USC is built to make a playoff run in 2026 and ESPN.com writer Craig Haubert believes that the Trojans' highly-touted high school recruiting class and experience among the returning players will help them achieve that goal.
ESPN had USC as one of the 12 teams most primed to make a playoff run in 2026. The list includes six teams that made the playoffs this past season, including finalists Indiana and Miami. The Trojans joined Notre Dame. Texas, Michigan, LSU and UNLV as the group that are best equipped to make the 12-team CFP bracket next season.