SAN FRANCISCO – The No. 5-ranked Utah gymnastics team was picked to finish second in the preseason Pac-12 poll that was voted on by the conference coaches. Utah received a total of 44 points and three first-place votes.
UCLA was voted to defend its 2019 Pac-12 title, earning 47 points and five first-place votes to narrowly edge out Utah for the top spot. Picked to finish behind the Bruins and Utes in the preseason poll were California (36), Oregon State (32), Washington (25), Arizona State (21), Stanford (12), and Arizona (7).
Utah is the only program to finish in the top three at every Pac-12 Conference championship. The Utes have claimed three Pac-12 titles (2014, 2015, 2017) since joining the conference, while finishing second four times and third once. Utah and UCLA have combined to win each of the last six Pac-12 titles.
Seven Pac-12 teams are ranked inside the recently announced preseason top-25. Ranking in the top-five nationally are No. 4 UCLA and No. 5 Utah, while No. 9 California, No. 11 Oregon State, No. 17 Washington, No. 21 Arizona State, and No. 22 Stanford round out the Pac-12 teams in the preseason poll.
The Red Rocks will open the 2020 season against No. 12 Kentucky on Friday, Jan. 3. The home opener is slated to begin at 6 p.m. in the Huntsman Center.
2020 Pac-12 Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. UCLA (5) – 47 points
2. Utah (3) – 44 points
3. California  – 36 points
4. Oregon State - 32 points
5. Washington – 25 points
6. Arizona State – 21 points
7. Stanford – 12 points
8. Arizona – 7 points