MWCConnection Pac-12 2026 Preseason Best Position Units

Continuing with the week’s theme, today’s post will detail which teams have the best position units in the Pac-12 Conference. Voted on by our team, the results can be seen below. Take a look at our team’s choices for each of the ten positions below.

In case you missed the first two days, you can see the All-Pac-12 West team and Awards and Predictions from Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

Quarterback

Texas State

The quarterback position is often a bit hard to evaluate for this exercise, because only one QB plays and gets most, if not all, of the snaps. The Bobcats return an impressive signal-caller who stepped into the full-time starting role last season and hasn’t looked back. Brad Jackson is incredibly accurate and threw for over 3000 yards in GJ Kinne’s pass-happy system and should increase his 21 TDs over the course of the 2026 season. Texas State is the heavy favorite here.

Running Back

Boise State

The Broncos boast the best running back duo in the conference, and they could end up being one of the better 1-2 punches in college football. Dylan Riley will likely get the most carries in 2026, as he looks to build off of his 1125 yards and 10 TDs from 2025. His running mate will be Sire Gaines, who is tough to bring down and put up 811 yards and 8 TDs of his own. Boise State’s top two RBs should combine for over 2000 rushing yards once again and lead the offensive attack for the team.

Wide Receiver

Texas State

The QB and WR groups featured the same team in the Mountain West last week and do the same with the Pac-12 this week. Their top duo is a force to be reckoned with, as Beau Sparks and Chris Dawn Jr both put up 1000 yard seasons in 2025 and return for 2026. Sparks had the better season, leading the team in receptions (84), yards (1200), and TDs (10). But many WRs in the conference would love to have Dawn Jr’s season, where he amassed 65 catches, 1007 yards and 4 TDs of his own. Behind these two, there will be other pass catchers who figure to have nice seasons as well, which is why the Bobcats are the clear choice here.

Tight End

Washington State

The Cougars emerged at this position, which is a bit light around the conference. Trey Leckner will lead the group, coming off a 2025 campaign where he caught 24 passes for 186 yards and found the end zone 3 times. While not eye-popping numbers, he is reliable and figures to be a factor in Kirby Moore’s new offense coming into 2026. Washington State will likely feature a few tight ends, but Leckner has the most experience on the field to go along with his stats.

Offensive Line

Boise State

The Broncos continue to be entrenched in this spot, despite losing their starting left tackle and center. Those will both be big shoes to fill, but they appear to have replacements lined up. That all being said, they return three starters, including all-conference player Roger Carreon. The others are Jason Steele and Daylon Metoyer, who both have a season of starts under their belts. It’s a deep group, to be sure, even if they lack the star power of last year. Boise State’s OL is a safe bet to be solid, and the development of key spots will determine how good they can be.

Defensive Line

San Diego State

The Aztecs will enter 2026 with a ton of expereince and returning starters across their defensive line. Brady Nassar will bring solid production at one of the end spots, with Malachi Finau and Amari Comier taking care of business on the inside. That trio has been been in the system and knows how to play together. They will be joined by a plethora of transfers that San Diego State brought in to make this one of the deepest units in the Pac-12. SDSU could actually have 10 players along the defensive line who are juniors or seniors in 2026.

EDGE

Boise State

Jayden Virgin-Morgan will lead the charge for the Boise State pass-rush again this season. He is arguably the top edge player in the Pac-12 and returns for his senior season looking to make a statement. While he will be the star in the edge room, a slew of other players will join him. Max Stege, Roman Caywood, and Sterling Lane will all join the pass-rushing pack as well, but all will need to improve and at least one of them will need to emerge as a consistent threat to get to the quarterback. Still, the Broncos have more than enough talent to be a force when it comes to rushing the passer.

Linebacker

Fresno State

The Bulldogs have a stout linebacker group that they are bringing into the 2026 season. Led by junior K’vion Thunderbird and sophomore Tytus Khajavi, it should help the team’s defense be just as good this year as they were last season. Khajavi and Thunderbird combined for 69 tackles, 4 TFLs, 1 sack, and 3 INTs in 2025 and the duo is primed to build on that this upcoming season. They will be flanked by a number of other players looking to earn more snaps. Specifically, look for young LB Logan Studt to build on his 17 tackles in limited action from last season. Fresno State looks well-stocked at this position for 2026.

Defensive Back

Fresno State

The Bulldogs have their second position on this list, which serves as another nod to the strength of their defense. Despite losing lockdown cornerback Alzillion Hamilton, they still have a strong room. For 2026, they will be led by Nickelback Simeon Harris, who was third on the team in tackles with 54 and passes defended with 6. He also led the team in interceptions with five. Joining Harris in the Fresno State secondary will be safeties Ryan Wilson and Ethan Tierney, plus Kiontre Harris and Jomarion Briggs at the corners. All saw time last season, but will step into bigger roles and look to increase their production. This unit should be at or near the top of the conference once again in 2026.

Special Teams

San Diego State

The Aztecs return a lot of their special teams players from the previous season. Nick Clegg will step into kicking duties, and he made the only extra point he attempted in 2025. Tashi Dorje didn’t punt much last year, but still averaged over 50 yards per punt. WR Jordan Napier figures to be the star of this unit for SDSU. He will be slated to return both kicks and punts and is a big threat with the ball in his hands in open space.

Team Totals:

• Boise State: 3
• Fresno State: 2
• San Diego State: 2
• Texas State: 2
• Washington State: 1

Notes:

• The unanimous position votes were plenty in this one. The team all agree on quarterback, wide receiver, offensive line, and pass rush.
• Other positions were within a vote or two of being unanimous. Those spots were running back, and tight end.
• The tightest races were defensive back, and special teams.
• Three teams carry over positions from the 2025 Mountain West list. Those spots were running back, offensive line, and defensive line.
• Looking at the team totals, the Broncos were led the way, but the talent was pretty even among four teams. Also, considering that five of eight teams made the list, and it’s clear the Pac-12 has some talent in much of the conference.

There it is. So let’s hear it. Who did we snub? Who did we put on here that shouldn’t be? Let’s hear your feedback in the comments section.

Coming tomorrow: Our Kickoff Week continues as we debut the 2026 Preseason All-Coach Team.