Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans head into the 2026 season with a talented roster and an improved coaching staff. The expectations and confidence surrounding USC are both high. Yet the Trojans' path to success will be as tough as it's ever been. Consider the recent US LBM Coaches Poll, presented by USA TODAY Sports. The top 25 list includes five of the Trojans' opponents.
Here are the USC opponents that made the US LBM Coaches Poll top 25:
1 - Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes, for another year, enter the season with extremely high expectations. That seems fair when you have the consensus best player in the country in Jeremiah Smith. Even with the loss of Carnell Tate and a lot of defensive starters, the Buckeyes are still an NFL factor. Talent leaves, but
the next batch of future stars enters. The wide receiver room will still be loaded for last year's Heisman finalist, Julian Sayin. The Buckeyes will look to return to glory this season and etch themselves as top dog in the Big Ten. They for sure have the resources to do so.
2 - Oregon Ducks
The Oregon Ducks enter the season with the most complete roster top to bottom. Dan Lanning believes this team has what it takes to win a title. As does star quarterback Dante Moore, who returned with that specific goal in mind. Both the offense and defense will be even better than last season. This Ducks team will give any team in the country problems for more reasons than 1.
6 - Indiana Hoosiers
Curt Cignetti is leading another experienced roster out on the field. Even though the Hoosiers lost many talented starters, including their starting quarterback in the draft, this Hoosiers team still has some key contributors from last season's dominant team. The pass rush for the Hoosiers will still wreak havoc. New transfer quarterback Josh Hoover is a gunslinger, and he will be able to showcase that with weapons such as Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh. The Hoosiers will have what they need to defend their title this season.
17 - Penn State
The Nittany Lions will no longer be led by James Franklin, but there seems to be a level of optimism surrounding head coach Matt Campbell and Rocco Becht. Matt Campbell is a tone setter, and he can turn Penn State back into the winner it is supposed to be. Becht will have to prove he can play with Big Ten competition this season. With the talent on this team and with a favorable schedule, Penn State could be in for an exciting year 1 of the Campbell era.
19 - Washington Huskies
The Washington Huskies lost a lot of talent on offense, but having a quarterback like Demon Williams Jr. makes up for some holes offensively. Another year of experience for the dual-threat quarterback should do wonders. If the Huskies can win some games on the road, this team can be a sleeper for the College Football Playoff. For that to happen, they will need to take care of business vs the USC Trojans.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Five 2026 USC opponents make preseason US LBM Coaches Poll
