Pac-12 media poll: Washington is top dog in North, Wildcats top ASU in South
The Pac-12 was in Los Angeles on Wednesday for the conference's Media Day.
Conference voting
Updated
Pac-12 Media Day took place in Los Angeles on Wednesday, which meant it was time for writers and reporters around the conference to cast their votes for how the season will shape up.
Last season the Arizona Wildcats were predicted to finish last in the Pac-12, but finished third in the South division.
With Heisman hopeful quarterback Khalil Tate under center, the Wildcats finished in a different place in the Pac-12 media poll. Here's how it looks (first-place votes in parenthesis).
Pac-12 South
Updated
Clay Helton and the Trojans will be looking for consecutive Pac-12 championships.
No. 1: USC Trojans
Updated
USC will have to fill the voids left by Ronald Jones II, left, and quarterback Sam Darnold if it wishes to compete for another Pac-12 title.
Media day votes: 225 (22)
2017 record: 11-3Β (8-1 Pac-12)
Head coach:Β Clay Helton
Key returners:Β Michael Pittman Jr.Β (WR), Cameron Smith (ILB)
No. 2: Utah Utes
Updated
Utah QB Tyler Huntley has completed 63.8 percent of his passes last season for 2,411 yards.
Media day votes:Β 209 (14)
2017 record:Β 7-6 (3-6 Pac-12)
Head coach:Β Kyle Whittingham
Key returners:Β Tyler Huntley (QB), Bradlee Anae (DL)
No. 3: Arizona Wildcats
Updated
Khalil Tate hopes to improve upon an impressive freshman showing.
Media day votes: 178 (3)
2017 record: 7-6 (5-4 Pac-12)
Head coach: Kevin Sumlin
Key returners: Khalil Tate (QB), Colin Schooler (LB)
No. 4: UCLA Bruins
Updated
UCLA hired Chip Kelly to replace Jim Mora at the Bruins' helm.
Media day votes: 116 (2)
2017 record: 6-7 (4-5 Pac-12)
Head coach: Chip Kelly
Key returners:Β Josh Woods (LB), Soso Jamabo (RB)
No. 5: Colorado Buffaloes
Updated
Steven Montez is in line for the bulk of snaps under center at Colorado this year.
Media day votes: 80 (1)
2017 record:Β 5-7 (2-7 Pac-12)
Head coach:Β Mike MacIntyreΒ
Key returners:Β Steven Montez (QB), Rick Gamboa (LB)
No. 6: Arizona State Sun Devils
Updated
Quarterback Manny Wilkins shined at times last season, finishing with 3,270 yards and 20 passing touchdowns.
Media day votes: 72
2017 record:Β 7-6 (6-3 Pac-12)
Head coach:Β Herm Edwards
Key returners:Β Manny Wilkins (QB), N'Keal Harry (WR)
Pac-12 North
UpdatedNo. 1: Washington Huskies
UpdatedMedia day votes:Β 249 (40)
2017 record:Β 10-3Β (7-2 Pac-12)
Head coach:Β Chris Petersen
Key returners:Β Jake Browning (QB), Trey Adams (OT)
No. 2: Stanford Cardinal
Updated
David Shaw owns a 49-14 record against Pac-12 opponents since taking the helm at Stanford in 2011.
Media day votes: 198 (1)
2017 record:Β 9-5 (7-2 Pac-12)
Head coach:Β David Shaw
Key returners:Β Bryce Love (RB), Alijah Holder (CB)
No. 3: Oregon Ducks
Updated
Justin Herbert will look to make a significant stride as Oregon's starter in 2018.
Media day votes: 178 (1)
2017 record:Β 7-6 (4-5 Pac-12)
Head coach:Β Mario Cristobal
Key returners:Β Justin Herbert (QB), Troy Dye (DE)
No. 4: California Golden Bears
Updated
Running back Patrick Laird (28) will be a redshirt senior at Cal in 2018.
Media day votes: 108
2017 record:Β 5-7 (2-7 Pac-12)
Head coach:Β Justin Wilcox
Key returners:Β Patrick Laird (RB), Jordan Kunaszyk (LB)
No. 5: Washington State Cougars
Updated
Head coach Mike Leach is entering his seventh season in the Pac-12 with Washington State. His best finish was second in the North in 2016.
Media day votes: 98
2017 record: 9-4 (6-3 Pac-12)
Head coach:Β Mike Leach
Key returners:Β Jalen Thompson (S), Kyle Sweet (WR)
No. 12: Oregon State Beavers
Updated
Oregon State coach Jonathan Smith
Media day votes: 45
2017 record: 1-11 (0-9 Pac-12)
Head coach: Jonathan Smith
Key returners:Β Kee Whetzel (OLB), Blake Brandel (OT)
