A Playoff Dream Stalled
USC is chasing a milestone that has eluded the program for more than a decade: a berth in the College Football Playoff. The Trojans have never before cracked the 12‑team field, and the stakes feel especially high given the school’s storied past and the expectations that accompany a tradition‑rich football powerhouse.
Preseason analyses have already written the Trojans out of the conversation. Analyst Chris Low of On3 predicts that Ohio State, Oregon and Indiana will fill the playoff slots, leaving USC on the outside looking in. The team’s 2025 campaign ended at 9‑3, but every defeat came on the road, including a pivotal loss at Oregon that effectively eliminated them from playoff contention.
A Schedule Built to Test Resolve
The upcoming slate reads like a gauntlet. USC will host both Ohio State and Oregon before traveling to face Indiana, and a road matchup against Penn State looms as another potential stumbling block. Each of those opponents brings a different brand of challenge, from the Buckeyes’ relentless offense to the Ducks’ disciplined defense, making every game a must‑win for any hope of playoff relevance.
Coaching adds another layer of pressure. Lincoln Riley, who arrived in 2022, has compiled a 35‑18 record over his first four seasons, a respectable tally but one that feels insufficient given the program’s championship pedigree. The coach’s reputation and the fan base’s appetite for success mean that anything less than a playoff appearance will be viewed as a disappointment.
Odds and Outlook
Betting markets reflect the skepticism. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Trojans sit at +240 to make the playoff and -330 to miss it, numbers that underscore how far the team still has to go. Analysts agree that the path is steep, but they also note that a few signature wins could flip the narrative and force the selection committee to reconsider.