247Sports releases Pac-12 preseason rankings

The college football season is about a month away and while the Pac-12 storylines heading into the season have been clouded by the conference's inability to announce or secure a media rights deal and expansion news, the football that will be played should be top tier.

In fact, many including myself believe that the conference is set to field what could be the most competitive conference in college football. Nearly all of the teams in the conference will be ultra competitive, and there are four or even five teams that have a chance to win the conference title and maybe campaign for a playoff spot.

With all of the excitement ramping up to the season, 247Sports revealed their Pac-12 preseason rankings as voted on by a panel of analysts, and the rankings have become quite controversial. Let's take a look at how the conference is viewed prior to the season.

12. Stanford

The Cardinal are in the beginning stages of a major rebuild following the departure of David Shaw and just about every starter from last year's team.

11. Colorado

Despite all of the transfers upgrading a roster that went 1-11 last season, many people are still out on Colorado as of right now. Their trenches are viewed as a major concern for most.

10. Arizona State

Of the three new head coaches in the Pac-12 Kenny Dillingham's Arizona State squad is expected to do the best. They also brought in a slew of transfers, but they do benefit from a favorable schedule.

9. Cal

There is a ton of pressure on Justin Wilcox to turn things around, and while they have made some upgrades on the offensive line it will now come down to whoever is playing quarterback.

8. Arizona

The Wildcats took a huge step this past season after going 1-11 the year prior, the consensus around them is they are due for a bowl game appearance.

7. Washington State

Washington State emerged as a dark horse last season and while they eventually fizzled out, if Cam Ward can take the next step maybe they can make a push again.

6. UCLA

The Bruins had their best season under Chip Kelly a year ago, and now they need to replace one of the best players in program history at quarterback. A big ask, but they have some solid options.

5. Oregon State

After shocking the country this past season, the Beavers upgraded in a major way at quarterback which was viewed as their biggest question.

4. Oregon

How good can Bo Nix be without the tutelage of Kenny Dillingham? The Ducks are hoping he picks up where he left off, which was being one of the best players in the country.

3. Utah

The back-to-back Pac-12 champions come in as the third team despite returning key players and consistently proving themselves.

2. Washington

With one of the best passing attacks in college football, the Huskies are looking to build off what was a fantastic season in 2022.

1. USC

USC had the Pac-12 title all but won this past season, but unfortunately for them their defense couldn't fend off Utah. They likely are under the most pressure in the entire conference this season to deliver.