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USC picked for College Football Playoff by Tennessee writer

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 9, 2026, 1:14 PM

Last updated Jul 9, 2026

USC picked for College Football Playoff by Tennessee writer
Summary

John Adams, a writer for the Knoxville News-Sentinel, selected USC to make the College Football Playoff in his preseason predictions. This comes as USC seeks to end a 0 for 12 streak in playoff appearances since the event's inception in 2014. Coach Lincoln Riley faces mounting pressure to deliver after previous unsuccessful attempts. The Trojans return significant talent, but challenges loom with a daunting schedule that includes opponents like Oregon and Ohio State. Meanwhile, USA TODAY Sports writer Blake Toppmeyer expressed skepticism about USC's chances.

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By the Numbers
  • •John Adams predicts USC will make the College Football Playoff.
  • •USC is 0 for 12 in playoff appearances since 2014.
  • •Lincoln Riley has faced scrutiny for past playoff failures.
  • •USC's schedule includes tough opponents like Oregon and Ohio State.
  • •Blake Toppmeyer disagrees with Adams’ pick for USC.
Latest Updates
  • 1:14 PMYahoo Sports — Tennessee-based writer picks USC to make College Football Playoff
What they're saying
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USC fans want the Trojans to make the College Football Playoff, but will the team actually get it done? One writer in Tennessee thinks so

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