It has been since 2019 that USC last entered the season as an unranked team based on the AP Top 25 Poll. This news does not exactly come as a surprise, particularly for Trojan fans.
An aspect that needs to be remembered, however, is what is supposed to, or at least should, go into the decision process during the preseason. While it is true that USC has not earned, according to some, any recognition, that can be said of every team in the nation. This is a new season, and any past accolades or wins do not carry over.