Pac-12 Freshman Breakout Candidates for 2023

By JC Nevils

Fall camp is underway everywhere around college football, so naturally that means players, old and new, get to show what they can bring to the table. Let’s take a look at a freshman on each PAC-12 team who can break out over the next few weeks and find a role on the field early.

Arizona

S Genesis Smith, Hamilton HS, AZ

As the Wildcats badly need improvement in the secondary, Smith comes right in to fix that. He showcased his skills all spring and that carried over into fall camp. He is currently competing for a starting job.

Genesis Smith, committed to Arizona, gives a speech during the signing day ceremony at the Hamilton High School auditorium. © Alex Gould/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Arizona State

QB Jaden Rashada, Pittsburg HS, CA

Jaden had a whirlwind of a recruitment, with him initially verbally committing to Florida, but ultimately backing out of it and signing with the Sun
Devils instead. While a little on the light side, he is a polished passer
who can make every throw. He was also recently tabbed as the week
one starter, so expect to see a lot from him.

Arizona State quarterback Jaden Rashada (5) during football practice at Mountain America Stadium © Rob Shumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

California

WR Nyziah Hunter, Salinas HS, CA

It was a battle to the end for his signature with Oregon State
hot on his trails, but Cal came out victorious. As the highest-rated
recruit in the class, expect to see him in the rotation looking to
replace tons of production.

Nyziah Hunter jumps for a picture during his visit to the University of California

Colorado

RB Dylan Edwards, Derby HS, KS

Originally committed to Notre Dame, the Coach Prime effect
was too much to overcome as he flipped to the Buffs before signing
day. As a standout at Derby High back in Kansas, he was named
Gatorade Player of the Year along with being named an All-American. All he has done since Spring is make plays with his
outstanding quickness and speed. He will be a major part of the
offense this season.

https://twitter.com/RealMatSmith/status/1692381650678911373

Oregon

ATH Matayo Uiagalelei, St John Bosco HS, CA

As his older brother D.J. and Oregon State starting QB was,
Matayo also comes out of high school as a five-star recruit. Unlike
his brother though, he plays in the trenches and does it very well.
Whether it be at tight end or as an edge rusher, his freakish
athleticism will push him to see the field early and often.

Aug 26, 2022; Allen, TX, USA; St. John Bosco Braves defensive lineman Matayo Uiagalelei (11) during the Prep Gridiron Tom Landry Classic between St. John Bosco Braves and the Allen Eagles at Eagle Stadium at Allen High School. © Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon State

QB Aiden Chiles, Downey HS, CA

Coming in as a heralded QB recruit out of California, it was no
surprise around campus of his talents. He came in and immediately
pushed D.J. Uiagalelei all the way into fall camp. D.J. ultimately
came out as the starter, but everyone knows the future belongs to
Chiles.

https://twitter.com/blazers_palace/status/1596636508672315393

Stanford

WR Tiger Bachmeier, Murrieta Valley HS, CA

Tiger and Stanford? Coincidence? Maybe not, but this Tiger is
one of the most prolific receivers to come out of the California ranks
in recent memory. Coming into a young and inexperienced WR
room, Tiger should have every opportunity to see the field.

https://twitter.com/BlakeAHampton/status/1670229350828896256

UCLA

QB Dante Moore, Martin Luther King HS, MI

Moore might be the most talented Freshman QB in all the land.
Coming from Detroit’s Martin Luther King High, he lit up the state
of Michigan since his Freshman year. Now in LA, he is poised to do the same against collegiate competition. While there is a competition going on, he is too talented
not to see the field at some point this season. Most likely sooner
than later.

Detroit King quarterback Dante Moore looks to pass against Mason during the second half of a Division 3 state semifinal at John Glenn High School in Westland. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

USC

WR Zachariah Branch, Bishop Gorman HS, NV

Ever since he touched campus, all Branch has done is solidify himself as one of the most exciting players in the country. In his week 0 game vs. San Jose State, he proved it. In addition to fifty-eight receiving yards and a touchdown, he had a ninety-six-yard kick return TD. It won’t be long before the whole country knows this name.

https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1695627544014262386

Utah

OT Spencer Fano, Timpview HS, UT

A dominant high school lineman and nothing has changed so
far in his short time in the college ranks. He’s a very versatile player with good bend that can play all five offensive line positions. He will be
in the two-deep immediately if not starting.

Spencer Fano sits in a car during his visit to the University of Utah

Washington

WR Taeshaun Lyons, Tennyson HS, CA

Lyons is simply an electric player who makes plays. The Bay
Area product spurned his home state schools to come and play with
the Huskies, and they are very happy he did. While he may not start
out of the gate, he has been running with the twos consistently and
should see plenty of snaps.

Taeshaun Lyons (#15) lines up in a scrimmage in Husky Stadium for the University of Washington

Washington State

WR Carlos Hernandez, Monrovia HS, CA

While only being rated a three-star recruit coming out of high
school, his play certainly shows it was lower than it should have.
While being steady all spring, he broke out during the spring game
with three catches for 70 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Jake
Dickert has already said he will not be redshirting. That’s about all
you need to know.