1st AP Top 25 Poll has USC on the outside of the initial rankings

At this moment in time, USC has not made it into the AP Top 25. The list was released earlier on Monday, with teams like Texas and Ohio State looking down on the rest of college football for the time being.

Obviously making the list is something of a significant honor and a good distinction. Not being included, however, is far from a death sentence for the Trojans. It is simply a fact that USC has not played well enough in recent memory for the rest of college football to consider giving the Trojans the benefit of the doubt.

Not to worry, though, coach Lincoln Riley is putting the right steps in place throughout the program to ensure that USC will be able to see wins on the field in short order.

For now, the Trojans are not going to receive the benefit of the doubt. And that is fair enough. Particularly through the Big Ten games, the Trojans will have a great chance to prove those doubting them wrong.

From the first preseason poll, USC will face three ranked teams during conference play in Michigan, Oregon, and Illinois. The Trojans will then also, of course, face off against Notre Dame for a non-conference game.

Future matchups for USC

Things can change in a hurry in this sport. It is something of a safe assumption to state that wins against either of these programs would be viewed favorably and boost a potential College Football Playoff resume.

The season is about to get underway. Looking ahead at the schedule, USC will have plenty of chances to show that they are indeed 'back' as a program and will have the ability to show just how far they have come under coach Riley. The currently ranked matchups in particular will give the Trojans a great chance to prove that they are on the right track.