ESPN SP+ rankings are severely underrating the 2025 USC defense

At this time of year, everyone is guessing. Even so, there are certain aspects, like the improvement of the USC defense, that seem like they can be assumed at this point of the year.

Granted, a lot can change at any time, and how teams actually look and perform during the season are complete unknowns. Even so, when ESPN's Bill Connelly wrote an article sharing the network's preseason evaluations, there was one glaring error.

To have the Trojan offense ranked as the 13th best in the nation based on their criteria makes sense. It is coach Linoln Riley, after all, and even in a down year his offense produces. It is only a question in 2025 if they can do it when it matters most, but that is a discussion for another time.

To have the defense ranked at 47, though, behind Army and Miami (Fl.), is simply absurd. Nothing against our nation's service academies, but with NIL especially, those rosters are always at a considerable disadvantage compared to Power Four teams.

The Hurricanes do not have that reason to excuse their performance on that side of the ball, and it was a major reason why the eventual No. 1 overall pick from this past NFL draft was forced to win each game via a shootout.

Focusing on USC, to have them in the 40s cannot be the result of a complete or thorough analysis of this unit.

Only some of the players that will make the difference for USC

Firstly, there are strong presences on the Trojan defense who are about to enter their full second year in coach D'Anton Lynn's scheme. Kobe Pepe, Kamari Ramsey, and Desman Stephens II are examples of USC players who will have gained from their experiences from 2024 and provide high-impact plays on that side of the ball.

Then factor in the newcomers, like Jahkeem Stewart, Chasen Johnson, and Marcelles Williams. There are a lot of immediate contributors who are making up for those who departed from last season.

Most importantly, it is known what coach Lynn can bring as a defensive coordinator. When then looking at the improvements, particularly in d-line development, having this USC defense as the 47th best in the nation just does not add up.