AP preseason rankings highlight USC's tough position in Big Ten

Six teams from the Big Ten made it into the AP's first top 25 list for this year, two of which, Penn State (2) and Michigan (14), the Trojans lost to last season.

Last season marked the first year USC competed in the Big Ten after leaving the Pac-12 amid major conference realignments. It wasn't a very memorable season as the Trojans went 7-6 and 4-5 against Big Ten opponents. 

The team's record last season was still good enough to get into the Las Vegas Bowl, where USC beat the Texas A&M Aggies, 35-31. However, smaller bowl games have less meaning in the era of the College Football Playoffs. This was reflected in the AP's preseason rankings, as all 12 playoff teams from last season were ranked. Even Texas A&M found itself ranked at 19 after an offseason refresh. 

USC's preseason snub isn't entirely surprising given the mixed rankings and predictions from other outlets that had the Trojans outside the Top 25. For instance, CBS Sports ranked USC 29th before the AP released its rankings. Overall, it paints a picture of a team that's not ready to battle for conference titles or return to its former pedigree as one of the nation's best football teams.

Still, this doesn't mean head coach Lincoln Riley's team is without talent that can help USC exceed expectations. 

Transfer quarterback Jayden Maiava led the team to victory in the Las Vegas Bowl, helping the Trojans rally from a 17-point deficit. Now, Maiava has had a full offseason to get familiar with Riley's offensive system and build a rapport with top wide receivers Ja'kobi Lane and Makai Lemon. A more cohesive unit could mean USC has more opportunities to re-enter the Top 25 throughout the season.

USC isn't bereft of talent and has the potential to make noise in the Big Ten. It's just as likely, though, that the regular powerhouses, a group the Trojans have yet to rejoin, will smother the team.