Where every Pac-12 team ranks among all 133 FBS teams

The Pac-12 has programs ranked all over the place

Heading into the 2023 season there are a lot of fascinating storylines to look out for when it comes to the Pac-12.

While the mass exodus of programs has been the headliner, we need not forget the fact that Utah is looking to win their third straight Pac-12 title, and there are five other teams that have a chance to dethrone them. It is ironic that the best year of Pac-12 football is likely the last season of Pac-12 football, but since The Athletic released their rankings of all 133 teams I wanted to discuss where every team in the conference ranks. 

So, let's take a look at just how deep the conference truly is. 

95. Stanford

UCLA Bruins quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (1) is sacked by Stanford Cardinal linebacker Gabe Reid (90) in the first half of the game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Stanford is coming off a 3-9 season which is their third losing season in four years, and they are in the beginning stages of a rebuild under new head coach Troy Taylor. The Cardinal used to be towards the top of this list, but have a long battle ahead before they can return there. 

84. Colorado

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This past season under Karl Dorell the Buffs fielded one of the worst teams in recent memory. Now, with Deion Sanders at the helm and a roster made up of over 50 transfers, they are looking to shock a lot of people. 

78. Arizona State

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The top ranked school in the Pac-12 of programs with a new head coach, Arizona State's program was left in the best shape of these last three. They went 3-9 and ending up parting ways with Herm Edwards, which led them to bring one of the better young offensive minds in Kenny Dillingham.

75. Cal

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Last year was the same ole story for Cal under Justin Wilcox as their offense struggled majorly. They brought in a new offensive coordinator, and are hoping that one of their three quarterbacks can emerge and help get this program back on track. 

71. Arizona

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Arizona State took a major leap this past season, and could be poised to make a bowl game. 

46. Washington State

Dec 6, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Washington State Cougars running back Deon McIntosh (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the first half of the game against the USC Trojans at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The Cougars are viewed as the middle of the pack for the Pac-12, but they did have moments last season where they looked like a dark horse contender for the conference title. If Cam Ward takes the next step and they can hold up defensively they might win a few games that people won't be expecting. 

32. UCLA

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The Bruins had their best season of the Chip Kelly era and are looking to contend for a Pac-12 title. They will have to replace their star quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, which won't be easy but they did land a five-star quarterback in Dante Moore. 

17. Oregon State

Nov 27, 2020; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers running back Jermar Jefferson (6) carries the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the second half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon State was the biggest surprise of the Pac-12 this past season and won 10 games with subpar quarterback play. They upgraded at quarterback and return a great rushing attack and a stout defense. 

14. Oregon

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The Ducks found a gem in Auburn transfer Bo Nix, who had his best season of his career this past season. He is one of the best quarterbacks in the country, and is looking to lead the Ducks to the Pac-12 title game. 

12. Utah

The back-to-back Pac-12 champion Utah Utes are on the outside looking in of the top 10, but Kyle Whittingham recently said this is their best team ever which could be promising. 

9. Washington

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The Huskies burst onto the scene last year with one of the most electric offenses in the country. They too are looking to push for the Pac-12 title and maybe even the playoff.

6. USC

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USC was bested twice by Utah last season and lost to Tulane in the Cotton Bowl, but even with just three losses their season was viewed as disappointing. With Lincoln Riley and Caleb Williams commanding the offense, if they don't at least win the Pac-12 title it would be disappointing to USC fans.