Trojans need to reach the level of foremost Big Ten competitors

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After joining the Big Ten Conference, two former Pac-12 teams, the Oregon Ducks and USCTrojans, have had two different experiences. Lincoln Riley has yet to have a really successful season in the Big Ten. Dan Lanning has established the Oregon Ducks as a College Football Playoff contender and a top team in the Big Ten.

This season is no different for the Ducks, as Oregon is ranked right behind the Buckeyes in early preseason rankings. In a recent article, Don Smalley discusses ESPN’s latest poll ranking top teams in the country and where the Ducks land. Here is what he had to say:

“There are some expectations, and then there are some high expectations, and for the 2026 Oregon Ducks football team, it’s definitely the latter.

According to ESPN, Oregon is well-stocked on both sides of the ball, especially on defense, and that makes the Ducks one of the big favorites to win the 2027 national championship. In their preseason rankings, the Mothership has Oregon ranked No. 2, only behind rival Ohio State, of course. That Nov. 7 meeting in Columbus between the two teams should be must-see TV.

ESPN points out that while the offense is very good, it could be the defense that finally gets the Ducks to their first national title in football.”

Where the Ducks are being viewed, and the success they have had, is exactly where Lincoln Riley should have had the Trojans. The Trojans are right there with the best teams in the Big Ten in terms of talent, especially with this last recruiting class. Riley and the Trojans will get to face both the Ducks and Buckeyes, where he can show if the Trojans have reached the level of their rival and top conference teams just yet.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football needs to match the success of Oregon this season

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