EA Sports publishes an interesting rating for USC football in new video game
By John Fye
![Dec 27, 2023; San Diego, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans director of player development Chris Carter (left) and defensive end Solomon Byrd (51) hold the Holiday Bowl championship trophy at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Dec 27, 2023; San Diego, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans director of player development Chris Carter (left) and defensive end Solomon Byrd (51) hold the Holiday Bowl championship trophy at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_7008,h_3942,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/144/01j1g0jxfhnt1abgfh39.jpg)
EA Sports' media hype machine was in full swing on Friday. The video game mega-programmers released their 'Top 25 Power Rankings' for 'EA Sports College Football 25.' As anticipated, the list has sparked lively discussions among college football fans and gamers across social media platforms.
The USC Trojans rank No. 19 on EA Sports' top 25 with an 87 overall (OVR) rating. This metric factors in EA Sports' rating of USC's offense at 83 OVR and defense at 86 OVR. We remain disappointed in the gaming company's low opinion of the Trojans' offense but think an 87 OVR team rating is fair.
Lincoln Riley's program remains loaded with talent but is in significant transition. USC is rebuilding its defense with new staff members and several new transfer portal players. The USC offense is also adapting to life with a new starting quarterback, running back, and wholesale changes in the interior offensive line. Lastly, fans must consider the impacts of a new travel schedule and opponents that come with joining the Big Ten conference.
What's surprising about EA Sports' Top 25 ratings
Considering the transition and uncertainty surrounding Troy, ranking USC at No. 19 is fair. However, the teams EA Sports ranked above the Trojans are a head-scratcher.
Colorado, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin are also rated 87 OVR on EA Sports' list, but all rank ahead of USC. Like the Trojans, Oklahoma and Wisconsin will field new starting quarterbacks this season. As for Colorado, Shedeur Sanders is among the nation's best, but his team features significant talent gaps, especially in the trenches.
Call us crazy, but we don't think a team coming off a 4-8 season belongs ahead of the Trojans in any rankings. Miami's No. 13 ranking and 88 OVR is another suspect EA Sports' opinion.
As expected, the Georgia Bulldogs top EA Sports' power rankings with a 95 OVR rating. Ohio State (93 OVR), Oregon (93), Alabama (92), and Texas (92 OVR) round out the top five. USC's first opponent in 2024, the LSU Tigers, ranks No. 8 with a 90 OVR rating.
Next. Story Link. Why USC's home stadium isn't regarded as tough place to play. dark
Team ratings in EA Sports College Football 25 will change as programmers adjust player ratings throughout the 2024 season. The game is scheduled to be released nationally on July 19.