FAVORITE TEAMS

For the first time in a few seasons, the Pac-12 was very entertaining to watch. This season will be more of the same, but with the transfer portal in the Pac-12 being a hot commodity. However, this is likely a R.I.P. to the conference after this season and no one expected this much exodus. After USC and UCLA agreed to leave for the Big Ten next season, Oregon and Washington eventually agreed to follow them there too while Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah agreed to leave for the Big 12. That leaves Cal, Stanford, Washington State, and Oregon State. But before we prepare for the potential destruction of the conference, let’s focus on the coaches headlining the conference’s temporary turnaround.

Lincoln Riley temporarily revived the conference’s competition with USC restored to some prominence, while two other coaches Kalen Deboer (Washington) and Dan Lanning (Oregon) made it interesting. Let’s not forget that Kyle Whittingham (longest tenured coach at 18 years) won’t let those schools get the best of his and aim for a three-peat Pac-12 title. Chip Kelly did a fantastic job with UCLA’s development in his five years of coaching. Oregon State could be on the rise thanks to Jonathan Smith, but it’s up to DJ Uiagalelei to help compete for a Pac-12 title. Watch out for Jedd Fisch’s Arizona team looking for more than a bowl appearance. Kenny Dillingham’s building something at Arizona State, but too many transfer departures may have hindered their progress. Jack Dickert and Washington State could play spoiler to a Pac-12 team’s season. Justin Wilcox needs more consistency from Cal’s offense to help out their defense. Troy Taylor comes in to rebuild a young Stanford roster. With so many transfers arriving to replace the old Colorado roster, can Deion Sanders combine his recruits and transfers quickly to make the biggest surprise run in college football history since TCU in Sonny Dykes first season last season?

USC TROJANS

This should be the most lethal offense in the country again. Heisman-winning quarterback Caleb Williams returns to lead an offense mixed with returns and transfers looking for their first College Football Playoff appearance. USC’s first half of the schedule is likely a cakewalk, but the second half is a gauntlet starting with Notre Dame and ending with UCLA. Their only hope for a guaranteed appearance is their defense. Despite having the best turnover margin in the nation and the most interceptions in the Pac-12 last season, they were one of the worst defenses in the country that nearly made the playoffs. It’s up to defensive coordinator Alex Grinch to get this defense in order with all the names and key transfers that could be impact players.

WASHINGTON HUSKIES

Washington hunts for their first playoff appearance since 2016, and this roster looks built for it. Their schedule from top to bottom is tricky and tough though. Quarterback Michael Penix has returners alongside him to attack the schedule head on. Their defense is no slouch either, but there were times where they’ve allowed big plays that put them in bad spots. It cost them wins in back-to-back weeks against UCLA and Arizona State. Key players return at most defensive levels and hopefully they improve just enough to compete with the likes of Oregon, USC, Utah, Oregon State, and Washington State.

UTAH UTES

Utah faces adversity while Cam Rising’s nearly 100% healthy, but the Utes will be a hard out from start to finish. They’re still not respected despite defeating USC twice to win the Pac-12 championship, but coach Kyle Whittingham and company are fine with it. Less target on their back and more Pac-12 ships to sink. If Rising’s fully healthy, opponents should prepare for a 60-minute battle. Utah returns an offensive line that allowed 15 sacks, pass catchers led by Brant Kuithe, and a running back depth that should be as dangerous as last season. Defense returns plenty of starters at each level, but let’s hope they bounce back after shaky performances allowing 29 plus points four times (lost three games). Defensive improvement and a healthy Rising make Utah lethal.

OREGON STATE BEAVERS

The Beavers have a reason for a special run. First, their run game is the strength of this offense, led by sophomore star Damien Martinez who ran for almost 1,000 yards. The offensive line returns everyone and should be one of the best in the conference and potentially the nation. However, Clemson quarterback transfer DJ Uiagalelei returns to the west coast to revive his career and help lead OSU. Defense will play a major role in the team’s chances for a conference championship appearance. Their concern comes at linebacker that must replace everyone, including Omar Speights (transferred to LSU). Defensive line will lead the charge and hopes the back eight fills the void and improves. Their schedule’s challenging and even Mountain West foes gave the Beavers a hard time recently. What makes this team stand out from the rest is their physicality, and they’ll bring plenty along with Uiagalelei improving his confidence to make a statement this season.

OREGON DUCKS

Oregon comes in with conference title expectations, led by elusive quarterback Bo Nix. After the Georgia loss, Nix and company set the world on fire early with a dominant performance averaging 48 points per game in eight games. After Nix suffered an injury, him and Oregon limped down the stretch averaging 29 points with two losses and no 40-point game ever since. They searched through the portal to solidify the offensive line and hopefully protect Nix. The offense will have help from running backs Bucky Irving and Noah Whittingham, and pass catchers Troy Franklin, Kris Hutson, transfers Traeshon Holden and Tez Johnson, and tight end Terrence Ferguson. Oregon’s defense must fill some holes, so they dug deep into the transfer portal and gathered plenty, including South Carolina transfer defensive end Jordan Burch. If their defense steadies and Nix stays healthy, Oregon will hunt down their formidable foes to take the conference crown.

UCLA BRUINS

UCLA is in a new era after Dorian Thompson-Robinson moved on to the NFL. There’s plenty of pieces on both sides that must be replaced, but there’s optimism. While there’s a quarterback battle, it’s believed that Dante Moore could claim the starting job either now or little bit later, and coach Chip Kelly’s kinda pushing for it. UCLA dug into the portal to fill plenty of spots while developing some new blood to become starters. They struck gold with Cal transfers J.Michael Sturdivant and Oluwafemi Oladejo, Kyle Ford (USC) and Carson Steele (Ball State). Defense hopes to continue the advantage against the run, but the secondary must improve after consistently struggling year in and year out. Laiatu Latu, Jay Toia, Oregon transfer Keanu Williams, and Grayson Murphy will bring the pressure, but someone in coverage must step up. Adding Jordan Anderson (Bowling Green) could help with the issue. UCLA might not compete for a conference title, but they’ll plan to punish their opponents on their way to bowl-eligibility.

WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS

The Cougars had a surprisingly good last season. Hopefully they make steady progress as they failed to defeat any ranked Pac-12 opponents and Fresno State in the LA Bowl. Cam Ward and Nakia Watson return along with four offensive linemen, but the line must improve after allowing 46 sacks. The offense brought in an entire receiving roster from the portal to catch alongside Lincoln Victor: Josh Kelly (Fresno State), DT Sheffield (NW Mississippi CC), and Kyle Williams (UNLV). Defense played particularly well allowing 23 points per game, totaled 33 sacks, forced 15 fumbles, and nabbed 16 picks. They lose Daiyan Henley to the NFL, but coach Jake Dickert searched the portal and gained linebackers Ahmad McCullough (Maryland) and Devin Richardson (Texas) to play alongside Kyle Thornton. The secondary returns nearly everyone but must improve overall. Washington State had an early start before hitting a rough patch in the middle of the schedule. Now, they start off rough early, but have an easy schedule towards the end. If they can capitalize early, Wazzu could contend for a Pac-12 title appearance.

ARIZONA WILDCATS

Arizona returns most of their offense. Quarterback Jayden de Laura, running back Michael Wiley, pass catchers Jacob Cowing, Tetairoa McMillan, Montana Lemonious-Craig (Colorado transfer), and Tanner McLachlan, and three offensive linemen led by Jordan Morgan (recovered from knee surgery). de Laura could have a big year if he can slim down his mistakes. Defense, however, must upgrade their roster. Oregon transfer Justin Flowe leads a group of transfers to help solve this issue. Defensive line transfers like Orin Patu, Bill Norton, Tyler Manoa, Taylor Upshaw, and Sio Nofoagatoto’a makes this front a bit intriguing with potential depth. The secondary has potential if everyone improved in the offseason. The Wildcats have a challenging conference schedule, but the offense has enough firepower to compete. It’s up to de Laura to take next step.

CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS

Cal should’ve honestly taken steps to be formidable in the past few seasons, but their offense can’t get it together. Last season, there was some hope on that side but not enough to accomplish in five one-possession games. The offense should have an uptick in production with starting back Jaydn Ott along with transfers Byron Cardwell (Oregon) and Justin Williams-Thomas (Tennessee). However, the entire starting offensive line returns must improve as run blockers for those backs. The receiving corps is thin after J.Michael Sturdivant transferred (UCLA). Jeremiah Hunter and Marvin Anderson figures to be options until depth improves. TCU transfer quarterback Sam Jackson V looks like the Week 1 starter since coaches feel confident in him. Defense should bounce back, but adjustments must be made to guarantee this opportunity. Jackson Sirmon (defensive coordinator Peter’s son) leads the group along with needed transfers Nohl Williams (UNLV), Matthew Littlejohn (JC), and Patrick McMorris (SDSU). How the Bears bounce back literally comes down to the offense. They face four Pac-12 teams with 10-plus wins from last season in a five-week span. Last season, they faced similar competition from six Pac-12 opponents with winning records last season (0-6). Murder will come to Cal-Berkeley unless the offense improves.

ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS

The Sun Devils have a bright future, but it won’t be until next season in the Big 12. The program had a jump start in the offseason, but too many transfer departures upended their depth. It’s rebuilding time for new coach Kenny Dillingham, and that process starts with one of these three quarterbacks: Trenton Bourguet (potential starter), Drew Pyne (Notre Dame transfer), or Jaden Rashada (4-star recruit). Whoever starts plays alongside a slew of transfers across the depth chart and few returning players with either starts or starting opportunity. Defense wasn’t great last season, and the departures makes things worse. Luckily, they held over nearly all their starting secondary led by Chris Edmonds, but they dug hard into the portal to offset the issue and must figure out who starts in the front seven. Defensive tackle Anthonie Cooper and Michael Matus are the only returning starters, but grad transfer linebacker Travion Brown should start immediately. There’s no telling what the Sun Devils will look like, but it’s best to be optimistic in 2024 and beyond. Dillingham will cook up Tempe in no time.

STANFORD CARDINAL

New coach Troy Taylor arrives at Palo Alto from Sacramento State with succession from there with a 30-8 overall record and a 23-1 in-conference record. He inherits a rebuilding program but could be in the best situation to build for the long term. Taylor has a knack for coaching offenses and has been around some well-known head coaches and coached up two known college quarterbacks at the FCS and FBS level. If FCS coaches like Chris Klieman and Bobby Petrino can succeed in the FBS as former FCS coaches, so can Taylor. This is a tall task, but he has young players across the board to develop and could take advantage with some in-state recruiting around Northern Cali and more. The only standouts from last season are tight end Ben Yurosek, defensive end David Bailey, and Tobin Phillips. Although, true freshmen receiver Tiger Bachmeier, running back EJ Smith, linebacker Tristan Sinclair, and safety Alaka’i Gilman could be standouts this season. Their kicker Joshua Karty was a Lou Groza finalist after being Mr. Perfect on his field goals, including a 61-yarder. Stanford focuses on identity and see what Taylor could put together as part of the process. Three wins is a guarantee, but more could likely be a celebration for the Stanford.

COLORADO BUFFALOES

Just like Stanford, Deion “Primetime” Sanders arrives from Jackson State after his successful run. He inherits the Buffs that are down on their luck for six straight seasons with 11 losing seasons out of 12 since joining the Pac-12. That one win was a 10-win season with a conference title appearance. Sanders gives the Buffs one final chance for a second ever winning season in the Pac-12, but it’s a wild card. He brought in an army of transfers, including Jackson State phenoms Shedeur Sanders (Deion’s son) and big-time all-purpose athlete Travis Hunter, while Colorado went through a mass exodus after the spring game. This is a very talented group, but how quickly will this roster coincide, and how will Sanders and Hunter handle the upgraded competition in the FBS? The first three games are toss-ups before they face Oregon and USC. The next two games before their bye week are also winnable. After the bye, it turns into a rough finish with Arizona and Washington State being toss-ups. Deion is confident his squad will be ready, but the squad must coexist and be confident together on the field against the most competitive conference in the nation.