High ceiling for this year's USC team on display through opening games

It is unknown as to the full extent of the potential that this USC team has. While many are optimistically looking to the future, the 2025 team has proven to be well ahead of schedule in terms of the needed standards that have to be met within the Trojan program.

The defense, in particular, has taken noticeable strides. At some point, coach D'Anton Lynn will legitimately be up for strong consideration to be hired as a head coach of a program. When that day comes, coach Lynn will be a terrific candidate and will be able to bring the needed culture for a team that is almost undoubtedly in need of a reset.

Until then, the defensive coordinator has maintained his desire to solely focus on USC and prepare the current roster for each and every upcoming game.

What is more, that unit has made some mistakes early on, particularly in coverage. Once these largely fixable things get sorted out, it is safe to assume that this defense would have the potential to be one of the better units in the nation.

The upcoming game against Michigan State is viewed by some to be the last of the 'easier' games before the run of more difficult Big Ten opponents begins.

Massive USC potential

A lot is not known about this Trojan team yet. Through the opening matchups, however, there have been clear signs of improvement. So far, it looks like this team does truly have the potential to be a contender for the College Football Playoff.

After many years of being underwhelming as a historic program, the Trojans are ready to be in discussions among the likes of Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas on an annual basis. USC is not quite there yet, but the signs are there of this being well underway.