Ranking the Pac-12’s Quarterbacks for 2023
The last season of the Pac-12 as we know it features a stacked group of quarterbacks in 2023. The conference possesses the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and features two signal callers who put forth elite statistical seasons in the Pacific Northwest a year ago. Half the league returns their starting quarterback from last year, two others brought in big-name transfers, and two more feature five-star true freshmen competing for the starting gig.
Let’s look closer and rank each signal caller from top to bottom.
1. Caleb Williams, USC
There’s no other place to start than with the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner. Lincoln Riley‘s latest elite quarterback returns after throwing for 4,537 yards and 42 touchdowns while adding 382 yards and ten touchdowns on the ground and figures to have yet another gigantic season with a ton of skill position talent surrounding him. The latest odds have him with the shortest odds (+500) at FanDuel Sportsbook to win the Heisman this year.
USC Predictions & Picks: Team Preview and Win Total | Caleb Williams Heisman
2. Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Michael Penix Jr.Kalen DeBoer, to Seattle, and the two combined for a highly successful 11-win debut with the Washington Huskies. The lefty is listed at +1600 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook for this year’s Heisman after leading the nation in passing yards per game (357) while notching 31 touchdowns.
Washington Predictions & Picks: Win Total & Pac-12 Championship | Michael Penix Heisman
3. Bo Nix, Oregon
It was a career-arc shift for Bo Nix last year, who also followed his former offensive coordinator to the Pacific Northwest en route to a tremendously successful 2022 campaign that saw him lead all quarterbacks in rushing touchdowns (14) while completing 71.9% of his passes for 3,593 yards and 29 touchdowns. The race between him and Penix for the No. 2 spot in the conference is as close as it gets.
4. Cameron Rising, Utah
It speaks to the quality of quarterbacks in the conference that Cameron Rising, who has led back-to-back Pac-12 Championship teams, doesn’t crack the top three. Rising is still limited in practice after suffering a severe knee injury in the Rose Bowl against Penn State but is as tough as they come and is a talented and experienced option when healthy.
5. Jayden De Laura, Arizona
The No. 5-7 spots on this list could go in any order. Still, I’ll give the edge to Jayden De Laura, who should have another big year in Jedd Fisch‘s system with talented receivers in Jacob Cowing and Tetairoa McMillan at his disposal. He’ll need to cut down on his mistakes after tossing 13 interceptions a year ago, but when he’s on, he’s exceptional to watch.
6. Cameron Ward, Washington State
Cameron Ward transferred to the Palouse a year ago to much fanfare but ultimately had a slightly disappointing year, averaging just 6.5 yards per attempt. He’ll need to show improved decision-making and footwork this season but possesses a ton of raw potential that could be unlocked under new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, who led the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers to nearly 500 yards per game a year ago. In contrast, his quarterback, Austin Reed, led the nation with 4,746 passing yards.
7. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
All eyes will be on Shedeur Sanders this season, and he has a chance to shoot up this list in Sean Lewis‘s high-powered offensive system. The question is how he will translate to the Power 5 level after throwing for 4,752 yards and 40 touchdowns at Jackson State en route to a four-star transfer ranking.
8. D.J. Uiagalelei, Oregon State
Once viewed as the next great Clemson Tigers quarterback, D.J. Uiagalelei needs a bounce-back season after losing his starting job late last year. Jonathan Smith is a brilliant offensive mind, and the Beavers will have a potent rushing attack, so the new signal caller won’t be asked to do too much and should provide this offense with a boost.
9. Dante Moore OR Ethan Garbers, UCLA
Chip Kelly has yet to name a starting quarterback, and it will be either fourth-year signal caller Ethan Garbers or incoming five-star true freshman Dante Moore. We likely see both on the field at points this season, but experience is neither’s strong suit. Moore’s potential is such that he puts UCLA at the top of the bottom four teams in the conference.
10. Trenton Bourguet OR Jaden Rashada, Arizona State
Kenny Dillingham looks to make his mark on this unit after leading Bo Nix‘s revival in Eugene a season ago. True freshman Jaden Rashada has a talented arm and oozes potential, while Trenton Bourguet is finally playing at full health and fits Dillingham’s requirement of his quarterbacks in that he’s completed 71.2% of his career attempts.
11. Justin Lamson, Stanford
Troy Taylor has not announced his starting quarterback yet, but Syracuse transfer Justin Lamson appears to be the likely QB1. He has 0 career passing attempts to his name and will be playing behind a highly green offensive line, so the onus is on him to prove a viable option despite balling out in back-to-back ‘Cuse spring games.
12. Sam Jackson V OR Ben Finley OR Fernando Mendoza, Cal
The season isn’t far away, and Justin Wilcox has a three-way quarterback competition, so there may be reason for concern. Sam Jackson V, a TCU transfer, has insane athleticism but could suffer growing pains as a passer after struggling with accuracy and turnovers in the spring. Ben Finley averaged just 6.0 yards per attempt at NC State, while Fernando Mendoza was a mostly unheralded three-star recruit but has shown poise in practice.
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