News Summary
USC ranks ninth while UCLA sits at 15th in the Big Ten preseason poll released by Cleveland.com, marking the first rankings in 15 years. USC aims to improve under Coach Riley, focusing on key positions after a challenging previous season. UCLA, under Coach Foster, faces hurdles after a losing record last season, adapting to roster changes with a strong offensive strategy led by new transfer quarterback Iamaleava. Both teams gear up for a competitive season ahead.
Los Angeles, CA – The USC football team has been ranked ninth, while UCLA finds itself in 15th place in the Big Ten Conference preseason poll, recently released by Cleveland.com. This marks the first such ranking since the conference ceased issuing preseason polls 15 years ago. The poll was determined by the opinions of 24 media members, including beat writers covering all 18 Big Ten teams.
USC closed the previous season with a record of 7-6 overall and 4-5 in conference play. Coach Lincoln Riley, now entering his fourth season, will look to improve on last year’s performance, which saw eight of the Trojans’ games decided by a narrow margin of seven points or less. Among their notable losses was a heart-wrenching 33-30 overtime defeat against Penn State, which secured the top rank in the preseason poll with 11 first-place votes.
To bolster their chances this season, USC has retained defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn for his second year. However, the Trojans are expected to focus on improving both their offensive line and quarterback positions, two areas that underperformed last season. New offensive line coach Zach Hanson will take the helm after a season in which the line allowed 21 sacks. The quarterback role has shifted after the transfer of Miller Moss to Louisville, with Jayden Maiava anticipated to take the starting position. Maiava’s previous season stats included 1,201 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 91 rushing yards with four touchdowns over seven games.
On the other end of the spectrum, UCLA finds itself in the preseason poll forecasted for a struggle in the bottom half of the conference. The Bruins, led by second-year head coach Deshaun Foster, ended the previous season with a record of 5-7 overall and 3-6 in conference play. Despite producing multiple NFL Draft picks, including linebackers Carson Schwesinger and Oluwafemi Oladejo, the loss of key defensive players poses a challenge for the upcoming season. Nevertheless, UCLA’s offense is expected to be the focal point this year, as they adapt to the departures on defense.
UCLA made a significant roster change this spring by adding Tennessee transfer quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Iamaleava boasts impressive credentials, having thrown for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions last season. With a young, inexperienced roster, UCLA’s ability to compete this season will largely depend on the execution of their offense.
The complete preseason rankings for the Big Ten Conference are as follows:
1. Penn State (11 first-place votes)
2. Ohio State (10 first-place votes)
3. Oregon (2 first-place votes)
4. Illinois
5. Michigan (1 first-place vote)
6. Indiana
7. Iowa
8. Nebraska
9. USC
10. Washington
11. Minnesota
12. Wisconsin
13. (tie) Michigan State
13. (tie) Rutgers
15. UCLA
16. Maryland
17. Northwestern
18. Purdue.
As the new season approaches, both USC and UCLA will strive to meet their respective challenges. The Trojans aim to build on minor setbacks from the previous season, while the Bruins endeavor to adapt and overcome their personnel losses. Results from this preseason poll will serve as a motivator for both teams as they head into their training camps and prepare for what promises to be a competitive season in the Big Ten Conference.
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Additional Resources
- Daily News: Big Ten Football Preseason Poll
- Sports Illustrated: USC & UCLA in Big Ten
- Los Angeles Times: Pac-12 Additions
- UCLA Bruins: Game Report
- Off Tackle Empire: Predictions for USC & UCLA
