AP Top-25 Poll Prediction: USC Trojans To Make Rankings?

When looking at the USC Trojans entering the season, the program does have a shot at making the top-25. While there is concern around the team, Riley is still a respected coach who has produced talented players. 

With question marks but still a talented roster, the USC Trojans could find themselves in the No. 20-25 range on the AP Top-25 preseason poll. While the team may find themselves lower, they would still be ranked and could work themselves up the ranking throughout the season.

At the very least, the Trojans are expected to receive votes in the preseason poll.

USC Trojans Potential

Quarterback Jayden Maiava started the final four games of the season, winning three. With Maiava returning as the team’s starter and Riley’s history of coaching quarterbacks, the offense has high potential.

The Trojans also have their top two wide receivers returning, Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon. Though there is concern about the depth at the receiver position due to the number of transfer portal losses, there are talented players on the team for Maiava to throw to.

USC quickly rebuilt the running back room ahead of the season, landing former New Mexico redshirt senior running back Eli Sanders and the No. 1-ranked JUCO running back Waymond Jordan. The Trojans will also have returning running back Bryan Jackson, who showed potential last season. With the depth, USC’s run game can continue to excel.

Defensively, USC has several returning players, and the most depth they have had on the front seven in recent years. Returning defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn coached a strong unit last season, and in year two with the program, USC could have one of the most underrated defenses in 2025.

In addition to depth, linebacker Eric Gentry is returning to the team after missing the majority of 2024 with an injury. Gentry returning and being healthy is going to add another level of physicality. 

The team also has one of the top recruits from the class of 2025, with defensive linemen Jahkeem Stewart. Stewart’s commitment added a major boost of hope for this season, and he could be an exciting player to watch as a true freshman.

USC Trojans Season Preview

The Big Ten is a tough conference to play in, but the Trojans luck out not having Ohio State or Penn State on the schedule. The toughest games of the season will likely be against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Oct. 18) and the Oregon Ducks (Nov. 22).

Two games could indicate where the Trojans stand this season, the first being against the Illinois Fighting Illini on Sept. 27. Illinois had a strong performance in 2024, and with returning quarterback Luke Altmyer, the team is looking to take another step this season. If USC defeats Illinois, the Trojans could be seen as a bigger threat.

After Illinois, USC will have a bye week and then face the Michigan Wolverines on Oct. 11. Both USC and Michigan had a down year in 2024, with higher expectations this season. Michigan will have quarterback Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 recruit in the nation. 

USC and Michigan faced off in 2024, resulting in a Wolverines win in the final minutes. The matchup this season will be a big test of where the Trojans stand in the conference.

The AP Top-25 Poll updates weekly throughout the year, meaning no matter where the USC Trojans rank first, the team can rise throughout the season as they compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

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