Where Do USC Trojans Land In Latest ESPN SP+ Rankings?

The USC Trojans are on the cusp of earning a spot in the AP Top 25 after two weeks of the season. The Trojans have received high praise from ESPN's FPI rankings, but where do they stand in the SP+ rankings?

Sep 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans running back King Miller (30) carries the ball down the field for a touchdown in the second half against the Georgia Southern Eagles at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

After a dominating 59-20 win against the Georgia Southern Eagles, the USC Trojans have been getting a lot of recognition for their impressive offensive showing and it has showed in the recent ESPN FPI rankings and SP+ after week 2.

The Trojans are ranked 10th in the SP+ rankings, which is a college football efficiency ranking. The Trojans have the fourth-best rating at 19.1, behind Oregon, Ohio State, and Penn State. The Ducks have the best rating in the Big Ten and in college football at 26.7.

It's USC's offense, however, that has the best rating out of any team in the country. The Trojans have the best offensive rating of 41.3, which is slightly ahead of the Ducks at 41.1. USC's defense has the 38th-best rating at 22.3 and is ranked 59th in special teams at 0.1.

Sep 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans running back Waymond Jordan (2) Georgia Southern Eagles defensive back Ayden Jackson (5) and runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Through two weeks of the season, USC has also found itself in a position closer to breaking into the top 25, after having the fifth most receiving votes in the week 3 AP poll with 64. A win on the road this weekend against the Purdue Boilermakers in their Big Ten opener could move USC closer to earning a spot in the top 25.

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USC's Strength Schedule After Week 2

Sep 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) gets set to pass to tight end Walker Lyons (85) who runs for a touchdown during the first half against the Georgia Southern Eagles at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

While the Trojans will play higher-level opponents once they begin Big Ten play, their current strength of schedule is one of the worst in the country. Out of 136 teams in the FBS, the Trojans are ranked 130th in strength of schedule with a rating of 0.994.

After dominating wins against Missouri State and Georgia Southern, USC enters its week 3 matchup against Purdue as heavy favorites once again. The Trojans are currently 21-point favorites to beat the Boilermakers on Saturday according to DraftKings Sportsbook.

The matchup is set to be USC's first time playing Purdue as a Big Ten member as the two teams didn't meet last season. The Boilermakers and Trojans have met four previous times, with USC leading the series 3-1. USC won the latest matchup at the Colisuem in 1998, winning 27-17. Purdue's lone win in the series came in the 1966 Rose Bowl, where the Boilermakers won 14-13.

What Will Be USC's First Test Of The Season?

Aug 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches from the sidelines against the Missouri State Bears in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Anything can happen on any given Saturday in college football, but the Trojans are expected to beat Purdue with ease on Saturday. The Trojans' first test of the season is likely to be on Sept. 20 when Michigan State comes to the Coliseum to face off against the Trojans.

USC could be 4-0 going into what should be their first true road test against the No. 9 Illinois Fighting Illini on Sept. 27.

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