Entering into 2024, particularly after the opening win against LSU, there was a certain degree of hope that USC would do well. Now, with the beginning of the upcoming season about to start and heading into his fourth year in Troy, coach Lincoln Riley has more measured expectations, and some even doubt that 2025 will be able to produce any level of success.
Right now, it is better for the Trojans to be in a position of not having even College Football Playoff expectations placed on the program. Instead, most will be happy to be in the picture or to be around a nine-win team.