The Pac-12 has been the bearer of bad news recently. Both USC and UCLA, two of their top programs, decided to leave the conference. However, there is still at least one football season that needs to be played before both programs move on. This article will rank the top 5 teams in the Pac-12 for this upcoming 2022 season.
1. Utah
Even after coming off a devastating Rose Bowl loss, the Utes should be the favorite to win the Pac-12. The Utes bring back offensive pieces like QB Cam Rising and RB Tavion Thomas. The offensive line should remain a strength of the team, as they bring back three starters. Utah also has a pair of elite tight ends in Brant Kuithe and Dalton Kincaid. Both should provide a safety blanket for Rising to throw to.
On defense, the Utes have to replace first round pick Devin Lloyd and UDFA Nephi Sewell at linebacker. However, Kyle Wittingham is known for putting together solid defenses, and this year should be no exception.
2. USC
Under the direction of first-year head coach Lincoln Riley, the Trojans have added an influx of talent. The potential No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, Caleb Williams, decided to follow Riley to Southern California. 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner Jordan Addison will provide Williams an elite target at receiver. Joining Williams in the backfield is Oregon star RB Travis Dye.
The weakness of the conference, along with the talent Riley has recruited, should put USC in Pac-12 title contention immediately. Don’t be surprised if the USC vs Utah game will determine the winner of the regular season championship.
3. Oregon
After Mario Cristobal headed to South Beach, former Georgia DC Dan Lanning decided to take the Oregon job in the offseason. Additionally, former Auburn QB Bo Nix will now likely be the starter for the Ducks. All the starters on the offensive line return from last year. These include some potential professional prospects in guard/tackle TJ Bass and tackle Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu. Oregon ranked Top 25 in rushing yards per game last season, and could do the same this year.
The Ducks will have a strong front seven, which will works towards Lanning’s strengths as a defensive specialist. Noah Sewell and Justin Flowe have a chance at being one of the best linebacking cores in the country.
The talent that Cristobal left is certainly enough for the Lanning era to start off strong.
4. UCLA
Dorian Thompson-Robinson will return for his 5th year in Westwood. Thompson-Robinson and RB Zach Charbonnet should make for one of the best backfields in the conference. While the offense is likely to remain explosive, the Bruins still have questions defensively.
Head coach Chip Kelly fired DC Jerry Azzinaro in offseason and replaced him with Bill McGovern. As the LA times noted, McGovern last DC job was with Boston College. After starting off strong, McGovern’s defenses took a tumble, ranking No. 70 and No. 100 his last two years.
UCLA could end up in the top three if the defense improves, but McGovern’s resume doesn’t inspire too much hope that it will.
5. Oregon State
The Beavers made are coming off a lot of momentum in 2021, making their first bowl game in eight years. QB Chase Nolan is experienced, and much of the offensive line returns. The offensive line was elite last year, giving up the fourth fewest tackles for loss in the country.
However, like UCLA, the defense remains questionable. They have a secondary composed of a lot of All Pac-12 performers, but the front seven must perform better if the Beavers want to improve.