Caleb Williams, Michael Penix Jr. Headline Preseason All-Pac-12 Football Teams

The 2023 Preseason All-Pac-12 teams were released on Tuesday, with the reigning Heisman Trophy winner leading the way.

USC quarterback Caleb Williams headlined the All-Pac-12 first team, while Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was the top name on the second team.

Williams was one of five Trojans to earn first-team honors on Tuesday, which is tied with Oregon State for the second-most. Two-time defending Pac-12 champion Utah led the way with six first-team selections.

It should come as no surprise that Williams was named to the preseason all-conference team. The 21-year-old dominated in his first year out West after transferring from Oklahoma, throwing for 4,537 yards and 42 touchdowns against just five interceptions while adding 113 carries for 382 yards and 10 more scores.

Behind the play of Williams, USC finished with an 11-3 record, its best season since 2017.

NFL.com draft expert Daniel Jeremiah recently compared Williams to Buffalo Bills star quarterback Josh Allen:

"Obviously, Allen is much taller (6-foot-5), but they are similar athletes as runners and both guys aren't afraid to seek out contact. They possess elite arm strength to power outside shots versus Cover 2. They like to read plays top down, always hunting for the big opportunity. Also, they can take speed off the ball, showing touch on screens and quick hitters. Allen has solidified himself as a top three quarterback in the NFL, and I see that type of upside in Williams."

As for Penix, he dazzled for the Huskies last season and led them to an 11-2 record. He completed 65.3 percent of his passes for 4,641 yards, 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Williams and Penix will have the opportunity to go head-to-head when the Huskies visit the Trojans on Nov. 4.