1. Oregon

Projected Overall and Conference Record: 10-2, 8-1

Probable Losses:
vs Georgia (in Atlanta)
at Washington State

Key Wins: BYU, UCLA, Utah

Oregon is playing for something bigger than itself this season.There’s something special about a roster that comes together to honor one of their brothers, and the spirit of Spencer Webb promises to flow through the Ducks in every game this year.

Mix the divine motivation with a new offensive scheme that takes more shots downfield, along with a Top 25 transfer class, and Oregon seems destined for 10 wins.

Yet, there’s always a stumble and Washington State is a likely candidate.

2. Utah

Projected Overall and Conference Record: 10-2, 7-2

Probable Losses:
at Oregon
at Washington State

Key Wins: at Florida, USC

Until proven otherwise, the Conference of Champions runs through Salt Lake City.

Cameron Rising returns under center to lead the way and is bolstered by All-Conference running back Tavion Thomas.

The Utes have a dominant offensive line highlighted by Braedon Daniels and Sataoa Laumea, and are equally strong along the defensive front.

Defensive linemen Junior Tafuna and Van Fillinger headline Morgan Scalley’s front seven, while corner Clark Phillips III is one of the best at his position in the entire country.

But no season is perfect and the Utes could stumble on the road to Oregon and Washington State.

3. USC

Projected Overall and Conference Record: 9-3, 7-2

Probable Losses:
at Utah
at UCLA
Notre Dame

Key Wins: at Stanford, at Oregon State

The front lines on both sides of the ball can’t be ignored, and the Trojans have problems.Yes, USC has substantial weapons on offense thanks to the transfer portal. And yes, defensive coordinator Alex Grinch should help revitalize the defense.

But there’s no ignoring the fact that SC lost three of its four leading tacklers and was already one of the worst teams in the nation at securing tackles for loss.

Caleb Williams and Company may win plenty of games, but eight wins feels more likely than 10.

4. UCLA

Projected Overall and Conference Record: 9-3, 6-3

Probable Losses:
at Oregon
Utah
at California

Key Wins: Washington; USC

Dorian Thompson-Robinson returns for his final year and has one of the top running backs in the country behind him in Zach Charbonnet.The duo are well-versed in Chip Kelly’s offense, promising to lead UCLA to its best season in almost a decade.

But more importantly, the Bruins finally moved on from defensive coordinator Jerry Azzinaro. His porous scheme is out and new coordinator Bill McGovern is taking over the reins.

The defense could be focused around Hawaii linebacker transfer Darius Muasau and Bo Calvert, producing a dangerous combination of strong offense and improved defense.

5. Washington State

Projected Overall and Conference Record: 7-5, 5-4

Probable Losses:
at Wisconsin
at USC
at Oregon State
at Stanford
at Arizona

Key Wins: Oregon, Utah

The true wildcard in the Pac-12, Washington State is a question mark.Jake Dickert is a defensive genius who promises to maintain Wazzu’s ability to force turnovers, and he’s brought in a transfer quarterback that might be a dark horse Heisman candidate.

Cam Ward followed his head coach from Incarnate Word to the Palouse, bringing with them a variation of the Air Raid that should put up plenty of points.

Look for WSU to have an inconsistent season, putting together shocking upsets at home and head-scratching losses on the road.

6. Washington

Projected Overall and Conference Record: 7-5, 5-4

Probable Losses:
Michigan State
at UCLA
at Arizona State
at Oregon
at Washington State

Key Wins: at California, Oregon State

Kalen DeBoer is tasked with implementing his offensive scheme in a single offseason.Indiana transfer quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been named the starter, likely due to his familiarity running the offense when DeBoer was the coordinator for the Hoosiers in 2019.

With a deadly wide receiving corps to throw to and New Mexico transfer running back Aaron Dumas to hand it off to, the revamped Washington offense should thrive.

Yet, the production lost on defense, particularly in the secondary, and the inability to stop the run could combine for several frustrating losses.

7. California

Projected Overall and Conference Record: 6-6, 4-5

Probable Losses:
Notre Dame
at Washington State
Washington
Oregon
USC
at Oregon State

Key Wins: Stanford, UCLA

The Bears have plenty of young talent ready to emerge on the scene.Lu-Magia Hearns III is one of the top corners in the Pac-12, and Purdue transfer quarterback Jack Plummer has been brought in to lead the offense.

Former Washington linebacker Jackson Sirmon transferred in too, along with former Utah defensive lineman Xavier Carlton.

The Bears have a substantial question mark at wide receiver, but its secondary and linebacking corps should lead it to a bowl game.

Look for Cal to upset UCLA in Berkeley at the end of the year.

8. Oregon State

Projected Overall and Conference Record: 6-6, 3-6

Probable Losses:
USC
Utah
at Stanford
at Washington
at Arizona State
Oregon

Key Wins: Boise State, Fresno State

True freshman running back Damien Martinez could be the real deal.His first year in Corvallis should be bolstered by a run-first offensive system executed by a veteran quarterback. Chance Nolan has the experience needed to propel OSU back to a bowl game.

And with one of the top defensive secondaries in the Pac-12, Oregon State shouldn’t miss a beat after losing BJ Baylor and Avery Roberts.

Watch for the Beavs to have a strong nonconference season followed by a series of tough road losses in conference and close defeats at home to the top teams in the league.

9. Arizona

Projected Overall and Conference Record: 4-8, 3-6

Probable Losses:
at San Diego State
Mississippi State
at California
Oregon
at Washington
USC
at Utah
at UCLA

Key Wins: Washington State, Arizona State

The Wildcats may very well end up with more than four wins.Jayden de Laura has numerous weapons to pass to in Jacob Cowing, Tetairoa McMillan, Dorian Singer, and Anthony Simpson.

Add in a running back room that might go four deep, and Arizona’s offense should be much improved. Still, Jedd Fisch’s offensive line remains concerning and his linebacking corps is worryingly unproven.

Look for UA to take down Wazzu and beat Arizona State for the first time since 2016.

10. Arizona State

Projected Overall and Conference Record: 5-7, 3-6

Probable Losses:
at Oklahoma State
Utah
at USC
at Colorado
UCLA
at Washington State
at Arizona

Key Wins: Washington, Oregon State

Herm Edwards remains embroiled in the recruiting scandal, arguably resulting in the departure of several key players to the transfer portal.

Florida transfer quarterback Emory Jones has been brought in along with Wyoming running back Xazavian Valladay, but there are glaring questions in the wide receiver group and defensive secondary.

Yet, ASU has one of the top linebacking corps in the Pac-12 and should hold steady at home against the Pacific Northwest schools.

11. Stanford

Projected Overall and Conference Record: 4-8, 2-7

Probable Losses:
USC
at Washington
at Oregon
Notre Dame
at UCLA
at Utah
Arizona State
at California

Key Wins: Washington State, Oregon State, BYU

David Shaw has one of the top wide receiving corps in the Pac-12. Elijah Higgins, John Humphreys, Brycen Tremayne, and Michael Wilson combine to rival the best the Conference has to offer.

Add in tight end Benjamin Yurosek and quarterback Tanner McKee, and the Cardinal are dripping with potential.