USC finds ranking in new poll

After USC’s dominant win over 15th-ranked Michigan, the Trojans have climbed back into the AP Top 25. Coming in at number 20, USC now turns its attention to a primetime showdown in South Bend on Saturday night. The 4–2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, ranked number 13 will host the Trojans in what promises to be another pivotal matchup with major implications for both teams’ postseason hopes.

The Trojans have put together an impressive first half of the season, entering this week with a 5–1 record. With another marquee matchup on deck, USC has a golden opportunity to solidify itself in the College Football Playoff conversation. This marks the third time this season the Trojans have appeared in the AP Top 25. The last time they were ranked, USC suffered a heartbreaking road loss to a ranked Illinois team, falling on a last-second field goal as time expired.

The Trojans enter this week dealing with a few key injuries, particularly in the running back room, but King Miller looks more than prepared to step into the RB1 role for what many proudly call “RBU.” USC will once again rely on its ultra-efficient, top-ranked offense to set the tone, while the defense continues to build momentum with timely stops and steady improvement.

The schedule was always going to get tougher, and this stretch represents the defining moment of the season, a chance for USC to seize control of its destiny and show the rest of college football just how good this Trojan team truly is.