stepping into an offense that’s looking to bounce back after a rough ending to last season, including a lopsided loss to Oregon in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
Sorsby was one of the most coveted names in the transfer portal this cycle, and it took a significant NIL package to bring him to Lubbock. But the Red Raiders didn’t just pay for potential - they paid for production. Sorsby closed out his junior year at Cincinnati just 200 yards shy of the 3,000-yard mark, trailing only Sawyer Robertson (Baylor), Noah Fifita (Arizona), and Josh Hoover (TCU) in the Big 12 passing ranks.
Even more impressive? He posted the fifth-highest PFF grade in the FBS at 90.5, despite Cincinnati dropping its final four games. That kind of efficiency - especially under pressure - speaks volumes about Sorsby’s poise and polish.
Now, with a more talented supporting cast and a Big 12 title in sight, Sorsby has a real shot to cap his college career with a bang. He was a Davey O’Brien semifinalist last year, and if he can elevate Tech back into the playoff picture, don’t be surprised if his name shows up in New York come December.
Devon Dampier: Utah’s Steady Hand in a Season of Change
While Sorsby’s story is about transition, Devon Dampier’s is about stability - at least on the field. Off it, Utah has seen plenty of turnover.
Longtime head coach Kyle Whittingham stepped down, and defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley stepped up to take the reins. The coaching change sparked a wave of transfers, including five key defensive pieces.
But Dampier stayed.
That decision gives Utah a major advantage heading into a new era. The former New Mexico transfer is coming off an 11-2 campaign where he threw for 2,490 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. He capped the year with a dominant Las Vegas Bowl performance, earning MVP honors in a 44-22 win over Nebraska.
The challenge now? Adjusting to a new offensive coordinator.
Jason Beck followed Whittingham to Michigan, and Utah turned to Kevin McGiven, who comes over from Utah State after leading an offense that racked up over 5,300 total yards in 2025. McGiven brings a more pass-heavy approach, which could play to Dampier’s strengths - especially if he’s given the keys to run the show solo.
But that’s not a guarantee.
Freshman Byrd Ficklin, who shared time with Dampier in 2025 under Beck’s dual-QB system, is still in the mix. The question is whether McGiven will continue to rotate quarterbacks or lean fully into Dampier as the guy. That decision could make or break Dampier’s Heisman chances.
If Utah sticks with a two-quarterback look, Dampier’s numbers might take a hit. But if he’s given full control of the offense in a system designed to air it out, he has the tools to post eye-popping stats - and keep Utah in the Big 12 title hunt.
The Big Picture
Sorsby and Dampier are two quarterbacks on different paths, but both have the talent and opportunity to climb into the Heisman conversation. Sorsby’s move to Texas Tech puts him in the spotlight of a playoff contender looking for redemption. Dampier’s return to Utah gives the Utes a steady veteran presence during a period of transition.
Both have one more season to make their mark. One more season to prove they belong among college football’s elite. And one more season to show NFL scouts they’re ready for the next level.
The Heisman race is a marathon, not a sprint. But if you’re looking for early favorites to watch, keep your eyes on Lubbock and Salt Lake City.