Pac-12 football programs spent the spring practicing and scrimmaging, laying the foundation for the 2024 season.
The difference between this spring and last spring is that the team will be heading in a different direction once fall camp begins.
Southern California, UCLA, Oregon and Washington will be heading to the Big Ten. Arizona, Arizona State, Utah and Colorado will join the Big 12, while Stanford and California will play in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
That leaves Washington and Oregon in the Pac-2, which have scheduling agreements with the Mountain West Conference for at least next season.
The Pac-12 as we know it no longer exists, but for now, all schools are under the same umbrella when it comes to one thing: preparing for next season.
new coach
Karen DeBoer parlayed Washington's run to the national title game into a job at Alabama, replacing Hall of Fame coach Nick Saban. DeBoer's departure started a cascade of coaching dominoes.
Jed Fisch, who revitalized Arizona State's program in a short period of time, moved to the Pacific Northwest to coach in Washington. Meanwhile, Arizona hired former San Jose State coach Brent Brennan to continue the momentum Fisch built in the desert.
UCLA has a new coach in preparation for joining the Big Ten, with alumnus Deshaun Foster replacing Chip Kelly, who is currently the offensive coordinator at Ohio State.
Oregon State has a new coach, Trent Bray, who was promoted after Jonathan Smith took over as coach at Michigan State.
QB carousel
The Pac-12 lost a Heisman Trophy winner and two finalists, both quarterbacks taken in the first round of Thursday's NFL Draft.
USC's Caleb Williams, the 2022 Heisman winner, was selected No. 1 overall by Chicago. Atlanta took Michael Penix from Washington with the 18th pick, and Denver took Bo Nix from Oregon State with the 13th pick.
Longtime USC backup Miller Moss is the frontrunner to replace Williams, but he threw two interceptions in the spring game.
Washington will likely rely on Will Rogers, who had a phenomenal run at Mississippi State before transferring. Oregon University's offensive line is expected to be led by Dillon Gabriel, who posted big numbers for two seasons at Oklahoma University. The Ducks also have former UCLA quarterback Dante Moore on their roster.
Arizona State will be looking for a new quarterback following Jaden Rashada's sudden departure to Georgia. California's quarterback battle will likely be Fernando Mendoza and Chandler Rodgers, a transfer from North Texas.
Oregon State is also expected to compete for quarterback after DJ Uiagalelei transfers to Florida State, and Washington State is in a similar position with Cameron Ward currently in Miami.
Arizona should be in a good position with the return of Noah Fifita. Colorado has Shedair Sanders back after an impressive first season, and Utah's Cameron Rising returns after his last two seasons were cut short by injury.
prime return
The University of Colorado shocked college football early in coach Deion Sanders' first season, winning its first three games, including one at TCU. The Buffaloes fell behind after that, finishing with 4 wins and 8 losses, including 1 win and 8 losses in Pac-12 play.
Colorado will have another uphill climb in the Big 12, but they will have two of the most talented players in the league.
Dion's son, Sanders, has passed for a school-record 3,230 yards and 27 touchdowns despite dealing with a variety of injuries on a porous offensive line. Two-way star Travis Hunter also returns, and the Buffaloes added rookie Jordan Seaton, the No. 1 tackle in the nation.
Deion Sanders was once again very active in the transfer portal, including a number of players on an overhauled O-line.
___
AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
