For USC Trojans fans hoping for a miracle this season, the odds aren’t great — but they aren’t awful either.
BetMGM released preseason odds Tuesday, regarding the likelihood of each Big Ten football squad to clinch the conference title. Lincoln Riley’s Trojans are sitting at fifth-most likely with +1800 odds.
Here’s what On3 national college sports reporter Barkley Truax had to say about USC:
“USC joined the Big Ten alongside Oregon in 2024, but the Trojans weren’t able to experience the same success the Ducks had in their first season in the conference. The Trojans finished 4-5 against its new conference’s competition with a 7-6 record overall. The Trojans will have more consistency under center in 2025 with Jayden Maiava being the starter from day one this fall. USC also avoids both Penn State and Ohio State during the regular season, which helps their case of a Big Ten title berth,” Truax wrote.
The pressure facing Riley — ranked 4th among conference coaches — this season is no secret. A few weeks back, USC was projected to finish No. 9 in the Big Ten by Cleveland.com. In June, CBS Sports’ Carter Bahns had the Trojans’ odds to make the conference playoffs at +570.
Despite the tough season ahead, the coach is entering his fourth season at USC focused on the future rather than the past. Riley and the Trojans beat out James Franklin and the Nittany Lions Friday when top offensive lineman prospect Breck Kolojay committed to USC out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
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Riley has invested in not only his players but his staff as well, adding Chad Bowden as general manager, Trumain Carroll as director of football sports performance and Adrian Klemm as an offensive line coach this offseason.
The Trojans’ 2025 schedule is manageable, given they won’t face conference powerhouses Ohio State and Penn State. USC will face challenges from Michigan at home, and Notre Dame and Oregon on the road.