Preseason College Football polls are meaningless. In fact, I actually think they are detrimental because naturally, people (and the College Football Commitee) are going to think about a team a certain way based on where they were previously ranked, before ever playing a game.
But this is an argument for a different day. The AP just released their Top 25 poll and the USC Trojans, just like the coaches poll that came out a week ago, slide in at number 23.
USC Trojans Ranked 23rd In AP Top 25
Here are the full rankings:
- Georgia
- Ohio State
- Oregon
- Texas
- Alabama
- Ole Miss
- Notre Dame
- Penn State
- Michigan
- Florida State
- Missouri
- Utah
- LSU
- Clemson
- Tennessee
- Oklahoma
- Oklahoma State
- Kansas State
- Miami
- Texas A&M
- Arizona
- Kansas
- USC
- North Carolina State
- Iowa
What isn’t meaningless is the quality of the USC schedule. As it stands now, they will play four schools, not just in the top 25, but in the top 15!
They kick off their season on Sunday, September 1st in Las Vegas against 13th-ranked LSU. The Tigers will trot out one of the nation’s top offensive lines, anchored by tackles, Will Campbell and Emory Jones. They will be protecting new starting QB Garrett Nussmeier. The USC Trojans offense will have to block one of the best edge rushers in college football, Harold Perkins Jr.
The Trojans face their next ranked opponent, Michigan – #9, three weeks later. Their National Championship-winning coach, Jim Harbaugh, may be gone, but his infrastructure is still in place. The Trojans will contend with the top shutdown corner, Will Johnson, and two of the best interior defensive linemen, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant.
After another three weeks, USC plays 8th-ranked Penn State. The Nittany Lions, may not have a standout player at one position, but they are one of the most well-rounded teams in the NCAA. Despite, losing Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac to the NFL, the Penn State defense projects to be a top 5 unit once again in 2024
The USC Trojans finish the year against Notre Dame, the 95th meeting. With Irish head coach, Marcus Freeman, entering his fourth season, the roster is now completely his. Preseason polls are often too high on ND, but by November 30th they will be a known quantity whatever their rank will be.
