USC a Top-Five Team in ESPN's Spring Power Rankings
ESPN’s Mark Schlabach updated his spring Top 25 Power Rankings on Wednesday and USC received a fairly significant bump. The Trojans were No. 7 heading into spring ball and before this second transfer portal window. USC is now Schlabach’s No. 4 team.
The Trojans are his pretty clear favorite in the Pac-12. But the strength of USC’s schedule this season is again evident. The Trojans will play the teams ranked Nos. 12, 13, 14 and 15 in Schlabach’s list. In order, those are Washington, Notre Dame, Utah and Oregon.
Georgia, Michigan and Florida State are the three teams ahead of USC. All three were ahead of the Trojans in the first edition of this ranking, prior to the spring. Ohio State fell from No. 2 to No. 5. Alabama went from No. 5 to No. 6 and Penn State dropped from No. 6 to No. 8 as a result of USC’s rise.
Schlabach listed six offensive starters, eight defensive starters and two special teams starters returning. Though, especially when it comes to the defense, those eight starters might not be starting again in 2023.
Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon and defensive linemen Tuli Tuipulotu and Nick Figueroa must be replaced. But it wouldn’t be too surprising to see five new starters among the six defensive front players.
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Offensively, quarterback Caleb Williams returns as a starter. No additional returning starters would be necessary to have a positive outlook on USC’s offense. But a number of them are back.
Justin Dedich at center and Jonah Monheim at right tackle return. Wide receivers Mario Williams, Brenden Rice and Tahj Washington could all be considered returning starters. And Austin Jones returns at running back, though he’ll face a tough challenge from MarShawn Lloyd. While the technical numbers of starters returning can be someone who logged at least six starts for that team the previous season, the Trojans will likely have double-digit players on both sides of the ball with significant starting experience at the college level.
ESPN’s Post-Spring Outlook on USC
Here’s what Schlabach had to say regarding the Trojans landing at No. 4:
“Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams is back to lead an explosive offense that might get even better with the additions of receiver Dorian Singer (Arizona) and tailback MarShawn Lloyd (South Carolina). USC’s offensive line might have three seniors and two juniors starting this season. Coach Lincoln Riley hired former Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury as an offensive analyst, and he’ll work closely with Williams. Of course, the question is whether the Trojans will be able to stop anybody on defense. Riley feels better about the front seven with the additions of linemen Bear Alexander (Georgia), Anthony Lucas (Texas A&M) and Kyon Barrs (Arizona). Former Oklahoma State linebacker Mason Cobb might be the best newcomer on defense.”
