Sports — competition — always involves this basic complication: You might perform well, but if the other team performs better, you can still lose. USC football is dealing with this complication in the 2026 offseason. ESPN thinks USC did really well, but other Big Ten programs are doing even better. ESPN ranked USC’s offseason No. 6 among all Power Four conference programs. However, two Big Ten programs placed even higher than the Trojans:
Indiana’s offseason was rated No. 1. “Indiana isn’t going anywhere after winning its first national title, putting together an offseason that sets up the team for even more success. The coaching staff continuity is staggering, and Indiana addressed clear portal needs at quarterback, wide receiver and pass rusher, while retaining core players at offensive line, defensive tackle and linebacker,” ESPN wrote.
Oregon football had the No. 4 offseason. ESPN wrote that “Despite consecutive blowout losses in the CFP, Oregon is set up to push for its first national title. The Ducks retained quarterback Dante Moore, a top NFL prospect, as well as their entire starting defensive line, wide receiver Evan Stewart and other key contributors. They again lost no starters in the portal, while adding Minnesota safety Koi Perich and others. Coach Dan Lanning’s internal promotions for the coordinator roles are worth watching.”
Ohio State wasn’t chopped liver. The Buckeyes came in at No. 10 after making the College Football Playoff quarterfinals last season.
This is the exquisite challenge facing USC in 2026: The Trojans might be better than they were last year, but if other Big Ten teams made even bigger leaps or retained a higher caliber roster, it might not matter.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC is getting better, but so are other Big Ten football powers
Reporting by Matt Zemek, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
