2022 Preseason Pac-12 Power Rankings

On3 imageby:On3 Staff Report07/09/22

College football’s annual media days are set to begin on July 13 when the Big 12 kicks off the show, and each of the Power 5 conferences will host their own media days in the following two weeks. Today, we continue our power rankings for each of the Power 5 conferences. We proceed with the 2022 preseason Pac-12 power rankings, where there’s a clear front-runner to lay claim to the conference crown.

As coaches and players hit the stage to discuss the upcoming 2022 season, we’ll get a better pulse on where things stand for each program as the offseason nears an unofficial end. Though there may be some changes over the ensuing months as fall camps begin, On3 has a pretty good handle now on how each team looks heading into the fall.

After winning 10 games and reaching the Rose Bowl, Utah is the favorite to win the league in 2022. Some of the other major programs are undergoing coaching changes, so how quickly they can return to league prominence will be worth watching.

Can any challenge the Utes this fall? Let’s take a look.

Of note: Our Pac-12 power rankings are not meant to be predictive of future outcomes but reflect On3’s view of the current talent and potential of each team at this point in time. It does not take into account 2022 schedules.

2022 Preason Pac-12 Power Rankings

1. Utah

Following a Rose Bowl appearance last year, the Utes look poised to run the league in 2022. Quarterback Cameron Rising and running back Tavion Thomas headline a slew of returning starters on both sides of the football. Scoring shouldn’t be an issue and the only real question on defense is at linebacker.

2. USC

The Trojans likely have a little bit of a rebuild under Lincoln Riley, but given how aggressive he was hunting talent in the transfer portal it might not take long. Chemistry will be worth watching, but talented transfers like Caleb Williams, Travis Dye and Mario Williams provide some serious firepower right away.

3. Oregon

Dan Lanning steps in for Mario Cristobal and might inherit the most talented roster in the league on paper. Bo Nix joins the quarterback room, providing at least a solid floor if nothing else. Defensively the Ducks have some serious star power and could be among the nation’s best.

4. UCLA

The Bruins finally broke through under Chip Kelly last fall. Can they keep pushing? Electric quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and running back Zach Charbonnet are back, so Kelly has some tools. The defense, though, needs work despite what looks to be a solid front seven.

5. Washington State

The Cougars are relying on Incarnate Word transfer Cameron Ward, who was a star at the FCS level, to produce at quarterback. He’s more than capable and has some really good receivers to throw to. The O-line and running backs are a question, but the defense returns experience at every level and supplemented with a few key transfers on that side as well.

6. Oregon State

The Beavers have a chance to have an excellent season by their standards, with quarterback Chance Nolan back and an array of skill position players returning. Four running backs are back who got at least 30 carries last year, while three receivers with at least 20 catches are back. The defense is experienced but the secondary must get better.

7. Washington

The Huskies went through a coaching change after imploding in 2021, but there’s still a lot of talent on the roster. Receiver should be a real strength and Indiana transfer Michael Penix Jr. could turn things around at quarterback. The secondary and defensive line have some question marks but linebacker should be a real strength.

8. Stanford

The Cardinal has some reason for optimism given the return of quarterback Tanner McKee and a strong receiving corps led by Elijah Higgins and Benjamin Yurosek. Both lines of scrimmage are a potential liability, though, and the run game might also struggle.

9. California

The Bears should be stout defensively, with a really strong back seven led by a great group of linebackers and an experienced secondary. But can Purdue quarterback transfer Jack Plummer help jolt the offense? None of the skill position players really jump out at you.

10. Arizona State

The Sun Devils are in a tumultuous period with an NCAA investigation ongoing, and it took a major toll. Several of ASU’s best players transferred out. But the Sun Devils were also active in the portal. Florida quarterback Emory Jones transferred in, as did a number of other possible contributors. The secondary will be virtually completely new.

11. Colorado

Former Tennessee quarterback JT Shrout will challenge incumbent starter Brendon Lewis as the Buffaloes look to improve the league’s worst offense from last season. Baylor receiver transfer RJ Sneed II was a big get. The front seven looks solid, led by West Virginia linebacker transfer Josh Chandler-Semedo.

12. Arizona

The Wildcats were terrible a year ago, but coach Jedd Fisch hauled in the third-ranked recruiting class in the league. He also landed Washington State quarterback transfer Jayden de Laura. Still, the Wildcats just aren’t that talented. The secondary should be good, but the Bears need to be better on the lines of scrimmage.