best quarterbacks."

"The philosophy in other conferences is not to go vertical 60 times a game," Patterson said.

Such aerials are fine in the Big 12.

Joel Lanning of Iowa State and West Virginia's Skyler Howard would generate attention as all-conference types in another league. In the Big 12, they're fighting for visibility.

"They're kind of a different animal," Kansas linebacker Joe Dineen said. "They're the offensive weapon, where maybe in a different league it's another position. In the Big 12, it's the QB. He's the one who runs the show."

Polled at Big 12 media days last month on the quarterback with the most irreplaceable traits, league players praised Mayfield for his competitiveness, Mahomes for his athleticism and versatility, Russell for his poise and arm strength, and Rudolph for his skill andplay, he could be one of the best in the country."

Iowa State receiver Allen Lazard described Mahomes as the "epitome" of a quarterback who makes a play when nothing appears available.

"If there's a dead play," Lazard said, "he's not dead."

Pride among Big 12 quarterbacks is tangible, Mahomes said. He attended the Manning Passing Academy in June with Mayfield, Russell and Rudolph.

"You could see it when we were around those other quarterbacks," Mahomes said. "We were all like, 'We have the best quarterbacks. I don't know why you are all talking like you do.'"

Mahomes' connection runs deep with Mayfield, who began his career at Texas Tech. Mayfield hosted Mahomes on his recruiting visit, and the Oklahoma quarterback visits Lubbock to spend time with Tech receiver Zach Austin, a friend