By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
Big Ten > SEC > ACC > Big 12 > Pac-12 > Mountain West
Study that closely. It’s the formula for this year’s Power Rankings. The Big Ten dominates college football. Not the SEC. Not the ACC. And certainly not the Big 12.
The last few years have changed the power dynamic. The Big Ten is the top power conference, and the Big 12 is the worst.
So, how does that narrative affect teams in the West? For starters, preseason expectations.
Here’s my Preseason Power Ranking at the onset of the year.
1. Oregon
Oregon is gaining steam within the national media. Many view the Ducks as a favorite to win the National Championship.
The Big Ten has dominated college football over the last few years, and UO has capitalized.
The program’s growth has been significant.
Is this the year they finally break through? Or is it another season destined for a disappointing finish?
2. USC
This season is critical for Lincoln Riley. The program has not performed up to expectations since he took over in 2022.
But all it takes is one year to flip the narrative.
Realistically, anything less than a run to the Playoff would be considered a failure.
Riley should have the resources at USC to get the job done. If he can’t, perhaps his time in L.A. will be over.
3. BYU
The Cougars enter the 2026 season as a Playoff contender.
Bear Bachmeier is back after leading BYU to 12 wins as a true freshman.
The program’s foundation is strong, its leadership is in good hands, and outside perceptions are trending upward.
This may be the year that the Cougars win the Big 12 and secure the auto-bid to the Playoff.
4. Washington
The Huskies are a dark horse entering the new year.
Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. nearly left the program over the offseason but is back in Seattle. The team will probably go as far as Williams takes them.
The Big Ten is the toughest conference in America. Still, another year of mediocre results won’t be taken well by the UW fanbase.
The clock may be ticking on Jedd Fisch.
5. Utah
It’s a new era in Salt Lake City. Morgan Scalley takes over the program after Kyle Whittingham led the way for 21 seasons.
Quarterback Devon Dampier returns after throwing 24 touchdowns and rushing for 835 yards last year.
The dual-threat quarterback scored 10 times on the ground and averaged 5.7 yards per rush.
Utah enters the year as a fringe Playoff contender.
6. Boise State
Boise State is the flagship football program of the new Pac-12.
The Broncos enter the season outside of the Top 25, though, showing the lack of respect the league has on a national level.
As the Conference’s most-respected program, it comes with a target on their back.
All the other schools in the new Pac-12 will be looking to knock BSU off its top spot.
7. Arizona
Preseason expectations and Arizona generally do not mix well.
The Wildcats typically don’t have hype surrounding them before a year begins. But when they do, the results are usually poor. Yet, there are reasons why the optimism is high.
Fifita enters his second year under offensive coordinator Seth Doege. And defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales is back after a strong year.
Don’t sleep on Arizona.
8. California
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
Finding a way to keep him on the roster was a major win for new head coach Tosh Lupoi.
The Bears have been knocking on the door the last few seasons, and the ACC is respected nationally.
Win a few early games, and the buzz around the team could grow.
9. Arizona State
Arizona State enters the season with a question at quarterback. But with a Top 25 transfer class, Kenny Dillingham has a solid roster.
If the quarterback situation is resolved early, the Sun Devils could have a better-than-expected year.
The Big 12 is always competitively balanced and any team can make a run to the championship game.
ASU enters the year under the radar and staring down a tough schedule.
10. UNLV
The Rebels are the only team in the Mountain West that can legitimately be called a Playoff contender.
If UNLV runs the MWC, it could be in contention for the Group of Six’s guaranteed spot in the Playoff.
Without many respected conference games, the margins of victory could become important. The bigger the wins, the better.
Perceptions always matter.
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.