There aren't many Big 12 defenders that jump off the page in 2025, aside from Clark. Heading into his fifth season, he's one of the most experienced players in the conference at a playmaking position. He's improved every season since taking over the starting role, and I expect him to make impact plays weekly for a TCU team I'm very high on.

James Franklen is labeled as a coach who can't win the big game because if he wins, it's not a big game. His win at Hard Rock Stadium in January will be considered big.