Early ESPN Top 25

Preseason rankings mean nothing. But it is always interesting to see an outside perspective on the strength of the Pac-10 and Trojan program. East coast / SEC / Big 12 bias will always prevail so take this top 25 lightly. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach ranks USC #4. Here is what he has to say about the Trojans: We won't have to wait long to find out if the Trojans do indeed simply reload after losing so many star players to the NFL draft. After hosting San Jose State in their Sept. 5 opener, the Trojans play at Ohio State on Sept. 12. Either Aaron Corp or freshman Matt Barkley will be making his second career start at quarterback in that game. There will be a lot of talent around whoever starts at quarterback, including receiver Damian Williams and as many as six tailbacks who could start on most other Pac-10 teams. Eight starters must be replaced on defense, including linebackers Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga and defensive end Clay Matthews. The Trojans feel pretty good about their linebacker corps, and end Everson Griffen finally emerged as a potential difference-maker during spring practice. Along with the road trip to Ohio State, USC faces difficult road games at California on Oct. 3, at Notre Dame on Oct. 17, at Oregon on Oct. 31 and at Arizona State on Nov. 7. Other teams on the Trojans schedule in the top 25 are Ohio State (6), Oregon (11), Cal (13) and Notre Dame (17). Big 12, SEC continue to dominate [espn.com]