Jack Follman’s 2023 Preseason Top 50 Pac-12 Players (5-1)

This group features the best of the best, including three of the top Conference QBs in some time

Posted on July 7, 2023


  By Jack Follman, SuperWest Sports

We’ve reached the end of our countdown of the Top 50 players in the Pac-12 going into 2023.

It’s a deep group this year, but the real highlight is the top where some of the best star QBs the Conference has had in quite some time are fighting for the top spots.

Let’s talk about the best of the best of the best Pac-12 players heading into 2023.

5. Brant Kuithe, Senior, Tight End, Utah
Utah TE Brant Kuithe | Leah Hogsten/The Salt Lake Tribune
Kuithe could get back to his elite form and do what Dalton Kincaid did last year if he’s healthy.

He’s the best non-QB offensive weapon coming back in the Conference and is the kind of tight end everyone wants in football right now.

4. Bralen Trice, Junior, Defensive End, Washington
Washington DE Bralen Trice | James Snook/USA TODAY
Trice led the nation in pressures last year and could test 15 sacks this season.

He’s the best defensive player coming back in the Conference and he still has room to grow.

3. Bo Nix, Senior, Quarterback, Oregon
Oregon QB Bo Nix | The Register Guard
Nix was a legit Heisman candidate last year after transferring from Auburn and should pick up right where he left off.

He’s a scary dual threat who was damn near impossible for Pac-12 defenses to stop in 2022.

2. Michael Penix Jr., Senior, Quarterback, Washington
Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. | Getty Images via Spokesman Review
Penix led the nation in passing last year and would be the top QB in the Conference most years.

He has an uncanny playmaker ability, a rocket arm, and plays in one of the best passing offenses you’ll ever see.

1. Caleb Williams, Junior, Quarterback, USC
USC QB Caleb Williams | Mark J. Terrill/AP
Williams has the best chance of any player in a long, long time to win two Heismans.

Nothing more really needs to be said.




—More from Jack Follman—