The USC Trojans are gearing up for their 2024 season, debuting in a new conference and potentially featuring new quarterback Miller Moss, who recently excelled in the Holiday Bowl. Despite these promising developments, the Trojans have been given a relatively low preseason ranking. According to the US LBM Coaches Poll, which reflects the opinions of a group of NCAA coaches, USC is ranked 23rd, placing them behind 22 other teams and ahead of Kansas and Iowa in the Top 25.
The preseason poll is heavily dominated by Southeastern Conference (SEC) teams, which account for nine of the Top 20 spots, including four in the Top 10: Georgia at No. 1, Texas at No. 4, Alabama at No. 5, and Mississippi at No. 6. Other SEC teams include Missouri at No. 11, LSU at No. 12, Tennessee at No. 15, Oklahoma at No. 16, and Texas A&M at No. 20.
The Big Ten, USC’s new conference, follows closely with six teams in the rankings. Four of these are in the Top 10: Ohio State at No. 2, Oregon at No. 3, reigning champions Michigan at No. 8, and Penn State at No. 9. USC and Iowa round out the list, with USC at No. 23.
Despite this lower ranking, Paul Myerberg of USA Today notes that USC’s offense, led by Miller Moss, should be strong, though the team needs significant improvement on defense under new coordinator D’Anton Lynn. Conversely, Iowa is expected to have a robust defense and hopes for a boost from new offensive coordinator Tim Lester.
While the ranking may be disappointing for Trojans fans, it could also provide motivation and a strategic advantage by allowing USC to fly under the radar. All eyes will be on how USC’s new defensive strategies and Miller Moss’s performance unfold this season.
