It's the return of the Pac-12 this season, and it looks almost entirely different than the last time the Pac-12 was last seen in 2023.
With the addition of Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Texas State and Utah State, it could be one of the more explosive offensive conferences in the country. The new Pac 12 has three of the top 50 scoring offenses in the country last season in Texas State, Utah State and Boise State.
In addition, there are three new head coaches for teams in the new Pac 12. Jim Mora at Colorado State, Kirby Moore at Washington State, and JaMarcus Shephard at Oregon State take over the programs this season, and all three are offensive-minded head coaches. Thus, let's take a look at some of the fantasy names to keep an eye on across the landscape of the conference.
Note: The position rankings are based on four-point passing touchdowns and a half-point per reception format and may vary depending on the format of your league. Visit our College Football Rankings page to customize the rankings to fit your league's format. The rankings are also subject to change as more information rolls in during fall camp. Keep tabs on the College Football News page for everything from job battles to injuries as the draft season draws closer.
2026 College Fantasy Football Draft Kit
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2026 Pac-12 All-Conference Teams
2026 Pac-12 Fantasy Sleepers
QB Maalik Murphy, Oregon State
The Beavers are hoping that they can settle on Murphy behind center for the entire season. Murphy came in as the starting number one in 2025, but the season went south for Oregon State, and he was in and out of the lineup. Murphy threw for the most yards on the team last season with 1,805, but he did not have full reign under center. Enter former co-offensive coordinator and assistant coach for Alabama, Jamarcus Shepherd, as the Beavers' new head coach. Murphy is hoping that the infusion of a new head coach and a more high-paced offense will lead to more passing touchdowns (nine in 2025) and a better fantasy outcome.
QB Caden Pinnick, Washington State
Pinnick comes into a good situation with the Cougars. The new head coach, Kirby Moore, was the offensive coordinator at Fresno State and Missouri and will be looking to open up the offense. The sophomore has the ability to throw for extensive yardage. Pinnick comes off of a season at UC Davis where he threw for 3,206 yards, 32 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while rushing for 437 yards and three touchdowns.
RB Cornell Hatcher, Oregon State
With the departure of leading rusher Anthony Hankerson (1,086 yards and nine touchdowns), the sophomore is next in line, and with the anticipation that the Beavers' offense will be higher-paced, Hatcher could be the recipient. In his first season in college ball, Hatcher ran 14 times for 292 yards and two touchdowns in only three games.
RB Mel Brown, Colorado State
Brown followed head coach Jim Mora from Connecticut to Colorado State. Brown's experience with Mora and the coaching staff will surely help him to start the season and the rest of 2026. The senior running back missed most of 2025 with an injury. He had 32 carries for 262 rushing yards and two touchdowns last season. He demonstrated his breakaway ability at Colorado State's spring game.
WR Rasean Jones, Boise State
Jones was all the talk in Idaho for spring football, including an 18-yard touchdown reception. The wide receiver is a true freshman who also has a track and field background. In addition, the top four pass catchers for the Broncos are no longer on the squad, which opens the door for Jones. Also, there is the return of quarterback Maddux Madsen, one of the top signal callers in the new Pac-12.
Pac-12 Position Battles of Interest
Washington State Wide Receivers
Most of the top Cougars receivers are not returning, and combine that with the new head coach Kirby Moore, who is looking to open up the offense, and it equals an opportunity for the wide receivers. Tony Freeman, who entered the transfer portal last year, still opted to return to Washington State. He had 51 catches for 557 yards and three touchdowns in 2025. But there is a new group of receivers for 2026. Transfer wide receivers Darrius Clemons, Daniel Blood and Tank Hawkins will be battling for receptions.
Boise State Wide Receivers
The combination of the top three Bronco wide receivers from 2025 not returning, along with another season of top quarterback Maddux Madsen, will make the pass catching a prime area this season. Cameron Bates has the most experience while sixth-year Ben Ford returns from an ACL tear. There are transfers, Darren Morris and Akeem Wright, along with freshmen Rasean Jones and Terrious Favors.
Fresno State Quarterbacks
It is a two-way battle to replace EJ Warner, the son of Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, who has moved on to find a spot in the NFL. It will come down to redshirt junior Jayden Mandal and Maryland transfer Khristian Martin. Martin is considered the favorite but is not a lock to start the first game against USC on Sept. 4.
Texas State Running Backs
Lincoln Pare, the Bobcats' leading rusher last season (1,022 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground), is gone to the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts. While Texas State, behind quarterback Brad Jackson, is expected to have a strong passing game, the running backs via either the ground or receiving should be a choice spot in the Pac-12. Torrance Burger goes in as the leader in the depth chart. Burger suffered a season-ending injury last season and only played four games. But running backs like Jaylen Jenkins, Taji Atkins and Davian Jackson could be in the running for carries.
