It’s a brand new season, which means revamped expectations.
The narratives surrounding each year always shape the outcomes. From the consistent preseason hype coming from the SEC to the regional expectations out West, the narratives always matter.
Conference realignment is a clear theme this year, with both the Pac-12 and the Mountain West undergoing dramatic changes. Who steps up to win those newly revamped leagues?
With that in mind, here’s my list of the Teams from the West most likely to surprise this upcoming season.
1. Washington State
The new Pac-12 is wide open for the taking.
Washington State has navigated the transition better than could be expected. Despite consistent coaching changes, the program continues to deliver. That signifies institutional power and a strong brand.
You can’t kill the Cougs. It’s fair to expect WSU to be in contention to win the Conference.
2. Arizona
Nobody is talking about Arizona.
The Wildcats are coming off a nine-win season and return one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12. Brent Brennan managed to retain both his coordinators, setting the stage for a strong season.
If Noah Fifita plays to his standard, the Cats could compete for a Big 12 Championship.
3. Washington
This is the breakout year for Demond Williams Jr.
The transfer portal mishap over the offseason doesn’t matter. Williams is playing for the Dawgs, and the momentum under Jedd Fisch is real.
This season could end up being a make-or-break year for Fisch. The expectations are tangible in Seattle. Fail to deliver, and the administration might look for new options.
4. New Mexico
There are legitimate expectations for New Mexico this season. And it’s not just coming from Albuquerque.
This Lobos team is primed to capitalize on the program’s momentum. The community is starting to rally behind UNM football and the Mountain West has been reset.
The optimism entering the season is at its highest point in years. As are the outside anticipations.
5. San Diego State
Sean Lewis has San Diego State trending up.
Entering the revamped Pac-12, this season is critical to maintain the momentum. The Aztecs could lay the foundation for many years to come if they play well.
First impressions matter. The Conference of Champions is there for the taking. Keep an eye on SDSU.
6. San Jose State
The Spartans flopped last year. Let’s just get that out in the open.
The failure to meet expectations damaged the trajectory of the program under Ken Niumatalolo. However, momentum arguably played a key factor in last year’s 3-9 campaign.
If SJSU wins close games this year, they may find themselves competing for a Mountain West Championship.
7. California
Coaching changes are never easy for a program to navigate. But the Cal administration appears to have made the right decision.
Tosh Lupoi managed to keep Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele on the roster, and recruiting is going well.
Entering the year, expectations outside of Berkeley are muted. ESPN’s FPI has the Bears 14th in the ACC. Don’t be surprised when they overperform.
8. Arizona State
The Sun Devils had to find a new quarterback over the offseason. The question under center limits preseason expectations.
But if Kenny Dillingham made the right choices in the portal, Arizona State could be better than expected.
The roster is solid and should be capable of competing in the Big 12 every week. Don’t overlook ASU this year.
9. UCLA
There is no buzz surrounding UCLA. Nobody is expecting the Bruins to compete in the Big Ten.
Bob Chesney takes over the program with a clean slate and low expectations. That could be the right combination for a surprising year.
ESPN currently projects UCLA’s win total at five games. A six-win season plus a bowl victory would exceed expectations.
10. Utah State
Bronco Mendenhall enters his second season at Utah State.
Coming off a bowl appearance, the program sits in a reasonable spot. How the Aggies stack up in the Pac-12 is a compelling storyline. Foundational years are crucial.
Last season, USU went 1-2 against current Pac-12 members. A .500 record in conference games this year would build momentum.
