Today begins our countdown of the Big 12's 25 best players entering the 2010 season. The full results are locked in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing one player per day until we reach the top of the list.

GideonDon't confuse this for the top 25 NFL prospects in the league, because it's not. Rather, it's based on what the players have done in college football to this point, their potential for the 2010 season and the impact they have on their teams.

No. 25: Blake Gideon, S, Jr., Texas

2009 numbers: Tied for second in the Big 12 with six interceptions in 2009. Also made 62 tackles. Earned All-Big 12 honorable mention.

Most recent ranking: Gideon was not ranked in last offseason's ranking of the conference's top 40 players.

Making the case for Gideon: He has started all 27 games for the Longhorns in two seasons and has earned All-Big 12 honorable mention in both seasons, despite playing in a star-studded Texas secondary. He'll be without his partner, Earl Thomas, this season, but Gideon should be a big part of a Texas defense that should be among the best in the nation after holding opponents to just over 250 yards a game in 2009, good for third nationally and best in the Big 12. Gideon also came away with interceptions in the Big 12 and national championship games. With his extensive experience and prototypical size (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) for his position, he should be due for another big year in 2010.