LOS ANGELES — The Associated Press released its annual preseason poll. USC came in at number six in the poll, its highest preseason ranking since 2017.
The Trojans are the highest-ranked team in the Pac-12. Ahead of USC is two-time defending national champion Georgia at number one, future Big Ten foes Michigan and Ohio State at numbers two and three, respectively, Alabama at number four, and LSU at number five.
Four teams on USC’s 2023 schedule also appear in the poll. Washington is ranked number ten, Notre Dame is number 13, Utah is number 14, and Oregon is number 15. The Trojans will visit the Irish and Ducks in 2023, while hosting the Huskies and Utes.
Last week, USC also came in at number six in the preseason Coaches poll. The top six of the two polls are nearly identical, with the only difference being Alabama and Ohio State flipped in the Coaches poll.
Led by second year head coach Lincoln Riley, Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams, and an explosive offense, expectations are high for the Trojans entering their final season in the Pac-12 Conference. Riley and his staff also added numerous transfers on the defensive side of the ball to bolster a unit that struggled down the stretch last season.
USC will kick off its 2023 campaign on August 26 at the Coliseum against San Jose State.
