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USC Trojans still can't break into Top 25 after two blowout wins

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney09/07/25ErikTMcKinney
USC head coach Lincoln Riley
USC head coach Lincoln Riley (acscottphotography/WeAreSC)

The USC Trojans have the No. 1 offense in the nation after two games, but Lincoln Riley’s program is still nowhere to be found in the Top 25 polls.

The Trojans are once again among the “others receiving votes” teams in this week’s AP Poll and Coaches Poll.

USC received the exact same number of votes (64 total) this week compared to last. That dropped them from No. 29 last week to No. 30 this week. USC was jumped by both South Florida and Missouri going over them and into the Top 25 at Nos. 18 and 25, respectively.

The Trojans have clearly gotten zero benefit of the doubt from AP voters for playing two overmatched opponents to start the season. Big Ten play starts for USC this week and logging wins against Power 4 competition should start to make a difference.

USC did climb a bit in the Coaches poll, earning 87 total votes and landing in a tie at No. 28 (still three away from entry into the Top 25 but up three spots and 46 votes from last week) with SMU. South Florida and Utah moved into the poll from last week and both Missouri and Louisville remain ahead of USC. Texas (No. 7), Notre Dame (No. 8), Clemson (No. 11), Alabama (No. 18), Michigan (No. 22) and Arizona State (No. 24) remain ranked despite having lost this season.

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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