The Pac-12 Conference is no stranger to drama, which is quite fitting given its stronghold surrounding the nation’s movie industry in southern California. It’s also no stranger to elite-level quarterback play, as Oregon’s Marcus Mariota became the latest Heisman Trophy winner that the conference produced.
But Mariota is gone, and a new wave of Pac-12 quarterbacks look to lead the league into the future. Here are some of the top story-lines revolving around the position heading into next season.
Things start off in Eugene with the Oregon Ducks as they look to replace the aforementioned Mariota. In a controversial move, at least in the Pacific Northwest, Eastern Washington QB Vernon Adams Jr. elected to pursue his dream of playing power conference football and transfer to the Ducks. Adams Jr. figures to be the frontrunner for the starting job.
Heralded freshman Josh Rosen is hoping to make an immediate impact in Westwood as he enrolled into UCLA a semester early so that he could compete in Spring Ball. Rosen was one of the top-ranked quarterbacks in the high school ranks last year and is the heir-apparent to Brett Hundley.
Staying in the South, Cody Kessler is a name to watch. Kessler threw for 39 touchdowns and just five interceptions a year ago, and could be a name to watch in the late season Heisman rounds.
Lastly, Sefo Liufau and the Colorado offense surprised the conference a year ago with their sudden potency. Unfortunately for the Buffaloes, it didn’t translate to many wins. Liufau could be the key for CU if they hope to return to a bowl game in 2015, but he’ll need to reduce his turnovers–he threw 15 interceptions as a sophomore–for the Buffs to have a shot.
