Big 12 Football: Ranking best returning QB’s alongside Sam Ehlinger

The Iowa State Cyclones are going to be another threat to make a run to the Big 12 Championship Game in 2020. The Big 12 Football Conference no longer has Ehlinger and Hurts as the two best quarterbacks across the board. To-be junior Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy is going to try and take his team to new heights this fall.

Iowa State will also be looking to win more than eight or nine games for the first time under head coach Matt Campbell. At this point, Iowa State is that team in the Big 12 that is going to upset someone and they’re going to have a high floor, but reaching true national prominence has yet to be achieved under Campbell’s direction.

At least Iowa State is getting Purdy back along with a young but talented supporting cast at the skill positions. Sophomore running back Breece Hall and junior wide receiver Tarique Milton will form a solid three-headed monster for the Iowa State offense alongside Purdy. Those two combined for well over 1,500 total yards from scrimmage last season.

What Purdy is returning in terms of production for the Clones is more than 4,200 total yards, 35 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions. More specifically, Purdy posted a passer efficiency rating of 151.1, 65.7 completion percentage, and 8.7 adjusted yards per passing attempt. He’s one of the most productive returning quarterbacks not just in the Big 12, but in the entire country for the 2020 season.