College Football Playoff Prediction: Big Ten Team Misses The Cut

The USC Trojans and coach Lincoln Riley are preparing for a big college football season, looking to improve upon last year's record. In a College Football Playoff prediction ahead of week one, where do the USC Trojans stand?

Nov 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans are looking to turn things around this season and be competitors in the Big Ten. USC coach Lincoln Riley is under pressure this season to perform, but the Trojans have a talented squad ready to prove they can be a top team.

With several new athletes looking to elevate the team as well as returning players ready to take the next step, could the USC Trojans secure a spot in the College Football Playoff? In a week one College Football Playoff prediction released by On3, there are four Big Ten teams expected to make the bracket, but the USC Trojans are not one of them.

College Football Playoff Prediction

Apr 12, 2025; Notre Dame, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman waits to run onto the field during the Blue-Gold game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images | Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

1. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2. Penn State Nittany Lions
3. Georgia Bulldogs
4. Ohio State Buckeyes
5. Clemson Tigers
6. Texas Longhorns
7. Oregon Ducks
8. Alabama Crimson Tide
9. Miami Hurricanes
10. Michigan Wolverines
11. Utah Utes
12. Boise State Broncos

USC Trojans' Predicted Bowl Game

Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Despite not being predicted to make the College Football Playoff, the USC Trojans are projected to play the Iowa State Cyclones in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 30. While the Trojans may not make the College Football Playoff, being predicted to make the Alamo Bowl still indicates it will be a big season for USC.

The Alamo Bowl features the top available team from the Big 12 as well as a top team from either the Big 12 or the Pac-12. USC is a Pac-12 legacy team and is eligible to be selected to play in the bowl game.

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Last season’s Alamo Bowl featured the No. 13 BYU Cougars and the No. 25 Colorado Buffaloes. This season, it could be the USC Trojans against the Iowa State Cyclones, who are already off to a 1-0 start following a win against the Kansas State Wildcats in Ireland.

USC Trojans A Surprising 2025 Team?

Dec 27, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

With Riley as the head coach and being the USC Trojans, there are still expectations for the program to perform, but entering the season unranked could take the pressure off the team.

USC is entering the season with quarterback Jayden Maiava as the starter, after he helped lead the Trojans to a strong finish last year. Maiava has room to grow, finishing 2024 with a 59.8 completion percentage, but with a full year working with Riley’s offense and time to prepare as the starter ahead of the season, the quarterback can take a major step forward.

Nov 23, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley during the fourth quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

With Riley being an offensive-minded coach, USC’s offense is discussed often, but the Trojans could have a more underrated defense heading into the season. USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn believes the front seven has a lot of depth, which will open up the game plan even more. The team may not feel as pressured to blitz as often, making it more effective when they do.

Though the USC Trojans are unranked and not predicted to make the College Football Playoff this season, the team is an underdog and could still make a big push this year.

The USC Trojans will kick off the 2025 college football season against the Missouri State Bears on Saturday, Aug. 30.