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USC football struggles as ranking slips in national program standings

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 12:27 PM

Last updated Jul 28, 2026

USC football struggles as ranking slips in national program standings

Summary

USC football, historically a powerhouse, faces challenges as its ranking has dropped to No. 10 nationally according to USA TODAY Sports. The Trojans have seen little success since their 2008 conference championship and Rose Bowl win, contributing to a decline in their top-tier status. With NCAA violations affecting the program, USC now trails Big Ten rivals Michigan and Ohio State. Although the team enjoyed a nine-win season in 2025 and has secured a strong recruiting class, experts suggest they remain several steps away from regaining elite status. To improve, USC must address its recent underperformance and restore its legacy in college football.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•USC ranks No. 10 in national program standings as of July 28, 2026.
•Program has won one conference title and one Rose Bowl since 2008.
•Historical NCAA violations have impacted USC's performance.
•USC trails Michigan and Ohio State in the Big Ten rankings.
•A nine-win season in 2025 offers hope for improvement.

Latest Updates

12:27 PMYahoo Sports — USC's place as a top-tier college football program is slipping

What they're saying

"
USC should be a top-five program, but the past 17 years of relative failure have pushed the Trojans' ranking downward. It's time to get better
— Yahoo Sports

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