Big Ten Power Rankings Show USC's Ambition Amidst Conference Dominance
USC aims to climb the ranks after a surprising victory over Ohio State, but faces tough competition in the Big Ten.
In a season where the Big Ten conference is widely regarded as the top conference in the 2026-27 season 1, the University of Southern California (USC) is making waves with its recent performance. Despite being ranked third in the Big Ten Power Rankings 2, USC secured a notable 30-18 win against then-No. 1 Ohio State 2, a result that has sparked discussions about their potential to challenge for higher positions in future rankings.
The Michigan Wolverines, who claimed the NCAA title in the previous season 1, continue to set the bar high for Big Ten teams. Meanwhile, Illinois is expected to be a formidable presence in the conference, bolstered by the good health of its players 1. This health factor could significantly impact the team's performance and potentially elevate their standing in the Big Ten Power Rankings.
USC's journey to the top of the Big Ten isn't without hurdles. The Trojans have faced challenges in their away games, with a record of 5-7 in Big Ten play over the last three years 2. This statistic highlights the need for USC to improve their road performance if they wish to make a significant impact in the conference. Upcoming matches, such as the one against Indiana on November 14th 2, will be crucial in determining whether USC can maintain their momentum.
The Big Ten Power Rankings reflect the competitive nature of the conference, with UCLA leading the pack followed closely by Indiana and USC 2. Ohio State and Iowa round out the top five 2, showcasing the depth of talent within the Big Ten. This ranking system not only influences the perception of individual teams but also plays a role in determining which teams might secure spots in the College Football Playoff.
Interestingly, despite their impressive win over Ohio State, USC was notably absent from the first batch of College Football Playoff rankings 2. This omission underscores the ongoing battle for recognition and respect among the top-tier teams in college football. As the season progresses, USC's ability to secure victories, particularly in challenging away games, will be pivotal in their quest for playoff inclusion.
What we know
- - The Big Ten conference is considered the top conference in the 2026-27 season 1
- - USC won a 30-18 game against then-No. 1 Ohio State 2
- - Michigan Wolverines won the NCAA title in the previous season 1
- - Illinois is expected to be a strong team in the Big Ten due to player health 1
- - USC is currently 7-2 in the season 2
- - Indiana is ranked No. 4 and has escaped in overtime in back-to-back weeks 2
- - The first batch of College Football Playoff rankings did not include USC 2
- - UCLA is ranked first in the Big Ten Power Rankings 2
- - Indiana is ranked second in the Big Ten Power Rankings 2
- - USC is ranked third in the Big Ten Power Rankings 2
- - Ohio State is ranked fourth in the Big Ten Power Rankings 2
- - Iowa is ranked fifth in the Big Ten Power Rankings 2
- - Northwestern is ranked sixth in the Big Ten Power Rankings 2
- - Minnesota is ranked seventh in the Big Ten Power Rankings 2
- - USC faces Indiana in a game on November 14th 2
- - USC is 5-7 away from home in Big Ten play over the past three years 2
Trust Score report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 70%, weighted across 26 claims from 2 independent outlets.
- likely The Big Ten conference is considered the top conference in the 2026-27 season. (71%)
- likely USC won a 30-18 game against then-No. 1 Ohio State. (70%)
- likely Michigan Wolverines won the NCAA title in the previous season. (71%)
- likely Illinois is expected to be a strong team in the Big Ten due to player health. (71%)
- likely UConn Huskies are considered a national title contender due to recent success. (71%)
- likely Duke, Virginia, and Louisville are seen as national championship contenders in the ACC. (71%)
- likely Kansas Jayhawks are considered a national championship contender in the Big 12. (71%)
- likely USC is currently 7-2 in the season. (70%)
- likely Indiana is ranked No. 4 and has escaped in overtime in back-to-back weeks. (70%)
- likely The first batch of College Football Playoff rankings did not include USC. (70%)
- likely UCLA is ranked first in the Big Ten Power Rankings. (70%)
- likely Indiana is ranked second in the Big Ten Power Rankings. (70%)
- likely USC is ranked third in the Big Ten Power Rankings. (70%)
- likely Ohio State is ranked fourth in the Big Ten Power Rankings. (70%)
- likely Iowa is ranked fifth in the Big Ten Power Rankings. (70%)
- likely Northwestern is ranked sixth in the Big Ten Power Rankings. (70%)
- likely Minnesota is ranked seventh in the Big Ten Power Rankings. (70%)
- likely Pac-12 conference has 2 current and projected NCAA bids. (71%)
- likely Big East conference has 6 current and 5 projected NCAA bids. (71%)
- likely ACC conference has 7 current and 8 projected NCAA bids. (71%)
- likely SEC conference has 12 current and 10 projected NCAA bids. (71%)
- likely Big 12 conference has 10 current and projected NCAA bids. (71%)
- likely Gonzaga Bulldogs and Mark Few are expected to perform well in the upcoming season. (71%)
- likely Florida Gators are expected to perform well in the SEC. (71%)
- likely USC faces Indiana in a game on November 14th. (70%)
- likely USC is 5-7 away from home in Big Ten play over the past three years. (70%)
Sources
- ESPN — Men's conference power rankings: Can the Big Ten win again?
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/50372110/mens-basketball-conference-power-rankings-2026-2027 - CBS Sports — Big Ten Power Rankings, Week 10: Can Lincoln Riley lead USC on a late charge?
https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/big-ten-power-rankings-week-10-lincoln-riley-usc/