Difficult Big Ten portion will say a lot about state of current USC team

For all of the criticisms of USC supposedly looking to avoid difficult games, one look at the Trojans' schedule should show just how willing USC is when it comes to the difficulty for the season ahead. This is, of course, by nature of joining the Big Ten.

While the opening matchups during the nonconference schedule are not filled with headline games that will get too much in terms of national attention, the conference slate in particular is especially strong.

This will help the Trojans. For one, going up against good competition will ultimately help USC long-term. Being able to point to certain games that can be used as a litmus test is extremely helpful when it comes to fully evaluating if the program has indeed improved this past offseason under coach Lincoln Riley.

From the end of September until the beginning of November, the Trojans will face one of the more difficult four-game spans in the nation.

Difficult middle point of USC schedule

September 27 will see the Trojans travel to Illinois to face the Fighting Illini. The next game will then see USC host Michigan, who are also ranked heading into the 2025 season. Then, a trip to South Bend is on the books as USC will face Notre Dame. Then, November 1 will see the Trojans take a flight to Lincoln to face Nebraska. While the Huskers are at this time also unranked, they too have the potential to be a dangerous team that can exceed current expectations.

One aspect is for certain: USC will be challenged and pushed a lot this season. Any questions or unknowns are about to be found out. Particularly through that middle portion of Big Ten play, Trojan fans will have about as close to a complete picture of this team as possible. When looking at the BIG matchups in particular, keep the current schedule in mind for those who are overly critical of how USC's schedule looks.