USC Trojans comfortably inside Top 20 in Josh Pate’s JP Poll

We’ve seen the USC Trojans land outside the Top 25 in both the preseason Coaches Poll and the AP Poll. But the Trojans might have found just a bit of national momentum when it comes to discussing preseason Top 25-worthy teams. Josh Pate unveiled his preseason JP Poll on his Josh Pate’s College Football Show on Tuesday and the Trojans are in at No. 15.

The JP Poll is based on “neutral field favorability,” is to be taken as power ratings and not power rankings and isn’t a prediction for where teams will end the season.

“I can’t believe this,” Pate said as he spoke about the Trojans at No. 15. “I can’t believe we’re in a place where just two years ago, one of the harshest allegations thrown our way was that we were a USC hater show. The model hated USC. The computer itself had a personal vendetta against USC. My, how the tables have turned. Here we are with USC at No. 15. Where are they in the AP? They’re not even ranked.”

Pate pointed to USC’s defensive staff and the elevated level of play in 2024 compared to 2023 as reasons the model likes the Trojans there.

“The model expects another healthy scale up this year,” Pate said. “There are worlds, believe it or not, where your Lincoln Riley-led USC Trojans win a game or two defensively. Gasp.”

Pate compared USC’s potential in 2025 to what Tennessee did in 2024 on its way to the College Football Playoff. That was a Volunteer program with an offensive coach expected to put up big numbers on that side of the ball and finished No. 6 in total defense and No. 7 in scoring defense.

“The model thinks that D’Anton Lynn and company on the defensive side could carry them at times, for stretches, if needed,” Pate said. “Line of scrimmage talent on both sides has progressed and therefore from a neutral field favorability rating, what a world, we’ve got USC No. 15. I’m sure that won’t create any discussion whatsoever.”