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USC jumps into Top 15 College Football Playoff rankings

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney11/19/25ErikTMcKinney
USC head coach Lincoln Riley and quarterback Jayden Maiava look on from the sideline during a game against Northwestern
USC head coach Lincoln Riley and quarterback Jayden Maiava look on from the sideline during a game against Northwestern (acscottphotography/WeAreSC)

The USC Trojans climbed two spots in this week’s College Football Playoff rankings following a thrilling 26-21 home win over the Iowa Hawkeyes in which Lincoln I Riley’s program erased a 21-10 halftime deficit. USC is ranked No. 15 in this week’s CFP rankings.

USC will have an opportunity to strengthen its resume this weekend as the Trojans visit No. 7 Oregon. This could be a playoff elimination game for both programs and the winner will have the inside track to finish as the Big Ten’s No. 3 team.

USC was No. 19 in the opening rankings and moved to No. 17 last week.

USC was No. 20 in the first selection committee rankings of 2023 before dropping out and the Trojans did not appear in any of the six rankings last season. The Trojans’ all-time high ranking was No. 4 going into the Pac-12 Championship game at the end of the 2022 season.

The five highest-rated conference champions are guaranteed a spot in the field, but not a first-round bye. The remaining seven bids will be filled by seven at-large qualifiers.

Those who finish between 5-12 will participate in the first round. First round games will be hosted by the higher seed. The subsequent rounds will be played at traditional bowl sites.

Complete Week 13 CFP Rankings

RANKTEAMOVERALL RECORD
1Ohio State10-0
2Indiana11-0
3Texas A&M10-0
4Georgia9-1
5Texas Tech10-1
6Ole Miss10-1
7Oregon9-1
8Oklahoma8-2
9Notre Dame8-2
10Alabama8-2
11BYU9-1
12Utah8-2
13Miami8-2
14Vanderbilt8-2
15USC8-2
16Georgia Tech9-1
17Texas7-2
18Michigan8-2
19Virginia9-2
20Tennessee7-3
21Illinois 7-3
22Missouri7-3
23Houston8-2
24Tulane8-2
25Arizona State7-3

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Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz