Fans of the USC Trojan know that the standard is better than 9-3. Last season was still a step in the right direction for the USC Trojans. In the second year of Big Ten play, they looked like a team that belonged in the conference. Expectations are now getting higher and higherhowever, and they should be.
Many experts and analysts are still unconvinced about this USC team and believe Lincoln Riley is on the hot seat this season. There is a college football expert who adheres to the Trojan horses this upcoming season.
Advertisement
Joel Klatt, in a recent episode of “The Joel Klatt Show“, analyzed a few teams he thinks will make some noise this upcoming season. While it may not be the popular answer, he thinks USC will be a team that will be a contender. Here are his thoughts on USC, via a Article from Fox Sports piece highlighting his episode:
âKlatt is optimistic about USC because of its foundation.
âI think itâs time to be a little optimistic about USC,â Klatt said. “This is a team that’s counting on the return of an experienced quarterback. I think we all understand now that that’s what it takes to be successful in college football. So, you have Jayden Maiava back.
“Here’s the part that I think has the most impact: How about getting the entire offensive line back? Now we’re talking because you have a quarterback, an offensive line and the entire backfield. King Millerwho had to replace it after Waymond Jordan was injured, is back, and you both have him and Jordan back in the backfield. So you have what I believe to be, at least the potential, the best running game that Riley has had since his OU days. Remember the days of Trey Sermon and Rodney Anderson, where they trampled on everyone? I think USC can be a dominant team.â
Advertisement
According to Klatt, this running game helped USC place sixth in the standings. Big ten while rushing last season. Klatt believes the continuity will help the Trojans fill the void left by wide receiver Makai Lemon joining the NFL. »
Continuity is an important element in sport that separates the best teams from the rest, as is experience. Last season, the Indiana Hoosiersa Big Ten team, won it all in part thanks to its great experience. This fact went much deeper than the fact that they were a talented team. Next season, the Trojans will have reassuring continuity and experience on the offensive side of the ball. The Trojans’ offense last season was one of the most explosive offenses in the country.
Losing Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon are two great playmakers, which would be a huge loss for other teams; USC should be able to bounce back immediately. Tanook Hines showed all that he can be as a potential star receiver against TCU, and this running game will be even better than it was last season with a healthy King Miller and Waymond Jordan.
To win the Big Ten, you need a prolific offense and a good quarterback; the Trojan horses already correspond, on paper, to this project. The defense should also be better with new coach Gary Patterson, an experienced defensive coach. The Trojans are in position to make some noise in the Big Ten. Right now, Joel Klatt is the only believer in the Trojans next season, but as the season gets closer, other doubters may become believers who come out of the woodwork.
This article was originally published on Trojans Wire: Joel Klatt is a full believer in USC football heading into the 2026 season
