Pac-12: Three teams ranked in first 2022 USA Today Coaches Poll
The first Top 25 coaches poll of the 2022 season is out. Three Pac-12 teams are ranked, and a few more got votes.
Things may be falling apart off the field. But on the field, it appears the Pac-12 is getting some overdue recognition. In the first USA TODAY Sports AFCA football coaches poll of 2022, three teams are ranked, and two more received votes.
While there are no Pac-12 teams among the top five, the three are in the top 15.
Utah Utes
Leading off are the defending Pac-12 Champion Utah Utes, who come into the season ranked 8th (1,134 points). Kyle Whittingham consistently puts together a top team in Salt lake City. The Utes are led by their usual stout defense and junior quarterback Cameron Rising. In 2021, Rising threw for nearly 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns.
The Florida Gators haven't lost a home opener since 𝟙𝟡𝟠𝟡! 😱
But they are 𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕕𝕠𝕘𝕤 at home vs the Utah Utes in Week 1. @BillBender92 from @sportingnews joined @CraigMish to preview the matchup.#GoGators #GamblingTwitter pic.twitter.com/qp2jCVn5q3
— SportsGridTV (@SportsGridTV) August 8, 2022
Oregon Ducks
Not too far behind Utah are the Oregon Ducks at number 12 (734). There’s been plenty of turnover in Eugene since the Ducks lost the Conference Championship Game on December 3.
Head Coach Mario Cristobal left for his alma mater, the University of Miami, and a 10-year, $80M contract. Oregon replaced him with Dan Lanning, previously the Defensive Coordinator at Georgia. Lanning brought in a new quarterback as Bo Nix transferred in from Auburn.
USC Trojans
Rounding out the Pac-12’s Top-25 contingent is 15th-ranked USC (602). It will be a dogfight this year between the Trojans, Utah, and Oregon (there are no divisions this year) for the top two spots and a trip to Las Vegas for the Championship Game.
New Trojans Head Coach Lincoln Riley is walking into a hornet’s nest. Every team in the Pac-12 is gunning for them since the school announced its intention to join the Big Ten in 2024.
Making the List
Two other Pac-12 Schools, the UCLA Bruins and Oregon State Beavers, received votes from the coaches. Also, it won’t be a surprise if either the Washington Huskies or Washington State Cougars get votes if they start off strong.
Joining In
This year, the Pac-12 has more participation in the poll. Voting Members include Kalen DeBoer, Washington; Jack Dickert, Washington State; Herm Edwards, Arizona State; Jedd Fisch, Arizona; and Kyle Wittingham, Utah,