USC football officially enters game week for the 2025 season. The Trojans have already earned some way-too-early predictions a month ago. But it’s time to get more bold.
The nation watched USC go unranked in the first AP Top 25 poll. Other national outlets don’t sound high on the Trojans either.
Lincoln Riley remains a big reason behind the skepticism. His Trojans dipped in the victories category since his first season. Riley already is slammed with a poor ROI. He faces a critical season four in the Los Angeles region.
Riley reignited some momentum, however, via college football recruiting. USC delivered the No. 15 recruiting class for 2025, but sit at No. 1 for 2026 per On3/Rivals. He’s bringing back intriguing talent who’ll help dictate how the ’25 season goes.
Time for one last set of bold predictions before Missouri State pulls into the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday.
Lincoln Riley won’t make QB change for USC
Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
Prized five-star Husan Longstreet will see action. In mop up duty for USC.
Riley mentioned that Jayden Maiava has shown growth. This signals the strong vote in confidence for the past college football transfer portal addition out of UNLV.
Maiava delivered hot-and-cold moments in USC. He tossed three interceptions in his last Trojans game. But that contest witnessed four touchdowns too — in the 35-31 win over Texas A&M.
Riley is coaching for his job this season. He needs to rely on an older QB in this scenario. Longstreet will fuel intrigue. But Riley needs to only play his true freshman extensively if Maiava goes down with an injury.
USC will produce a 1,000-yard WR
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Here’s when you know when Riley’s offense underachieved: When his offense didn’t produce a 1,000-yard wideout.
Makai Lemon led the way with only 764 yards. Ja’Kobi Lane followed him with…
Source link : https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/usc-football-bold-predictions-for-2025-season
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Publish date : 2025-08-25 01:54:00
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