The USC Trojans climbed three positions to No. 15 in the latest AP Poll, securing a top-25 ranking despite sitting out their second bye week of the 2026 season. While the Trojans rested at home, the rest of the college football landscape shifted, allowing USC to gain ground without playing a single snap. This upward momentum highlights the team’s strong start and solidifies their status as a legitimate contender in a highly competitive conference.
A bye week boost sets the stage for a gauntlet against Indiana and UCLA.
USC now stands as one of six Big Ten representatives in the top 25, joining powerhouse programs like No. 4 UCLA, No. 6 Indiana, No. 16 Iowa, No. 18 Oregon, and No. 21 Ohio State. This depth of talent within the conference underscores the difficulty of the upcoming schedule. The Trojans are positioned to test their mettle against the league’s elite, with their current ranking reflecting a team that has earned respect from voters even during a week of rest.
The coming weeks will define USC’s season as they face the Big Ten’s top two teams in the final three weeks of regular-season play. The Trojans travel to face Indiana this Saturday before hosting UCLA at the Rose Bowl on November 28. A victory in both marquee matchups would almost certainly propel USC into the top ten, cementing their status as a national power and setting the tone for a potential postseason run.
Source: Yahoo Sports
