Cal Football

Who's Leaving the Pac-12 in 2021?

By Max Frincke

February 22, 2021

11,479

The western United States is home to some of the country’s most touted college football prospects. With the NFL Draft set for April, a new breed of talent will be brought into the pros, and each Pac-12 team will consequently look different in some way, shape or form.

How does that, in combination with the transfer portal, affect each team going into 2021? We take a look with a list of departures and summary for each team.

CAL (1-3)

The Golden Bears aren’t as hurt this offseason as most other Pac-12 schools, losing just three starters from 2020. The loss of All-Pac-12 DB Cam Bynum certainly hurts, but ultimately Cal will return 19/22 of last year’s starters and bring in the Pac-12’s 3^rd best recruiting class, making a strong case for an improved season.

Cal Athletics

QB Chase Garbers will return in 2021

Protected by an experienced offensive line, Chase Garbers will once again take the helm of the Bears offense, throwing to veteran WRs Nikko Remigio and Kekoa Crawford, and handing it off to a deep stable of capable running backs. NFL vet Bill Musgrave will need to will this offense to better yardage totals and redzone success in 2021, after the Bears averaged a meager 319.5 yards/game and 20.3 ppg.

On the defensive side, Cal returns captain Kuony Deng to lead a unit that ranked in the top half of most Pac-12 defensive stats. Cameron Goode and JH Tevis will help solidify a dominant D-Line and Elijah Hicks will lead an experienced secondary.

With so much experience returning, Cal has no excuse not to win more games in 2021.

2021 NFL DRAFT

Camryn Bynum (CB) (SR)**
- All-Pac-12 First Team ‘20
- All-Pac-12 Second Team ‘19
- 188 tackles (8 tfl), half a sack, 6 interceptions, 29 pass breakups, and 35 passes defended, with his 29 pass breakups ranking fifth in school history
Jake Curhan (RT) (SR)**
- started 40 games at RT

Transfer Portal

Devon Modster (QB) (R-SR)
- Started three games in 2019, completing 51% of his passes for 705 yards, 5 tds, and 5 ints, adding 168 yards and 1 td on the ground
DeShawn Collins (RB) (R-SR)
- Rushed 38 times for 199 yards and 2 tds in 2019
Bradrick Shaw (RB) (R-SR), Zach Angelillo (FB) (R-SO), Makai Polk (WR) (SO), Jeremiah Hawkins (WR) (SR), Poutasi Poutasi (OG) (R-JR), Gabriel Cherry (DE) (R-JR), Drew Schlegel (FB) (R-SR)

Departing/Graduating

Zeandae Johnson (DE) (SR)**
- 59 tackles (9 ½ tfl), 5 ½ sacks, 1 ff, 9 qb hurries, three pass breakups, and three passes defended in 18 starts
Tevin Paul (ED) (R-JR)**

STANFORD (4-2)

With question marks at it’s most well-known positions, Stanford is forced to make big changes offensively in 2021. David Shaw is tasked with replacing his starting quarterback, top-two wide receivers, top tight-end and three standout offensive linemen.

Bob Drebin / isiphotos.com

Stanford’s running back Austin Jones will return in 2021

The Cardinal’s offense was it’s bread and butter in 2020, ranking third in yards/game, second in pass yards/game, and second in rushing tds. Expect the tree to struggle in 2021 as it converts either Jack West or Isaiah Sanders to be it’s starting QB - neither of which has thrown a CFB touchdown - and rely on a new offensive line and wide reciever corp.

Defensively, the Cardinal looks weak and inexperienced with none shouting NFL potential the way draft commits Paulson Adebo, Curtis Robinson or Thomas Schaffer did. Even with those three, the Tree’s defense was poor in 2020, ranking 9^th in yards/game and 8^th in ppg. Stanford hasn’t finished as a ranked team since 2017. Breakout performances are needed for it to happen again this year.

2021 NFL Draft

Davis Mills (QB) (SR)**
- 1,508 yards, 18 tds, 8 ints 66% and 3 rushing tds over 13 games played
Simi Fehoko (WR) (JR)**
- All-Pac-12 First Team ‘20
- 37 receptions for 574 yards and 3 tds in 2020
- 24 receptions for 566 yards and 6 tds in 2019
Drew Dalman (C) (SR)**
- All-Pac-12 First Team ’20
Thomas Schaffer (DE) (SR)**
- totaled 37 tackles (9 for loss), and 4 sacks in 26 gp, highlighted by 20 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks in six games played in 2020
- first Austrian to play NCAA D1 football
Curtis Robinson (ILB) (SR)**
- led team in tackles (44) (2020)
Connor Wedington (WR) (SR)**
- 25 kick returns for 685 yards, 27.4 avg
- 106 receptions for 971 yards and 1 touchdown over 4 years
Jet Toner (K) (SR)**
- All-Pac-12 Second Team ‘19, ‘20
Scooter Harrington (TE) (SR)**
Foster Sarell (RT) (SR)**
Paulson Adebo (CB) (SR) (Opt-Out)**
- All-Pac-12 First Team ‘18, ‘19
- 67 solo tackles, 8 interceptions and 38 pd over 22 games played
Walker Little (LT) (JR) (Opt-Out)**
- started 20 games before suffering season-ending injury in 2019

Transfer Portal

Stuart Head (S) (SR) (OPT-Out)**
- started last six games in 2019
Dylan Boles (DE), Joshua Pakola (DE) (JR)

Departing/Graduating

Malik Antoine (FS) (SR)**
- 26 starts over last three seasons
- team captain ’20
- 38 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception and 4 passes defended in 2020
J.J. Parson (FS) (R-SR), Treyjohn Butler (CB) (R-SR), Osiris St. Brown (WR) (SR), Jake Koffman (OG) (SR), Anson Pulsipher (ILB) (FR)

**starter

WASHINGTON (3-1)

The Huskies won’t be left hungry offensively in 2021 with All-Pac-12 First Teamers Jaxson Kirkland (LT) and Cade Otton (TE) choosing to return and forgo the NFL Draft. They’ll contribute to a healthy and experienced front-line, with every member having started in 2021, helping move forward a a solid trio of running backs as well.

Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

First Team All-Pac-12 left tackle Jaxson Kirkland will return in 2021

The only question marks on offense are the wide-receiver unit, which basically has no experience, and the quarterback position, which was fought for and won by Dylan Morris last semester, but will be contested by Sam Huard, the No. 2 incoming recruit at that position.

UW retains not as much strength defensively with their cornerstone DBs leaving in Elijah Molden and Keith Taylor, and two other defensive players declaring for the NFL Draft as well. They have at least one established player at each line of defense, but ultimately 7/11 are unproven. Look to Ryan Bowman (DL), Edefuan Ulofoshio (LB), and Dominique Hampton (CB) to lead each defensive unit.

2021 NFL Draft

Elijah Molden (DB) (SR)**
- All-America Second Team (PFF)
- team captain ‘20
- 70 tackles, 5 ints, 3 ff, 1 fr and 19 pd in last 17 games
Keith Taylor (DB) (SR)**
- 91 tackles and 10 pd over 43 games
- team captain ‘20
Levi Onwuzurike (DL) (SR) (Opt-out)**
- 2019 All-Pac-12 First Team
- 95 tackles, 16 tfl and 7 sacks in 39 games
Joe Tryon (OLB) (JR) (Opt-Out)**
- 2019 All-Pac-12 Second Team
- 41 tackles, 12.5 tfl, 8 sacks and 1 pd in 2019

Transfer Portal

Ty Jones (WR) (JR)**
- 6 receptions for 140 yards
- transferred to Fresno State
Ethan Garbers (QB) (FR), Jacob Sirmon (QB) (S), Jordan Chin (WR) (SR)

Departing/Graduating Program

Josiah Bronson (DL) (SR)**, Kevin Thomson (QB) (GR), Jack Yary (TE) (FR), Fatu Sua-Godinet (WR) (SR), Brandon McKinney (DB) (SR), Zechariah Brown (DB) (JR)

**starter

OREGON (4-3)

The Ducks lose a lot in 2021 with their starting QB, RB, safeties, defensive tackles, and two cornerbacks leaving. Oregon maintains depth in some of those departments, but a change at quarterback along with defensive coordinator is bound to create some bumps down the road.

GoDucks.com

Oregon safety Brady Breeze has declared for the NFL Draft

Tyler Shough’s departure is likely due to his dwindling performances and reduction in playing time as the 2020 season went on. Graduate transfer Anthony Brown picked up some of the slack and impressed, but he may compete with highly-touted, incoming 4-star recruit Ty Thompson.

On the defensive side, Oregon loses the heart of its defensive line in DTs Jordon Scott and Austin Faoliu along with 5 stud defensive backs. Nike’s flagship CFB team churns talent, and the consequence is high turnover due to high competition and performance. The Ducks, however, will still retain their two All-Pac-12 first team performers in DE Kayvon Thibodeaux and CB Mykael Wright.

2021 NFL Draft

Deommodore Lenoir (CB) (SR)**
- 111 solo tackles, 6 interceptions, 27 passes defended, and 2 forced fumbles in 47 games played
Jordon Scott (DT) (SR)**
- 109 tackles, 13 tfl, 4 sacks, and 1 pd
Austin Faoliu (DT) (SR)**
- 124 tackles, 10 tfl, 5 sacks, 1 pd, and 1 ff over 43 games played
Nick Pickett (S) (SR)**
- 160 tackles, 2 interceptions, 14 passes defended, and 1 ff over 45 games played
Hunter Kampmoyer (TE) (SR)**
- 14 receptions for 161 yards and 3 touchdowns over 5 games in 2020
Penei Sewell (OT) (JR) (Opt Out)**
- considered the first non-QB to be selected in 2021
Jevon Holland (S) (JR) (Opt Out)**
- 66 tackles, four passes defended, four interceptions, and a defensive td in 2019
- 9 interceptions from 2018-19
Thomas Graham (CB) (SR) (Opt Out)**
- 143 solo tackles (10.5 tfl), 8 interceptions, 40 passes defended, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery in 40 games played
Brady Breeze (S) (SR) (Opt Out)**
- 43 solo tackles, 2 interceptions, 5 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, and 5 fumble recoveries in 2019

Transfer Portal

Tyler Shough (QB) (SO)**
- Started all 7 games for Ducks in 2020, throwing for 1703 yards, 15 touchdowns and 6 interceptions on 65% completion percentage through 15 gp
Cyrus Habibi-Likio (RB) (JR)**
- 21 rushing tds and 409 yards on 122 attempts in 32 gp
Jayvaun Wilson (RB) (R-FR), Cale Millen (QB) (RS-FR), Daewood Davis (CB) (JR) MJ Cunningham (ILB) (SO), Nick Wiebe (ILB) (SO), JR Waters (WR) (R-Fr), Sam Poutasi (OL) (SR), Isaac Townsend (DE) (R-Fr)

Departing/Graduating Program

Jordan Adeyemi-John (CB) (SO)

Not Listed on Spring Roster

KJ Maduike (RB) (SO), Justin Collins (WR) (SR), Isaia Porter (DL) (R-Fr)

**starter

OREGON STATE (2-5)

With QBs Tristan Gebbia and Chance Nolan gaining valuable experience in 2020, the quarterback position in Corvallis looks intact for the next few years. Combine that with one of the best offensive lines returning, and the Beavers aren’t in the worst position this year (*cough Stanford *cough Arizona). The absence of RB Jermar Jefferson will certainly be a drawback next season, but the Beavers will bring in former South Carolina RB Deshaun Fenwick, who averaged 5.4 yards as a backup in three seasons, to pick up some slack.

OSUBeavers.com

QB Chance Nolan will return in 2021 after starting OSU’s last three games

On the defensive side, the Beavers return a unit that was third worst in the conference in points/game and yards/game in 2020. The loss of Hamilcar Rashed and Nahshon Wright is not going to help.

Without a clear leader on defense or playmaker on offense, expect the Beavers to struggle in 2021.

2021 NFL Draft

Jermar Jefferson (RB) (R-SR)**
- First Team All-Pac-12 ‘20
- 514 carries for 2923 yards, 27 touchdowns for a 5.7 avg/a through 3 years
Hamilcar Rashed (OLB) (R-SR)**
- 85 tackles (24.5 tfl), 14 sacks, 4 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and 1 block through 2 years
Nahshon Wright (CB) (JR)**
- 64 tackles (1.5 tfl), 1 sack, 5 picks and 11 pass deflections

Transfer Portal

Calvin Tyler (RB), I’Shawn Stewart (WR), Rob Vanderlaan (OT), Keishon Dawkins (DL), Mason Moran (S), Kaleb Hayes (CB), Marcus Harris (CB)

**starter

WASHINGTON STATE (1-3)

The Cougars will return in 2021 with Nick Rolovich in his second year as their head coach. After a promising 38-28 victory over OSU in Week 1 of 2020, they would go on to lose every game and finish with a 1-3 record. Going into 2021, WSU is fortunate to lose only two starters.

CougCenter.com

Pac-12 2019 Honorable Mention RB Max Borghi will return

2021 should be better for the Cougars as their offensive star Max Borghi will return to the lineup after an injury plagued 2020 season. He’ll be helped by an Abraham Lucas led o-line, and if freshman QB Jayden De Laura, who is dealing with a DUI, can return then the offense will look solid.

Defensively, WSU has a lot to improve on after allowing a staggering 38.5 points per game last season. Linebackers Travell Harris and Renard Bell will lead that unit.

2021 NFL Draft

Blake Mazza (K) (R-JR)**
- All-Pac-12 First Team ‘19
- 34/40 (85%) FGs through three seasons

Transfer Portal

Jamire Calvin (WR) (R-JR)**
- 92 receptions for 980 yards and 5 tds
Gunner Cruz (QB) (R-FR), Will Heckman (QB) (R-JR), Clay Markoff (FB) (R-SR), Hunter Mayginnes (OG) (R-SO), Tyrese Ross (S) (R-SO), Phillip Powell (S) (GR)

USC (5-1)

The Trojans were really good in 2020, and the consequence is that they’re losing a lot to the NFL Draft. In sheer volume alone, USC is the hardest hit team in the Pac-12, losing seven starters to the draft and one to the transfer portal. The loss of WRs Amon-Ra St. Brown and Tyler Vaughns for example leaves some big shoes for Drake London and Bru McCoy to fill, but they have the size and talent to do it.

Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG

USC QB Kedon Slovis

Offensively, USC doesn’t look like the team they were last season, losing All-Pac-12 first teamers Alijah Vera-Tucker and St. Brown. Add the loss of Markese Stepp and Vaughns, this unit is left with little proven talent. Lucky for USC, they still have the best QB in the Pac-12 in Kedon Slovis, but when you combine him with their poor run game (worst in the Pac-12), mediocre offensive line, Slovis might not have many toys to play with in 2021.

Defensively, USC looks good, having ranked top-4 in yards/game, passing-yards/game, rushing yards/game, and points/game in 2020. They have veterans and newcomers to replace Talanoa Hufanga and Olaijah Griffin in the secondary, and a plethora of huge defensive lineman that are the envy of the conference. USC’s defense looks good going into 2021.

2021 NFL Draft

Talanoa Hufanga (S) (JR)**
- PFF All-American Second Team ‘20
- All-Pac-12 First Team ‘20
- 62 tackles, 5.5 tfl, 3 sacks, 4 ints, 5 pd, and 2 ff in 2020
Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR) (JR)**
- All-Pac-12 First Team ‘20
- 41 receptions for 478 yards and 7 touchdowns and 8 contested catches in 2020
Alijah Vera-Tucker (OT) (R-JR)**
- All-Pac-12 First Team ‘20
- PFF Third-Team All-America ’19
Marlon Tuipulotu (DT) (R-JR)**
- All-Pac-12 First Team ‘20
- 104 tackles, 15 tfl, 8.5 sacks 3 pd and 2 ff in 33 games played
Tyler Vaughns (WR) (R-SR)**
- All-Pac-12 Second Team ‘20
- 222 receptions for 2,801 yards and 20 touchdowns in 45 games played
Jay Tufele (DT) (Opt-Out)**
- All-Pac-12 First Team ’19
Olaijah Griffin (CB) (SR)**
- 59 tackles, 1 int, and 14 pd over last 17 games

Transfer Portal

Markese Stepp (RB) (R-JR)**
- 45 carries for 165 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2020
Palaie Gaoteote IV (ILB) (R-SO)
- former 5 star recruit
Connor Murphy (DE) (R-SR) , Abdul-Malik McClain (OLB) (R-JR), Chase McGrath (K)

**starter

UCLA (3-4)

The Bruins are one of the least affected teams this offseason, losing just two starters in the offseason in Osa Odighizuwa (DT) and Demetric Felton (RB), who both declared for the NFL Draft. The team went 3-4 in 2020 and will bring back a healthy, experienced unit.

Bear Insider

First Team All-Pac-12 defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa

At the helm of the Pac-12’s second-most prolific offense, Dorian-Thompson Robinson had a breakout season for UCLA with 1,120 yards, 12 tds, and 4 ints on 65% of his passes, along with 306 yards and 3 tds on the ground. Combine that with a healthy, full-returning o-line and you have a recipe for offensive success in 2021. Running backs and wide receivers are the only question marks.

On the defensive side, UCLA is in a bit of a pickle, ranking second in 2020 in rush yards allowed/game, but second to last in pass yards allowed/game. Losing their best DT isn’t going to help, and they’ll look to Caleb Johnson (ILB) and Mitchell Agude (OLB) to take on leadership roles.

2021 NFL Draft

Demetric Felton (RB) (R-SR)**
- All-Pac-12 Second Team ‘20
- 132 attempts for 668 yards and 5 tds in 2020
- 22 receptions for 159 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2020
Osa Odighizuwa (DT) (R-SR)**
- All-Pac-12 First Team ‘20
- 30 tackles, 6 tfl and 4 sacks in 2020

Transfer Portal

Jahmon McClendon (RB) (R-FR), Charles Njoku (WR) (R-FR), Evidence Njoku (TE) (R-JR), Jayle Erwin (WR) (SR), Leni Toailoa (OLB) (R-SR), Elijah Gates (CB) (R-JR), Rayshad Williams (CB) (R-SO)

Arizona (0-5)

The situation in Tuscon is a hot mess going into 2021, and the problems extend far past the players. After firing everyone, Arizona’s coaching staff is so brand new that it’s glistening. Accompany that with a weak roster, and 2021 isn’t looking so pretty.

Mike Christy / Arizona Athletics

2020 Pac-12 honorable mention Anthony Pandy

Starting with the offense, Arizona doesn’t have a quarterback. The talented Grant Gunnel has opted to enter the transfer portal (who can blame him), leaving Will Plummer, who threw for no touchdowns and 3 picks in his three games, as the Wildcats’ most experienced QB. Redshirt sophomore Kevin Doyle, who hasn’t seen any game action, is the projected No. 2.

Coaches and quarterbacks aside, there is a slight glimmer of hope in Arizona’s offensive line, which returns as the same healthy unit in 2021. The Wildcats also have a good linebacker corp, led by Jalen Harris and Pac-12 honorable mention Anthony Pandy. Still, there’s not much to be optimistic about for a team that ranked last in yards allowed/game, points allowed/game, and points/game. It’s an uphill climb for Arizona and it’s new coaching staff.

2021 NFL Draft

Lorenzo Burns (CB) (R-SR)**
- Team Defensive MVP ‘19
- 192 tackles, 8 tfl, 2 sacks, 9 ints and 35 pd in 4 years
Gary Brightwell (RB) (SR)**
- 245 attempts for 1305 yards and 9 tds

Transfer Portal

Grant Gunnell (QB) (SO)**
- 1,864 yards for 15 tds and 3 ints on 67% comp% through last 12 games
Ma’Jon Wright (WR) (FR)**
- 15 receptions for 176 yards and 1 td
Robert Congel (OG) (R-JR)**
Rhett Rodriguez (QB) (R-JR), Drew Dixon (WR) (R-JR), Jamari Williams (OG) (R-FR), Edric Whitley (CB) (FR)

**Starter

Arizona State (2-2)

On paper, Arizona State was the best Pac-12 team in 2020, and their 2-2 record from a shortened season doesn’t do them justice. The Sun Devils averaged the most points/game at 40.3 and the least allowed/game with 23.3. With just two 2020 starters leaving, Herm Edwards is in a great position to put his team back on top of the South Division this year.

thesundevils.com

ASU QB Jayden Daniels

On offense, ASU returns one of the Pac-12’s deepest RB committees in Rachaad White, Chip Trayanum and Daniyel Ngata, who combined for 7 yards/attempt with 818 yards and 10 tds on the ground last season. They’ll be joined by QB Jayden Daniels who is one of the best in the conference.

On defense, ASU has a deep stable of defensive backs that are experienced and hungry for interceptions and pass deflections. They are stabilized by two highly experienced linebackers in Merlin Robertson and Darien Butler.

2021 NFL Draft

Aashari Crosswell (S) (JR)**
- 93 tackles, 6 ints, and 25 pd over 3 seasons
Frank Darby (WR) (GR)**
- 67 receptions for 1317 yards and 13 tds over 4 seasons

Transfer Portal

Demetrious Flowers (RB) (R-FR), Nolan Matthews (TE) (SO), Jordan Kerley (WR) (SO), Brandon Pierce (WR) (JR), Keith Davis (WR) (R-SO), Tannor Park (WR) (R-JR), KJ Jarrell (S) (R-JR), Kevin Macias (P) (R-SR), Cristian Zendejas (K) (R-SR)

Utah (3-2)

KSLSports.com

All-Pac-12 first team OL Nick Ford (55)

If not for their lack of QB or RBs, the Utah Utes would be primed as one of the best Pac-12 teams going into 2021. The tragic death of 2020 All-Pac-12 RB Ty Jordan, however, and departure of QB Jake Bentley to the transfer portal, leaves them with little in those two departments.

Utah has talent at every other position though, with lots of size on the defensive side and experienced o-linemen and wide receivers. The Utes were second in the conference in points allowed last season, so they’ll be a tough team to beat if Andy Ludwig can muster an offense.

2021 NFL Draft

Brant Kuithe (TE) (JR)**
- 79 career receptions for 1065 yards and 7 touchdowns
- All-Pac-12 Second Team ‘19, ‘20
- transferred to Arizona State
Jake Bentley (QB) (R-SR)**
- ranks 9th among FBS QBs in passing yards (8,409) and 13th in passing tds (61) and has thrown 38 interceptions
Ben Lennon (P) (SO)**
- 14 punts for 544 yards (38.9 ypp) in 2020

Transfer Portal

Bryan Thompson (WR) (JR), Mufi Hill-Hunt (DE) (R-SR), Pita Tonga (DT) (R-SR)

COLORADO (4-2)

Despite having an offense and defense that ranked at the bottom of the Pac-12 in 2020, Karl Dorell was able to lead the Buffaloes to a 4-2 record in his incredible return. In 2021, the Buffaloes return All-Pac-12 RB Jarek Broussard and freshman QB Brendon Lewis who could be a future star for their offense.

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Pac-12 First Team RB Jarek Broussard

New defensive coordinator Chris Wilson will need to revitalize that side of the football for this team to improve in 2021 after losing All-Pac-12 second team DT Mustafa Johnson to the upcoming draft. The Buffaloes allowed nearly 32 points a game in 2020, and LB Nate Landman will lead the group.

2021 NFL Draft

Mustafa Johnson (DT) (SR)**
- 97 tackles, 14 sacks 1 ff and fr in 3 seasons
- All-Pac-12 second team ‘20
William Sherman (LT) (JR)**
- All-Pac-12 second team ‘20

Transfer Portal

Derrion Rakestraw (S) (R-SR)**
- transferred to Tulane
- 82 tackles, 7 pd, 2 ff, 1 fr and 4 ints in 36 games and 11 starts
K.D. Nixon (WR) (R-SR)**
- transferred to USC
- 104 receptions for 1250 yards and 7 tds in 4 seasons
Akil Jones (ILB) (R-SR)**
- 72 tackles and 2 pd in 16 games
Jaren Mangham (RB) (JR)**
- 130 carries for 476 yards and 5 tds in 2 seasons
Mike Chandler (QB) (SO), Tyler Lytle (QB) (SR), Travis Drosos (LS) (R-FR), Brenden Rice (WR) (R-FR), Jason Harris (DE) (R-FR), KJ Trujillo (DB) (SO), Will Anglen (S) (R-FR)

**starter