College Football Rankings: Way-too-early Top 25 projections for 2023

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 31: Adonai Mitchell #5 congratulates Arian Smith #11 of the Georgia Bulldogs on his touchdown catch during a game between Ohio State Buckeyes and Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

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Dec 29, 2022; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) runs the ball in the first half against the Texas Longhorns in the 2022 Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports /

If there’s one team that I think could upend USC in the Pac-12 next season, it’s Washington. While I’m also really high on Oregon and think the Ducks could sneak up and win the conference, I think Washington is the second-biggest favorite in the Pac-12.

Why? Because of Michael Penix Jr.

The Indiana transfer had a record-breaking season with the Huskies in 2022 and it felt like he fit the program like a glove. Reuniting with Kalen DeBoer just seemed to get his career back on track and he might be the Heisman favorite to begin the 2023 season after tossing for over 4,000 yards this past season.

And he’s getting a lot of his weapons back next season while bringing in Michigan State receiver transfer Germie Bernard and Mississippi State running back Dillon Johnson. This offense will be legit.

DeBoer has a team that matches up well with USC. I can see a shootout for the Pac-12 title next season.

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