Pac-12: Here are the five best non-conference games to watch
What are the chances the new Pac-12 Conference puts a team into the College Football Playoff in its first season?
One thing that could play in its favor: Four contenders from the American Conference lost coaches to Power Four programs after last season, with Ryan Silverfield leaving Memphis for Arkansas, Alex Golesh going from South Florida to Auburn, Jon Sumrall from Tulane to Florida and Eric Morris from North Texas to Oklahoma State.
But, the Sun Belt actually has had more teams ranked on CFP selection day the past six seasons than the Pac-12, five to four, with James Madison last season, Troy in 2022, Louisiana in 2021 and 2020 and Coastal Carolina in 2020, which is not the best look for the new Pac-12.
Boise State made the CFP in 2024, Oregon State was in the final rankings in 2023 and 2022 and San Diego State was ranked in 2021. Fresno State has been in the CFP selection day rankings once, when No. 21 in 2018.
The American has had nine teams in those selection day rankings, including five that are still in the conference with Tulane and North Texas last season, Army and Memphis in 2024, Tulane in 2022 and Tulsa in 2020. Texas-San Antonio was ranked in 2022 when it was in Conference USA and is now in the American Conference, as well.
The non-conference season could help, or hurt the Pac-12 when it comes to the College Football Playoff. But there are some interesting games. Here are five to watch …
Sept. 4: Fresno State at USC
TV: FOX, 6 p.m.
A first look at a Fresno State offense expected to be much more dynamic with a change at quarterback, even with a lack of experience at the position. The Bulldogs last season averaged just 23.3 points in games against FBS opponents, 25.8 overall. USC appears to be a tough test, and returns six starters from a defense that allowed 23.0 points per game. But Fresno State has weapons, and should have more offense in its game plans week to week.
Sept. 5: Boise State at Oregon
TV: CBS, 12:30 p.m.
This is a legitimacy test for the Broncos and quarterback Maddux Madsen, a fifth year senior. Boise State has lost 10 games in a row against power conference opponents and Madsen has seen his passing efficiency rating fall two years in a row, from 155.10 in 2023 to 142.53 in 2024 and 136.91 last season. He had a lower rating in 2025 than Fresno State quarterback E.J. Warner (138.42), who was benched midway through the season.
Sept. 6: Washington State at Washington
TV: NBC, 1 p.m.
It’s the Apple Cup and the debut for Cougars’ coach Kirby Moore, the former Fresno State receivers coach and offensive coordinator under Jeff Tedford. It’s a tough opener, on the road. The Huskies also dropped 59 points on their in-state rivals last season in a 35-point victory. The Cougars have UC Davis transfer Caden Pinnick in a three-way quarterback competition, a highly-efficient, dual-threat player who can stress opposing defenses.
Sept. 12: San Diego State at UCLA
TV: BigTen, 4:15 p.m.
The Aztecs have been carried by their defense forever, but lost a ton of experience. San Diego State opens against FCS Portland State, which was 1-11 a year ago. So, this game is a much better barometer of whether the Aztecs and that defense will be a factor this season in the Pac-12. UCLA is expected to be vastly improved in the first season under coach Bob Chesney, but the Bruins still scored only 18.2 points per game last season.
Sept. 12: UTSA at Texas State
TV: CW, 12:30 p.m.
How will Texas State fare jumping to the Pac-12 from the Sun Belt? The Bobcats have perhaps the best quarterback in the league in sophomore Brad Jackson, who last season hit 71.3% of his passes for 3,224 yards and 21 touchdowns. He had an efficiency rating of 163.96 — the highest in the Mountain West last season was 149.51. UTSA, which returns eight starters on defense, could provide a Pac-12-level test and a few hints to that question.