The College Football News 2021 Pac-12 preseason rankings along with a quick take on every team.
This is NOT a ranking of where the teams are going to finish. This is based on how good we think the Pac-12 teams are going into the 2021 season.
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2021 CFN Pac-12 Preseason Rankings: North
1. Oregon Ducks
Quick Take: Can Oregon get strong quarterback play out of Anthony Brown and/or Ty Thompson? The Duck defense should be amazing, and the rest of the parts are there to make another run to a Pac-12 title and possibly the College Football Playoff, but road game landmines – Ohio State, Utah, Washington, UCLA – are a problem.
Oregon Preview | Schedule
2. Washington Huskies
Quick Take: The 2020 season couldn’t quite get going and then got shut down before the team had a shot to do something great. Head coach Jimmy Lake has another team good enough to challenge for the Pac-12 title led by what should be the league’s best defense.
Washington Preview | Schedule
3. Stanford Cardinal
Quick Take: 12 games, 12 Power Five opponents – that’s not quite as daunting as it might appear to be, but it’s still impressive. The Cardinal have the talent and experience to be fantastic again after a few mediocre years, starting with a great defensive front seven.
Stanford Preview | Schedule
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4. Cal Golden Bears
Quick Take: It’s like Cal can’t quite get the engine to turn over. The defense will once again be great, and getting a healthy year out of QB Chase Garbers would be a huge deal. The linebackers and secondary are right up there with the Pac-12’s best.
Cal Preview | Schedule
5. Washington State Cougars
Quick Take: Nick Rolovich wasn’t able to get the 2020 team going, but in his second year at the helm he should get a whole lot more out of a great-looking offense. The linebacking corps will anchor an improved D.
Wazzu Preview | Schedule
6. Oregon State Beavers
Quick Take: The Beavers should be better, but the schedule isn’t bringing a whole lot of help – missing Arizona from the South hurts. The offensive line should be a big plus, but the defensive front has to prove it can hold up.
Oregon State Preview | Schedule