USC sits at No. 20 overall in ESPN’s early 2026 college football rankings — eighth in the Big Ten — despite hefty +1400 odds to win the conference title. With playoff veterans like Ohio State, Indiana, and Oregon ahead of them, and teams like Michigan, Penn State, and Washington ranked higher, the Trojans are clearly being underestimated. Under Lincoln Riley’s fifth season, USC boasts a 35-18 record but still hasn’t reached the playoffs or won a conference title. Facing Oregon, Ohio State, and defending champ Indiana at home — plus tough road games against Penn State and Washington — the Trojans have a chance to prove their doubters wrong and make a statement in their new conference.

Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/18306699b168d9cf

Ace Leutele, a four-star safety from Mater Dei, is heating up the recruiting scene with 19 offers including UCLA, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and USC — who’s already locked in early with head coach Lincoln Riley. With strong ties to USC through campus visits, familiar coaching staff, and a Polynesian legacy, Leutele’s decision could be swayed by the Trojans’ existing Mater Dei talent like Danny Lang and Aaryn Washington. On the field, he’s a versatile, physical defender with offensive upside — and schools are already moving fast to land him.

Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/2ae951d2da371381

Terrell Anderson, the transfer wide receiver heating up USC’s offense under Lincoln Riley, faces three pivotal tests this season that could catapult him into NFL draft conversations. First, he’ll battle Fresno State’s stingy defense — led by familiar faces from his USC days — in a rivalry game that could expose his early potential. Then comes Oregon, where he’ll be shadowed by top cornerback Brandon Finney and face a high-pressure, man-coverage scheme. Finally, the showdown at Indiana — home of the reigning champs and a stacked secondary — could be his biggest proving ground. If Anderson can break out against these elite defenses, especially with a 100-yard game against Indiana, he could join the elite list of USC transfers who’ve gone first-round.

Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/f15653078e25fac1