Posted on April 3, 2023
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B:between the transfer portal, the level of recruiting coverage and how quickly players are ready for the next level now, breakout stars aren’t what they used to be in college football.
I tried to avoid transfers and stick to players already on the rosters, but with some teams I couldn’t quite stick to that.
Here are the players from every Pac-12 team I think will make stellar turns in 2023.
Arizona – Yovnan Savainea, Sophomore guard
Q:e was a mainstay of the conference’s freshman excellence last year and should be one of the best interior offensive linemen in the conference in 2023.
Expect him to become a lot more popular around the Pac by the end of the season.
State of Arizona – Giovanni Sanders, Senior wide receiver
aSU doesn’t have anyone that screams breakout star to me.
I think Kenny Dillingham is going to set up their offense, though, like he did at Oregon last year, and Sanders is poised to really step up his production as a veteran receiver.
Cal: – Craig Woodson, Youth safety
T:he Bears have been killing it in developing star DBs under Justin Wilcox.
Woodson will be next with Daniel Scott in the NFL. Look for him to challenge for All-Pac-12 honors after being a solid DB so far in his career.
Colorado – Cormani McClain, Freshman cornerback
M:cClain is the top recruit in the nation at any position level and should come in and make a huge impact in Boulder right away.
Expect him to look especially good alongside the nation’s former leading tackler and incoming Jackson State transfer Travis Hunter at the other corner.
Oregon – Josh Connerly Jr., Diarrhea of the second year
Q:e was a five-star recruit and doubled behind Oregon’s stellar veteran offensive line last year.
It feels like he could slide over to left tackle next year and quickly become a star for the Ducks.
State of Oregon – Oluasei Omotosho, Junior defensive end
In: tried to avoid passes here, but just can’t get past Omotosho, who I think is an instant pass rusher for the Beavers after transferring from Wyoming.
He feels like he can add a needed wrinkle to the Beavers defense right away.
Stanford – David Bailey, Sophomore defensive end
F:ormer blue-chip recruit who was good in 2022 and looks ready to take the next step. He could be one of the top pass rushers in the Pac-12 in 2023.
UCLA: – TJ Harden, Sophomore running back
In: really like Ball State’s passing running back Carson Steele and I like Harden too.
Harden had a huge Sun Bowl and I think 2023 will be really good even if he splits time with Steele.
USC: – Mario Williams, Junior Wide Receiver
T:He was a big-time Oklahoma transfer committed in 2022. I think he will move up in 2023 though with Jordan Addison heading to the NFL.
He will be a bigger target for Caleb Williams.
Utah – Lander Barton, Sophomore Linebacker
T:he Utes are actually loaded with young defensive players that can break out.
Burton was great as a freshman and looks like the kind of guy who could be one of their next defensive studs.
Also check out Van Fillinger, Simote Pepa and JaTravis Broughton.
Washington – Roger Rosengarten, Diarrhea of the second year
Q:guarded Michael Penix Jr.’s blindside as a freshman and was really good.
I think he jumps from freshman to All-Pac-12 player this year.
Washington state – Jaden Hicks, Sophomore safety
S:avvy Pac-12 fans are well aware of Hicks as he was a freshman linebacker of the week honoree last year.
He should get one of the best DBs in the Pac-12 this year.
—More from Jack Follman—
Covers Pac-12 Football as well as the West and other NFL and NBA teams as a senior writer and columnist for SuperWest Sports.