Being in the Big Ten will allow USC to be in contention to make the College Football Playoff on an annual basis. While the conversations continue as to how slots will be allocated, for the time being, there are any number of scenarios that could play out that end up seeing multiple teams from either the BIG or SEC.
No matter which option is ultimately decided on, USC will be able to always find an avenue into the CFP. That possibility is extended by virtue of now being in the Big Ten, versus had they stayed in the Pac-12.