As Liberty University enters the Big 12 Conference for the 2025 college football season, quarterback Kaidon Salter is already making headlines. According to a recent USA TODAY Sports ranking of Big 12 quarterbacks, Salter was placed in the top half of the conference, solidifying his reputation as one of the most dynamic and promising QBs in the league.
This is a significant achievement, especially for a player from a school transitioning into one of the Power Five conferences. Salter’s ranking reflects his exceptional performance in 2024 and the growing expectations surrounding him and Liberty’s program. Here’s a breakdown of where Salter ranks, how he earned his spot, and what it could mean for his future.
1. Kaidon Salter Ranked No. 5 in Big 12 QB List
In USA TODAY’s Big 12 quarterback rankings, Kaidon Salter earned the No. 5 spot out of 14 starting quarterbacks. The list considers past performance, leadership qualities, team impact, and projected influence in the upcoming season.
Salter’s ranking is even more impressive when you consider that Liberty is a newcomer to the Big 12. It puts him ahead of quarterbacks from more established programs like Baylor, Texas Tech, and Iowa State. His placement signals national recognition for both his individual skills and the potential of Liberty’s offense in 2025.
2. Reviewing Salter’s Breakout 2024 Season
Salter had a breakout season in 2024 with 3,180 passing yards, 28 touchdown passes, and just 7 interceptions. He also rushed for 865 yards and added 9 touchdowns on the ground, proving himself as a true dual-threat quarterback.
His mobility, accuracy on deep throws, and ability to extend plays outside the pocket made him a nightmare for defenses. His leadership in late-game situations helped Liberty to a strong 11-2 finish, earning him several national nods as a rising star.
What stood out most was Salter’s improvement in decision-making and poise in the pocket. He consistently made the right reads, handled pressure well, and took care of the football—traits that translated to wins and now, respect from national media outlets.
3. How Salter Compares to Other Big 12 QBs
Here’s a look at the top five quarterbacks from the USA TODAY Sports Big 12 rankings:
- Quinn Ewers (Texas) – NFL-bound talent with elite arm strength and experience
- Jalon Daniels (Kansas) – Playmaker with speed and excellent vision
- Dillon Gabriel (Oklahoma State) – Veteran passer with high football IQ
- Garrett Greene (West Virginia) – Aggressive runner and improving passer
- Kaidon Salter (Liberty) – Young, explosive dual-threat leader
Salter outranked several other notable quarterbacks, including Baylor’s Blake Shapen and Texas Tech’s Behren Morton. Unlike some of his peers, Salter brings a unique combination of raw athleticism and evolving quarterback mechanics.
USA TODAY noted, “Salter could be the surprise of the season if Liberty starts hot. He has the arm, the legs, and the vision to take over games.”
4. Liberty’s Transition to the Big 12 Looks Promising
Liberty’s move to the Big 12 came with a lot of skepticism, but having a top-five quarterback in the conference changes the narrative. Salter gives Liberty a competitive edge that few first-year Big 12 teams have ever had. His ranking boosts Liberty’s visibility in recruiting and increases fan engagement ahead of the fall season.
The Flames have built an offense tailored around Salter’s strengths, with plenty of read-option packages, bootlegs, and vertical passing routes. If he continues to progress, Liberty could be a dark horse candidate to finish in the top half of the Big 12 standings in their debut year.
Salter’s performance will likely be the deciding factor in how far the Flames go in 2025. Games against Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and UCF will be key tests.
5. What Salter’s Ranking Means for His Future
Being ranked in the top five in a Power Five conference brings national attention—and potential NFL interest. Salter is now on the radar for scouts, and another strong season could earn him invites to postseason showcases like the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine.
His ability to make plays on the ground, stretch defenses with deep throws, and show composure in high-pressure moments makes him a valuable modern QB prospect. He still has room to improve his short passing accuracy and footwork in the pocket, but the ceiling is undeniably high.
Liberty head coach Jamey Chadwell recently said, “Kaidon is more than an athlete—he’s a complete quarterback. His leadership and work ethic have brought our program to a new level.”
Final Thoughts
Kaidon Salter’s No. 5 ranking in the USA TODAY Sports Big 12 quarterback list is a well-deserved nod to his 2024 heroics and 2025 potential. For Liberty University, it’s proof that they belong in the Big 12 conversation. For Salter, it’s just the beginning of what could be a very special journey.
With a new conference, tougher competition, and national eyes watching, Kaidon Salter enters 2025 as one of the most exciting quarterbacks to follow—not just in the Big 12, but in all of college football.
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