USC Trojans Maintain Unbeaten Run, Climb College Football Rankings

The USC Trojans have started the 2025 college football season with a strong 4-0 record under coach Lincoln Riley, showing significant offensive balance and improvement, particularly with quarterback Jayden Maiava leading the team. Despite their undefeated start, the Trojans have faced relatively weak opponents, and upcoming games against ranked teams Illinois, Michigan, and Notre Dame will be critical in determining their legitimacy as Big Ten contenders. Analysts highlight that while the offense is performing well, especially with contributions from the running back and wide receiver corps, the defense still requires improvement to compete at the highest level in the conference. The team has gained national recognition, moving up to No. 21 in the AP Poll and No. 22 in the Coaches Poll following their win against Michigan State. Additionally, USC's recruitment efforts remain strong, with top defensive back prospect Gavin Williams visiting the team and reaffirming his interest, which is vital for the Trojans as they aim to bolster their defense. The schedule's challenging stretch beginning with an early kickoff at Illinois represents a pivotal moment for the Trojans to prove their championship potential.