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USC Tops On3's Pac-12 Post-Spring Power Rankings

Erik-McKinneyby:Erik McKinney•05/19/23•

ErikTMcKinney

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(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

USC has just one championship in the 12-year history of the Pac-12 conference, but the Trojans will likely be favored to win it in 2023.

On3’s Jesse Simonton got to the Pac-12 today in his Power Rankings of each conference. USC comes in at No. 1.

Everything starts with Lincoln Riley’s offense at USC. Quarterback Caleb Williams returns as the top player in college football and reigning Heisman Trophy winner. Expectations for the junior will be enormous this fall. But Williams has the talent and demeanor to live up to, or even surpass them.

Another group of transfers will bolster the offense. Running back MarShawn Lloyd and wide receiver Dorian Singer would wind up leading the Trojans in rushing and receiving this fall. Offensive linemen Michael Tarquin, Jarrett Kingston and Emmanuel Pregnon will likely step into starting roles for an offensive line that was a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award in 2022.

There are talented returners everywhere and some dynamic true freshmen skill talent in running backs Quinten Joyner and A’Marion Peterson and wide receivers Zachariah Branch, Makai Lemon, Ja’Kobi Lane and Duce Robinson, who could be immediate difference-makers.

But it’s the defensive side of the ball that will determine if these power rankings stand up to the season’s results.

The defensive front has been completely revamped this offseason. Linebacker Mason Cobb, rush end Jamil Muhammad and defensive linemen Bear Alexander, Anthony Lucas, Jack Sullivan and Kyon Barrs give the Trojans an entirely new look up front. For the first time in a while, it’s reasonable to say that talent and depth won’t be significant issues for the USC defense heading into the season.

Full Pac-12 Power Rankings

1. USC

2. Washington

3. Oregon

4. Utah

5. Oregon State

6. UCLA

7. Washington State

8. Arizona

9. Arizona State

10. Cal

11. Colorado

12. Stanford

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Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz