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2021 Pac-12 football season preview: Predicted order of finish, best players, breakout stars

By Alicia de Artola

Oregon Ducks safety Jamal Hill and USC Trojans wide receiver Drake London in the Pac-12 title game. ( Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Oregon Ducks safety Jamal Hill and USC Trojans wide receiver Drake London in the Pac-12 title game. ( Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon Ducks, Kedon Slovis, USC Trojans
Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon Ducks, Kedon Slovis, USC Trojans. (Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /

Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year: Kedon Slovis, USC, QB

Kedon Slovis is the best quarterback in the conference, which automatically sets him up for Offensive Player of the Year honors.

If he stays upright, USC’s scheme is built for him to put up huge numbers. Moreover, he has a ridiculously great track record in the fourth quarter of games, giving him plenty of opportunities to produce memorable clutch moments.

Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon, DE

Kayvon Thibodeaux is being touted as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft thanks to his explosive pass-rushing ability.

He had 14 tackles for loss, including nine sacks, during his outstanding freshman season and came away with nine tackles for loss and three sacks in the shortened 2021 campaign. Expect him to take yet another step forward as a disruptive force on defense as a full-fledged junior playmaker.

Pac-12 Breakout Player of the Year: Drake London

Drake London shouldn’t be eligible to be the breakout player in the Pac-12 because he should be a household name nationally already. He’s not and that’s a travesty.

London is an absolute beast. He’s got tight end size and wide receiver athleticism. He’s tough as nails. He’s a walking highlight reel and the 2021 season is going to be his canvas.

Other players worth mentioning include Oregon linebacker Noah Sewell and wide receiver Devon Williams or ASU quarterback Jayden Daniels.

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