Managing preseason expectations can be a tricky thing. Even within the USC fan base, there are varying levels of either optimism or doubt over what the Trojans will accomplish in 2025.
Focusing on the overall media for the time being, the consensus appears to be that USC will just be ok. With the Trojans expected to finish in the middle of the pack in the Big Ten conference, it appears that most believe that the team will be fighting for one of the high bowl game slots, rather than being a potential College Football Playoff participant.