Deuce Vaughn

Deuce Vaughn is one of the country’s best running backs, even at only 5 feet, 6 inches tall. Vaughn is 12th in the country in rushing yards, only 18 yards behind Bijan Robinson for best in the Big 12. Vaughn is the most complete running back in the Big 12 apart from Robinson, and his stats speak to his talent. Vaughn averaged over seven yards per carry and 176 all-purpose yards against Oklahoma State, plus a touchdown both in receiving and rushing. Vaughn will likely be the best running back the Longhorns have faced since Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs in Week 2.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah 

Felix Anudike-Uzomah is the premier pass rusher in the Big 12, leading the conference with 7.5 sacks through eight games. He only trails Eastern Michigan’s Jose Ramirez, who has eight sacks for most in the country. The Kansas City product is also a force in the running game, registering nine tackles for loss, which is second in the Big 12 and within the top 30 in the nation. 

Adrian Martinez 

Adrian Martinez is Kansas State’s best quarterback because his biggest strength comes in the run game. Martinez is sixth in the Big 12 in rushing yards despite missing a game, and his nine rushing touchdowns on the season are clocked in at fourth best in the conference. He’s also tied for third in rushing touchdowns and first in yards rushing among quarterbacks. Martinez’s passing game is less flashy since he’s only thrown for only four touchdowns so far, but his zero turnovers on the year make him a dependable starter for a very run-focused offense.

Kobe Savage

The junior duo of Anudike-Uzomah and Kobe Savage led the Wildcat defense to second in the conference, just behind Baylor. Savage is a playmaker at the safety position, leading the team in solo tackles and interceptions, showing his ability in both the passing and running game. The former Tyler Junior College star has elevated the Kansas State defense tremendously this year, but his hands will be full as he deals with Texas’ running game and covering tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders.