By Jack Follman, SuperWest Sports
May 16, 2023
What might be the strongest season for Pac-12 QBs in the history of the conference may have arrived.
The transfer portal has enriched the Pac-12 QB stable, with almost every starter in the conference having started out at another school.
Defending Heisman winner, Caleb Williams, obviously has the top spot. The debate begins after No. 1 in a stacked field.
1. Caleb Williams, Junior, USC
Williams joined elite conference company by winning the Heisman in 2022.
The big question here is if he can do it again.
2. Michael Penix Jr., Senior, Washington
Another year in Kalen DeBoer’s offense with almost all of his offensive playmakers coming back around him, and he’s a legit 2023 Heisman contender.
3. Bo Nix, Senior, Oregon
He has another lap in college football and his ability to tuck and run makes him a nightmare for just about every defense in the Pac-12.
4. Cam Rising, Senior, Utah
He still has room to grow as a playmaker, and he could be an all-time great Ute quarterback if he does, especially if he gets them a third-straight conference title.
5. Cam Ward, Junior, Washington State
He wasn’t really a star but it feels like he could take the next step in 2023 and turn into a big time difference-maker for the Cougars every week.
6. Jayden de Laura, Junior, Arizona
He’s fast, slippery, and can throw downfield.
And if he puts it together for a full season, Arizona should go to a bowl game.
7. DJ Uiagalelei, Junior, Oregon State
Can he take the next step ala Bo Nix in 2022 at a new school that desperately needs better play at QB?
I think he will be at least solid.
8. Collin Schlee, Senior, UCLA
I’m going with Schlee at least at the start of the season and he looked good enough at Kent State to be a decent Pac-12 QB who is hard to stop with his mobility and quick release.
9. Shedeur Sanders, Junior, Colorado
He hasn’t played a down in FBS though, let alone a Power conference so it will be interesting to see how he can translate, especially early on.
Right now I’ll put him at the top of the guys who haven’t truly played in big-time college football yet.
10. Drew Pyne, Junior, Arizona State
I give him the inside track over blue-chip freshman Jaden Rashada for now.
11. Sam Jackson V, Sophomore, Cal
He assuredly will have to get adjusted as a starter, though, in the Pac-12.
12. Ari Patu, Junior, Stanford
Patu is the only non-transfer in the conference and is a complete unknown.
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Jack Follman’s 10 Thoughts on 2023 Week 1 in the Pac-12
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Jack Follman’s 2023 Pac-12 Season Predictions: Weeks 9-13
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Jack Follman’s 2023 Pac-12 Season Predictions: Weeks 5-8
> Early picks with scores for every game and commentary for top contests & projected standings - August 16, 2023