The college football season has officially kicked off, meaning we are just one week away from USC Football taking the field in the Coliseum. As of this writing, the Iowa State Cyclones just knocked off the Kansas State Wildcats in Dublin, Ireland, meaning the season has begun.
Earlier today, USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley was a guest on the infamous Jim Rome show.
He received the usual line of questioning about closing out games this year, but was also asked about beginning the season unranked and if that adds any pressure.
“Here’s the deal. Until we play football, we’ve gotta give something for everyone to talk about,” Riley says. … I’m confident in this football team. I wouldn’t sleep on the Trojans.”
"I wouldn't sleep on the Trojans."@LincolnRiley on @uscfb going into the 2025 season unranked. pic.twitter.com/Wh3rZwLN9M
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) August 23, 2025
Don’t Sleep On USC Football This Year
The USC Trojans enter the season unranked for only the 2nd time since 2001. Part of that is due to the Trojans’ 7-6 record last year. Part of it is due to some potential unknown at the QB position.
While a preseason ranking really does not matter, even with the above thought process, it is quite shocking to leave the USC Trojans unranked.
While there are some questions on Jayden Maiava and his decision-making, he went 3-1 as a starter last year, including a bowl win over Texas A&M. There are teams ranked in the Top 25 who have a QB making their first-ever collegiate starts.
Check Out Our USC Trojans Merch In The LAFB Locker Room!
Just look at Michigan, for instance. The Wolverines finished 8-5 last year and will be starting a true freshman at QB this season. They are ranked 14th.
Oklahoma got perhaps the best QB in the transfer portal this year in John Mateer, but they finished 6-7 last year and lost to Navy in their bowl game. Yet, they still come in ranked 18th.
The Trojans not being ranked in the Top 25 is not all that meaningful, but it certainly should be used as bulletin board material.
They have improved just about every position this offseason, including their coaching staff, with the additions of Rob Ryan, Chad Savage, and Trumain Carroll.
The defense was one of the most improved units last year in all of college football, and now they have an abundance of depth to take them to even further heights.
The AP might not think so, but I would listen to Lincoln Riley. “I wouldn’t sleep on the Trojans.”
Subscribe To Our USC Football LAFB YouTube Channel For Updates!