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USC moves into AP Top 25 after 3-0 start

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney4 hours agoErikTMcKinney
USC Trojans wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (8) celebrates a first down during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium
USC Trojans wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (8) celebrates a first down during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. (Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images)

The USC Trojans are officially a Top 25 team for the first time this season as Lincoln Riley’s program lands at No. 25 in this week’s AP Poll.

The Trojans earned 105 points in this week’s poll and took advantage of Clemson and South Florida dropping out of the rankings. USC is No. 25, one spot behind an 0-2 Notre Dame team.

This is USC’s first time in the AP Poll Top 25 since Week 6 of the 2024 season, when the Trojans were No. 11. The subsequent loss at Minnesota dropped them from the rankings and they never returned that season.

The Trojans weren’t rewarded for lopsided wins against Missouri State and Georgia Southern to open the year. A 16-point win against Purdue has them in the Top 25 but still behind a winless Notre Dame team that has played two top-10 teams. USC is one of seven ranked Big Ten teams this week. That group includes the Nos. 1 and 2 teams, Ohio State and Penn State.

USC is going to have the opportunity for some big ranked wins going forward. Illinois checks in at No. 9 and will easily stay inside the Top 10 for the matchup against USC if the Illini can get past Indiana this coming weekend.

Oregon is at No. 6, though the Ducks dropped two spots following a win at Northwestern while both Miami and Georgia moved ahead of them. Michigan at No. 21 and Notre Dame at No. 24 are two more potential ranked opponents for the Trojans down the line.

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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