ESPN’s David M. Hale is high on the Pac-12 entering the 2023 season.

On Thursday, ESPN released a series of predictions for the 2023 season from several of its top college football analysts. Hale is predicting that both Oregon and USC will make the College Football Playoff next season.

USC was a popular pick, as 5 of the 8 analysts projected the Trojans to make the semifinals. Only one other analyst (Bill Connelly) put Oregon into his final 4.

The Trojans return several impact players, including Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams at quarterback. USC also made multiple big additions in the portal this offseason, headlined by ex-Arizona receiver Dorian Singer.

Oregon also returns its quarterback, Bo Nix. The Ducks should be well-equipped to make another run at a CFP berth with Dan Lanning entering Year 2 at the helm.

In addition to the Trojans and Ducks, Hale is predicting Alabama and Ohio State to reach the CFP in 2023. He was the only analyst in the story to not predict 2-time defending National Champion Georgia to make the Playoff next season.

Getting multiple Pac-12 teams into the College Football Playoff would be a landmark achievement for the conference. The Pac-12 only has 2 Playoff appearances all-time entering the 2023 season.

USC has never reached the College Football Playoff. Oregon’s last appearance on that stage came back in 2014, the 1st edition of the CFP.