On3 Sports released its “2024 post-spring, post-portal Big Ten Power Rankings,” and USC Football lands seventh in the 18-school conference. Ohio State tops the list, followed by Oregon, Michigan, Penn State, Nebraska, and Iowa ahead of USC.
Here are the entire rankings;
USC Football Ranks 7th in Latest Power Rankings
On3’s reasoning is as follows:
“Lincoln Riley got off to a hot start in the 2024 offseason, but the spring ended without much-needed sizzle along the offensive and defensive lines. The Trojans most failed to address key holes in the trenches, which stands to be problematic in Year 1 in the Big Ten. Miller Moss wasn’t overly impressive in the spring game, either, but USC does at least have options with UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava. The improvements on the defensive staff showed immediate signs this spring, but barring some late movement, the overall roster still isn’t where it needs to be for the Trojans to compete for a conference title this fall.”
Added Context
The rankings were posted before Gavin Meyer, nose tackle, announced his commitment to USC football via the transfer portal on Wednesday morning, although that likely wouldn’t move the needle much, despite being a step in the right direction.
The Trojans have added just Meyer and defensive lineman Nate Clifton via the transfer portal but lost nine offensive and defensive linemen this offseason.
Improving the defensive staff was a top priority for Lincoln Riley this offseason. He added D’Anton Lynn, who turned around the UCLA Bruins defense last season as well as Eric Henderson from the Los Angeles Rams staff, Doug Belk as secondary coach from Houston, and Mike Entz, two-time FCS national championship-winning head coach from North Dakota State.
