Big 12 NFL Draft Watch: Texas Tech Stars Shine, Tyson Rises, and Fano Brings Pedigree to the Trenches
The Big 12 Championship Game was more than a title bout-it was a showcase, a statement, and for some, a launching pad to the next level. Texas Tech’s 34-7 dismantling of BYU wasn’t just a win.
It was a clinic. A third-quarter sequence told the story best: Ben Roberts tips a Bear Bachmeier pass, hauls it in like he knew it was coming, and takes it to the BYU 11.
One play later, Cameron Dickey strolls into the end zone untouched. Just like that, it’s 21-7, and the Red Raiders all but punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff with a first-round bye within reach.
But what NFL scouts will remember most from that December night in Arlington isn’t just the scoreboard. It’s what Texas Tech did on defense-four takeaways, zero giveaways, and a front seven that lived in BYU’s backfield.
David Bailey’s relentless pressure, Rodriguez flying around for 13 tackles, and a unit that looked every bit like a championship-caliber defense. That performance didn’t just win hardware-it boosted draft stock in a big way.
With the NFL world focused on the road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, the draft buzz is starting to build. Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza is the consensus No. 1 pick, but the Big 12 is sending plenty of talent to the league-and some of it could hear its name called early in the first round. Let’s break down the top Big 12 prospects making noise.
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Let’s start with the headliner.
David Bailey didn’t just dominate in 2025-he torched the FBS. His 81 quarterback pressures, 15 sacks, and a 21.6% pass rush win rate weren’t just best-in-class-they were in a class of their own.
He’s explosive off the edge, with a first step that forces tackles into panic mode. When he wins early, it’s over.
But here’s where the conversation gets interesting. As much as Bailey is a terror in the pass rush, he’s still a work in progress against the run.
His pad level gets inconsistent, he can get washed out when bigger tackles get into his chest, and he doesn’t yet have the counters to recover when his initial move stalls. The strength isn’t quite there yet, and NFL teams know it.
Still, in today’s league, edge rushers who can collapse the pocket like Bailey are gold. That’s why Arizona-picking third after a 3-14 season-has him firmly on their radar.
The Cardinals need juice off the edge, and Bailey fits the bill, especially in their 3-4 scheme where he can be unleashed as a pure pass rusher. With Kyler Murray’s future in doubt and Mendoza looking like the only surefire quarterback in the class, Bailey could easily be the next name called after the top pick.
If Arizona passes, though, Bailey could slide a few spots. Cincinnati at No. 10 is another potential landing spot, especially with Trey Hendrickson likely on his way out. Either way, Bailey’s name will be called early-and when it is, a team is getting one of the most disruptive pass rushers in college football.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson’s draft story is one of grit, production, and pure reliability.
Back in October, he torched Texas Tech for 105 yards and a touchdown before his hamstring gave out. Most players would’ve shut it down.
Tyson? He came back in two plays later, caught another touchdown, and made a clutch 33-yard grab on fourth down to set up the game-winner.
His coach, Kenny Dillingham, had to “shield him from himself.” That’s who Tyson is-tough, competitive, and relentless.
That injury cost him three games, which is brutal in a draft year where every snap is money. But even in limited action, he still put up 61 catches, 711 yards, and eight touchdowns-good enough for AP All-American honors.
His 89.0 PFF grade against man coverage speaks to his elite route-running, and he caught 98.4% of catchable passes. That’s not a typo.
That’s absurd.
He’s not the biggest receiver. He’s not the fastest.
But he’s always open, and when the ball’s in the air, he finds a way to come down with it. Cleveland is reportedly eyeing him at pick No. 6, and it makes sense.
The Browns need a dependable target-someone who won’t disappear for stretches and can build chemistry with Shedeur Sanders. Tyson fits that mold perfectly.
If he lands in Cleveland, don’t be surprised if he becomes a go-to guy from Day 1.
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Spencer Fano comes from a football family-four of his uncles played in the NFL-and it shows. At 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds, he’s got the frame, the bloodlines, and the movement skills that make scouts take notice.
He started at left tackle as a freshman in 2023, then shifted to the right side the past two seasons. That switch raises some questions: was it a scheme decision, or does he project better on the right side? That’s something NFL evaluators will dig into during the pre-draft process.
What’s not up for debate is how well he moves. Fano’s foot speed and lateral quickness are tailor-made for today’s NFL.
He’s smooth in space, climbs to the second level with ease, and thrives in outside zone schemes. In pass protection, he’s been a rock-just one sack allowed in 2024, and none in 2025.
The question is power. At 308 pounds, can he hold up against NFL bull rushers?
Can he move defenders in the run game? His inside hand placement still needs work, and he can get flagged for being a little too aggressive downfield on play-action.
These aren’t deal-breakers, but they’re areas that need refinement.
Still, if you’re Cincinnati and you’ve watched Joe Burrow take hit after hit, a guy like Fano has to be on your board. He might not be a finished product, but the upside is massive.
Final Thoughts
The Big 12 isn’t just sending talent to the NFL-it’s sending difference-makers. David Bailey has the tools to be a top-tier edge rusher.
Jordyn Tyson is the kind of receiver who quarterbacks trust when the game’s on the line. And Spencer Fano has the athleticism and pedigree to anchor an offensive line for years.
As April’s draft approaches, don’t be surprised if all three hear their names called on night one. They’ve earned it-on the field, in the film room, and in the moments that matter most.