2017 Pac-12 preseason quarterback rankings: Sam Darnold and Jake Browning fight for top spot

1. Sam Darnold So. USC

Darnold’s last game in the Rose Bowl gave him the crown of Pac-12 QB as just a sophomore in as good of a quarterback crop as the conference will ever see at the top. He has the full package as a quarterback and, unlike the other stars on this list, has stepped it up in big games.

2. Jake Browning Jr. Washington

Browning had one of the best statistical seasons the Pac-12 has ever seen from a QB in 2016 and led the Huskies to 12 wins. It will be hard to top what he did in 2016, but he might be able to if he can stay 100 percent healthy throughout the season and improve his play just a big against top talent.

3. Luke Falk Sr. Washington State

I was surprised when Falk decided to come back for one more year, because he has legit NFL talent and has already accomplished a ton at WSU. It’s hard to imagine he could be even better as a senior.

4. Josh Rosen Jr. UCLA

For all the hype, Rosen seems to have barely even played in the Pac-12 yet. He is a generational talent though, and I am confident he is ready for a junior season where he fulfills his NFL potential and turns into a fulfilled star.

5. Justin Herbert So. Oregon

Herbert looked like a young/taller Marcus Mariota last year and looks poised to be the next player to join the great Pac-12 QB club. He has an underrated collection of tools around him to use and another off-season of training which should help him progress.

6. Steven Montez So. Colorado

Montez was quietly just as good as Sefo Liufau at times when he filled in for him. Like Herbert, he is a very big QB with great athleticism who flashed major star potential as a true freshman.

7. Brandon Dawkins Jr. Arizona

The ultra-fast Dawkins showed a little bit of his huge potential in 2016, but has a long ways to go in the consistency department. He could be a very scary player in 2017 though if he shows some solid progression.

8. Troy Williams Sr. Utah

Williams is solid at times, but overall really rarely stepped up for the Utes in 2016. He has the physical tools, but will have to show better accuracy and consistency to move into the better half of Pac-12 QBs.

9. Blake Barnett So. Arizona State

Barnett actually started 2016 as Alabama’s starter and now looks to be the starter at Arizona State in 2017. He doesn’t seem like he will turn into an instant star in Tempe, but should help them have some more stability at QB.

10. Darell Garretson Sr. Oregon State

The former Utah State Aggie has been decent for the Beavers at times and often injured. He looks to be the best QB on the Beaver roster if healthy though and has the experience under his belt to help them get back to a bowl game.

11. Keller Chryst Sr. Stanford

I have no idea of who to put for Stanford. Chryst is coming off an ACL injury, but seems like he still might be their most of the time starter in 2017. He didn’t show a ton in 2017, but seemed more dangerous than Ryan Burns.

12. Ross Bowers So. Cal

The leader of another quarterback group/competition no one really seems to be that excited about. Bowers brings some mobility to the table which could make him the starter in Berkeley.