Move from Pac-12 to Big Ten will ultimately help USC and coach Lincoln Riley

Changing to the Big Ten was needed. Other fan bases may choose to cry foul over USC leaving the Pac-12, but it was a move that suited the needs of the athletic program as a whole. It is an increased challenge of facing BIG competition each week instead of what would be remaining of the former conference home.

Even in the event of Oregon, Washington, and UCLA also sticking on the West Coast, it would be hard to imagine how the Trojans would be able to find their place in the world of college football as a whole.

Some may disagree and will elect to blame the Trojans. Either way, that part is now sealed, and there isn't too much of a reason to look back now.

There is a different type of difficulty. By joining the Big Ten, they have helped the conference keep up in the arms race with the SEC. With the addition of the Trojans and Ducks in particular, the BIG is just as good, and the top end is already arguably better than the SEC as things stand now.

This has forced USC to step up throughout the program. Already, for example, the strength and conditioning team is looking like they are preparing the student-athletes at the requisite levels. Recruiting is being closer to that of a top national brand. The Trojans are currently in the top spots for the 2026 and 2027 classes. In the event of other programs doing enough to take over the top slot, the efforts in that department are already enough to warrant being recognized as a top national recruiting effort.

Slight consolation from first Big Ten year for USC

When looking at how the games themselves played out, in some ways the first year in the Big Ten could end up helping, despite the overall record.

This coach Lincoln Riley staff seeing how close the margins can be and the type of style that the teams will use is what Trojan fans have been asking to see from their team anyway. Only now, the wish of the fan base will be forced to go into overdrive.