Preseason Pac-12 power rankings feature a glut of second-tier teams hoping to challenge the likes of Oregon and USC in the race for the conference crown.
The Pac-12 enters the 2021 season with the top and bottom fairly clear. Everything in between is one giant question mark.
Oregon is set up to defend their conference title, but will USC be the one to take the fight to them? Or will Washington or a slew of Pac-12 South mysteries rise to shake things up?
It should be yet another unpredictable season in the Pac-12.
Preseason Pac-12 power rankings
12
Arizona Wildcats
Pac-12 South
Not only will Jedd Fisch be learning as a first-time head coach, but he also has a major rebuild on his hands in Tempe. Quarterback Grant Gunnell transferred and leading receiver Jamarye Joiner will miss the start of the season coming off foot surgery. At least Northwestern transfer Drake Anderson has some solid production in his past to lend to the cause. It’ll be up to Fisch’s offense to keep them in games because the defense was awful last year and new defensive coordinator Don Brown isn’t a miracle worker. It’ll take time to pull this team out of the basement.
11
Washington State Cougars
Pac-12 North
The fact is that Washington State is still very early in the transition from Mike Leach’s Air Raid to Nick Rolovich’s run-and-shoot. Last season was a mess, so expect the growing pains to continue. After all, Max Borghi can’t do it all for the Cougars. WSU gave up 38.5 points per game last year on defense. Even though they’re returning a lot of production, it is what it is.
10
Oregon State Beavers
Pac-12 North
Slowly but surely, Jonathan Smith has Oregon moving in the right direction. It’s only a matter of time before they start giving other teams in the Pac-12 a run for their money. However, it doesn’t look like this will be the year for a big breakout. The offense needs to find a new talisman with Jermar Jefferson in the NFL. The arrival of quarterback Sam Noyer from Colorado adds intrigue. The defense is still very much a work in progress. The biggest thing for the Beavers is just not to be a pushover.
9
Colorado Buffaloes
Pac-12 South
Karl Dorrell exceeded expectations in his first season on the job. He has pieces in place to keep that feel-good story going. Jarek Broussard was a stud at running back and he’ll have a running mate with Alex Fontenot back. The biggest question is who will be handing off the ball after Noyer’s departure. On defense, Mustafa Johnson’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, though linebacker Nate Landman coming back from an Achilles injury is a huge boost.
8
Stanford Cardinal
Pac-12 North
David Shaw is still one of the best coaches in the Pac-12. However, his Cardinal hasn’t inspired much in the past couple of years. Sadly, there’s just not much to fall in love with in 2021 either. Quarterback is a mystery with Davis Mills gone and so is his top receiver Simi Fehoko. The offensive line lost two draft-quality players. Paulson Adebo won’t be shutting down receivers anymore. A roster devoid of stars coached by Shaw can still succeed. They’re just not going to wow anyone.
7
Cal Golden Bears
Pac-12 North
Look for Cal to be disrespected by their preseason rankings. And rightly so. Justin Wilcox should field a defense to fear and he has a returning quarterback in Chase Garbers who might be capable of turning the offense into something passable. The problem is the Bears aren’t quite on the level of Oregon or Washington. Until their offense comes to play, their ceiling will be an issue. Just don’t forget this team pulled off an upset of Oregon last year. In a one-off game, they’re dangerous.