David Pollack predicts USC to ‘make a leap’ in 2025

David Pollack expects USC to bounce back in stunning fashion this year after a down season in 2024. On recent episode of See Ball Get Ball, the college football expert discussed his expectations for the Trojans in the upcoming season.

“I like USC,” Pollack said. “First of all, I love what I saw from D’Anton Lynn last year at the DC spot for them. I thought their defense was better than it’s been in years. I thought their offense kind of let them down honestly.

“… I got USC making a leap this year. I think they won four games in the Big Ten a year ago. I could see them winning at least six this year in the Big Ten, which that’s a really good league.”

If USC wants to win six games in the Big Ten this year, it can’t afford to lose any in-conference games against unranked opponents. The Trojans will face three consecutive teams ranked in the preseason AP Top 25 and square off against Oregon in its penultimate regular season game.

It’ll be a grueling test for the Trojans, who only won game against a ranked opponent last season. USC will need defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn to produce another impressive defense this fall.

Last season, USC’s defense ranked 77th in the country, a significant improvement from the team’s No. 119 ranking in the 2023 campaign. If Lynn can help the Trojans’ defense take another leap this year, the program could shock some fans around the country.

After all, USC’s offense should be solid. The team is returning quarterback Jayden Maiava, who tallied 1,201 passing yards and 11 touchdowns last season, compared to six interceptions. The Trojans went 3-1 when Maiava started behind center.

USC is also returning its two leading receivers from last season, Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, as well as starting tight end Lake McRee. Pollack firmly believes USC is currently on a fast track to success.

“By the way, if you’re not paying attention to USC, they’re recruiting right now is stupid,” Pollack said. “It’s elite. It’s like the best of the best right now in the country. They’re inking guys left and right.

“Lincoln Riley is building momentum again, which is good. If they have a good year this year they can build it again and continue to go maybe to that next level and be even better the next year. I think they’re the team that makes the biggest leap this year.”

On Aug. 30, USC head coach Lincoln Riley and Co. will kick off their 2025 campaign with a showdown against Missouri State at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will air live on the Big Ten Network.