The Pac-12 has been a powerhouse in college football for decades. But lately, the conference has struggled to make a real splash on the national stage.
This year, though, there’s a buzz. Eight schools look ready to give the Pac-12 its best shot at the College Football Playoff (CFP).
These teams have strong rosters and experienced coaching staffs. Their schedules might just give them a path back to prominence.
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Washington State’s Strong Start
Washington State stands out this season. Head coach Jake Dickert has really turned things around, both offensively and defensively.
The Cougars play a balanced game and show discipline on defense. They’re not an easy win for anyone.
Quarterback Cameron Ward and wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling have led the charge. Ward keeps defenses guessing with his arm and legs, while Stribling’s speed makes him a go-to target.
Impact of Coaching
Jake Dickert’s approach matters a lot here. He motivates his players and demands discipline, which you can see in how the team handles pressure.
Oregon Ducks: A Contender for the CFP
The Oregon Ducks always seem to be in the mix. This season, they’re right back in the CFP conversation.
Head coach Dan Lanning has built a tough, well-rounded squad. Quarterback Bo Nix leads an offense that can put up points fast.
The defense, with linebacker Noah Sewell at the center, has been tough, too. Oregon looks dangerous on both sides of the ball.
Key Games Ahead
Big games are coming up for Oregon. Matchups against rivals like Washington and Utah will be huge.
Wins would push them closer to the top. But a couple stumbles? That could change everything.
USC Trojans: Rebuilding for Success
Lincoln Riley took over as head coach, and USC’s rebuilding fast. Riley’s success at Oklahoma set high expectations, and the early returns look promising.
Quarterback Caleb Williams, who followed Riley from Oklahoma, has fit right in. His playmaking has brought new energy to the Trojans’ offense.
Recruiting Wins
Riley’s not just coaching—he’s recruiting hard. He’s brought in a wave of talented players, and that’s got fans dreaming of big things again.
Utah Utes: Consistent Performers
The Utah Utes keep showing up year after year. Head coach Kyle Whittingham has built a tough, steady program.
This season, the Utes are right in the thick of the conference race. Quarterback Cameron Rising and running back Tavion Thomas have powered the offense.
They know how to control the game and step up when it matters.
Defensive Strength
Utah’s defense is no joke. Linebacker Devin Lloyd leads a unit that’s been shutting teams down and giving the offense more chances.
Other Contenders: UCLA, Arizona State, Stanford, and Colorado
Washington State, Oregon, USC, and Utah might be the favorites. Still, schools like UCLA, Arizona State, Stanford, and Colorado could shake things up.
UCLA Bruins
Chip Kelly’s Bruins have shown flashes this year. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, with his dual-threat skills, keeps defenses honest.
Arizona State Sun Devils
Head coach Herm Edwards has Arizona State looking competitive. Their season will hinge on how quarterback Jayden Daniels performs.
Stanford Cardinal
Stanford’s got a proud football tradition. David Shaw is working to bring the program back, but it’ll come down to developing young talent.
Colorado Buffaloes
Karl Dorrell’s Colorado Buffaloes hope to build on last year. They’ll need key players to step up on both offense and defense if they want to make some noise.
Conclusion
The Pac-12 has a deep history in college football. This season, a handful of teams might just shake things up.
Washington State’s showing some real energy, while Oregon keeps rolling as usual. Feels like the conference could surprise a few folks.
If you want a more detailed breakdown, here’s a solid article on Washington State Football.
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