Big 12 football: 5 best players in the conference heading into 2023

LAWRENCE, KS - SEPTEMBER 24: Jalon Daniels #6 of the Kansas Jayhawks runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Duke Blue Devils at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KS - SEPTEMBER 24: Jalon Daniels #6 of the Kansas Jayhawks runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Duke Blue Devils at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)
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NORMAN, OK – NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Dillon Gabriel #8 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates after scoring a touchdown on the first drive against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the first quarter during Bedlam at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners won 28-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK – NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Dillon Gabriel #8 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates after scoring a touchdown on the first drive against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the first quarter during Bedlam at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners won 28-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

5. Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oklahoma Football

The UCF transfer certainly did not plan to lead the worst Oklahoma team of the 21st century when he transferred from UCF, but he and the Sooners should be in for some considerable improvements this season. His 25:6 TD-INT ratio last year and outstanding ball placement unquestionably make him a top-three quarterback in the conference.

When he is active, Gabriel is likely the best player on the field. He is a game-changer at the quarterback position and should be in consideration for Big 12 Player of the Year if OU wins double-digit games.