USC jumps up in AP Top 25 rankings following undefeated non-conference schedule

The USC Trojans delivered a winning performance in their 49-30 victory over Louisiana, keeping fans entertained with some classic "After Dark" excitement. The outcome remained firmly in USC’s control throughout the contest, marking their third consecutive win to start the season and successfully closing out an undefeated non-conference schedule.

Following this 3-0 start, and aided by upsets across the country, the Trojans have climbed two spots in the latest AP Poll rankings and sit at No. 12 with Sunday's updated poll after Week 2.

Week 2 AP Top 25 Poll

1. Texas
2. Georgia
3. Notre Dame
4. Indiana
5. Miami (FL)
6. Ohio State
7. LSU
8. Ole Miss
9. Texas A&M
10. Alabama
11. BYU
12. USC
13. Texas Tech
14. Penn State
15. Tennessee
16. SMU
17. Utah
18. Iowa
19. Michigan
20. Missouri
21. Oregon
22. Houston
23. Louisville
24. Oklahoma
25. Virginia

USC continues it's slow climb up the AP Top 25 poll

The Trojans began the season at No. 14, holding steady through their first two victories. But losses by Oregon and Oklahoma gave USC a chance to climb a few spots, emerging as one of three Big Ten programs currently ranked in the top 12.

With seven total Big Ten teams appearing in this week’s rankings, USC faces a challenging road ahead. While it is unlikely that all four of USC's upcoming ranked opponents will maintain their current status, these rankings highlight the elite level of competition the Trojans are set to face as they transition into conference play, beginning this week against unranked Rutgers.

"I think we just have to continue to stack the days, stay the course, be present in the moment, trust our coaching, trust our preparation and take it one day at a time," Jayden Maiava said in the postgame press conference.

While the Trojans have yet to face a ranked opponent this season, that trend will continue against Rutgers. However, with the Oregon matchup looming in two weeks, USC is primed to host its first ranked opponent of the year on Sept. 26, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the premier West Coast games of the season. The Ducks dropped 15 spots after a 39-31 road loss to Oklahoma State, so you know they are going to be desperate for the rest of the season, while the Trojans will be ready to prove they belong in the CFP conversation.

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