Sports Illustrated thinks Gary Patterson will lift the USC defense

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August means it's prediction season in the college football media world. Fans are searching the internet to see which publications and commentators are bullish or bearish on their favorite teams (and their rivals). Sports Illustrated has jumped into the pro-USC camp, ranking the Trojans No. 10 before the 2026 season kicks off.

"Maiava, in his third season with Lincoln Riley, sets career bests in yards and touchdown passes pushing the ball downfield vertically to big-play receivers Terrell Anderson and Tanook Hines. Only, the turnovers—26 interceptions in three collegiate seasons—continue to rear their ugly head. But a suddenly opportunistic Trojans defense, commandeered by Hall of Famer and defensive whiz Gary Patterson, flips plenty of fields for USC and creates a bevy of scoring opportunities," SI wrote.

A No. 10 ranking will put the Trojans into the College Football Playoff for the first time. USC will almost certainly need at least a 10-2 record to get to that point. USC will need to beat one of Oregon, Ohio State, and Indiana to reach that record. Notably, Sports Illustrated ranked Ohio State behind Oregon and Indiana, so if one is to read between the lines here in the Big Ten, SI thinks USC will beat Ohio State when the Buckeyes go to the Los Angeles Coliseum later this season. If USC beats Ohio State, Washington and Penn State but loses to Indiana and Oregon, the Trojans will reach their 10-2 goal provided they don't stumble in the seven other teams they will be fully expected to win.

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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Sports Illustrated thinks Gary Patterson will lift the USC defense

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