Predicting which player Pac-12 fans would be most excited to use if the game came out in 2023

While there have reportedly been some murmurs of players wanting more than the $500 that they are expected to be paid for being featured in the newest edition of the NCAA Football video game, fans are still waiting on the edge of their seats for the release.

There's still quite a bit of waiting that needs to be done considering the game doesn't come out until the summer of 2024, after there was once reports saying that July 2023 would be when it was released. Whether it is one or five years away, fans and players alike are still amped about the return of the game. According to an "informal poll" conducted by 247Sports last summer, more than two dozen players at Power 5 schools revealed interests to be a part of the game. Of the people polled at that time there was only one player who viewed payment as an issue.

So, while there may be some hiccups along the way, there is still confidence that some sort of agreement will be made amongst the players and one of everyone's favorite sports video games will return. That is why I decided to predict one player from every team in the Pac-12 that fans would likely be most excited to use if the game actually came out in July of 2023.

Colorado: Travis Hunter (DB/WR)

How could Colorado fans not want to use a player that can make a difference on both sides of the ball. The consensus on Travis Hunter is that he could be a first round pick at either receiver or corner, which is the position he is expected to go pro in. In terms of the game, Hunter is the type of player the most fans would lock on to and use nearly every play. Just like he will be in real life, Hunter will likely be a cheat code in the game.

Stanford: E.J. Smith (RB)

While some older fans likely got to use his dad in Madden, E.J. Smith is every gamer's dream and every defense's nightmare. He is fast, elusive, and can catch the ball out of the backfield. Stanford fans surely would love to see Smith on the field more, but getting to use him in the game would be a nice consolation.

Cal: Jadyn Ott (RB)

Despite being a true freshman this past season Ott proved to be one of the best running backs in the country. He's as slippery as it gets at the running back position, and his success directly tied into whether Cal won or not last season. It's hard to imagine that Cal fans wouldn't want to feed the youngster that rushed for nearly 900 yards a year ago.

Arizona State: Cameron Skattebo (RB)

We already know that the transfer portal will be a part of the game, but Sacramento State transfer Cameron Skattebo is someone that Arizona State fans are likely glad they don't have to worry about trying to land in the game. The former Hornets star can run over you or run past you thanks to his combination of speed and power. He stands out the most out of any Sun Devils that would be fun to use.

Arizona: Jacob Cowing (WR)

While many Arizona fans may disagree and want to play with Jaden de Laura, something about an undersized speedy receiver seems more appealing. Just like he was in real life this past season when he recorded 85 catches, Cowing would likely always be open in the video game. Whether it's a game or not, every quarterback needs a pass catcher that they can always rely on when things go south.

Washington State: Cam Ward (QB)

If you played the game how I did, you occasionally partook in scrambling around and throwing it on the run. To me, Cam Ward feels like the perfect candidate to do that with. He has one of the biggest arms in football, and showed us during the Oregon game how elusive he can be.

UCLA: Dante Moore (QB)

One of the most fun aspects of the NCAA Football video game is recruiting five-star quarterbacks to programs that don't typically get them. While UCLA is a notable program they have only signed two-five star quarterbacks with Dante Moore being the most recent. Whether it's a video game or reality, every college football fan will be antsy to see their five-star freshman play. Moore has a big arm, and is someone that UCLA is hoping can lead them to glory.

Utah: Ja'Quinden Jackson (RB)

Okay hear me out...a big strong running back with a quarterback background. That is the ideal scenario for someone who likes to use the wildcat offense, because Jackson can either run over defenders or surprise them with a deep pass. In 2023 he will have a chance to be the lead back and surprise many college football fans after a 2022 season that saw him average 6.8 yards per carry and record 531 yards and nine touchdowns.

Washington: Michael Penix Jr. (QB)

Michael Penix Jr. absolutely torched opposing defenses this past season throwing for nearly 5,000 yards, and it would be shocking if he didn't have one of the stronger throw power ratings in the game. He also has a slew of talented receivers that will be open, which makes life much more fun for a quarterback and Washington fans.

Oregon: Bo Nix (QB)

Similar to Ward, Nix is the ideal video game quarterback. He can throw it deep and he can run by defenders. It will be interesting to see if he plays as well without Kenny Dillingham, but Ducks fans are all in on Bo Nix.

Oregon State: DJ Uiagalelei (QB)

Another major transfer addition into the Pac-12, Beaver fans likely are all in on the Clemson transfer and would love to see him lead their team to glory. He is also a physical runner with a strong arm, which is something that usually works in the video game. Accuracy may be an issue, but if all else fails run the ball.

USC: Caleb Williams, QB

If the game came out today, Caleb Williams would almost certainly be one of the few 99 overall players. He can do everything, and is someone that many fans would use to try and win the Heisman win for consecutive years.