Clay Helton and the USC Trojans survived an early-season upset at the hands of Washington State and a mid-season demolition on the road against rival Notre Dame to win the PAC-12 championship in 2017. Entering the Cotton Bowl at 11-2, USC was embarrassed by Ohio State by a score of 24-7. Fast forward to 2018, Sam Darnold has moved on to the NFL, and, as always, a blue-chip QB prospect, JT Daniels, has made his way to Southern California. After graduating high school a full year early, Daniels has fans waiting anxiously for the  opportunity to watch him play. The potential is off the charts, and he could become one of the best signal-callers in USC history.

Prestige Rating (If NCAA 19 existed): 6*

One of the most recognizable programs in the entire NCAA, USC has produced countless pro players, including quarterback Sam Darnold, who was just drafted number three overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. While they have not won a National Championship since 2004 (since vacated), the Trojans are usually national title contenders.

Previous Record: 11-3, (8-1 PAC-12), PAC-12 Champions

Projected Returning Starters:

Offense: 7

WR Tyler Vaughns, WR Michael Pittman Jr., TE Tyler Petite, C/OT Toa Lobendahn, G Chris Brown, OT Chuma Edoga, G/OT Andrew Vorhhees

Should blue-chip QB prospect JT Daniels win the starting job out of camp, he should have a head start on most freshman QBs thanks to the return of three weapons and almost a full starting line. Vaughns, Pittman Jr., and Petite combined for 103 catches and 1,520 yards last season, with Pittman Jr. offering a deep threat, averaging 17.6 yards per catch. The offensive line was a little shaky last season, surrendering 30 sacks, but another year together should remedy those issues. Daniels, who is currently favored to win the starting job, should be able to stay on his feet long enough to find his targets. Tailback Stephen Carr, who has one career start, ran for 370 yards and 3 touchdowns as a true freshman, will take over the running duties for Ronald Jones III. Carr will alleviate the pressure felt by whoever finds their way under center.

Defense: 6

ILB Cam Smith, ILB John Houston Jr., S Marvell Tell III, CB Iman Marshall, DL Christian Rector, ILB-OLB Jordan Iosefa, CB Ajene Harris

Five of the top seven tacklers from last season return, headed by ILB Cam Smith, who totaled 112 tackles and an interception last season. As a team, the Trojans allowed 26.1 points per game, and recorded 46 sacks. Despite losing virtually the entire defensive front, returning most of the back 7 is huge, especially when factoring in the 16 interceptions recorded by the team. Iman Marshall is entering his third season starting at corner, and has shutdown capability. The defense should be a strong point of the team. 

Specialists: 2

PK Chase McGrath, P Reid Budrovich

McGrath was inconsistent as a true freshman walk-on, converting on just 12 of his 17 field goal attempts. Still, McGrath has a powerful leg, and provided one of the feel good moments of the season when he hit the game-winning field goal against Texas. Budrovich pinned opponents inside of their own 20 on 42% of his punts, a respectable number, and only had one punt blocked last season. A booming leg (longest punt of 63 yards) will help in the all-important field position battle. 

Key Losses: QB Sam Darnold, RB Ronald Jones III

It is almost unnecessary to explain the magnitude of losing Darnold and Jones, but I will explain anyway. Darnold enjoyed great success in his two seasons at the helm of the Trojan offense, and reminded long-time fans of the Carson Palmer days of the early 2000s. Jones, his backfield companion, ran for 1550 yards and 19 touchdowns before departing for the NFL. Both will be missed, but there are young, capable players ready to step up and fill the voids. 

Tyroil Smoochie-Wallace All Name Team Member: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Freshman WR

Five-Year Recruiting Rank (SB Nation’s Bill Connelly): 5

Alcohol Prediction for Fans by Season’s End: Champagne

Champagne is the cliched drink of choice for those at New Year’s parties, and I fully expect the Trojans to be playing football in the beginning month of 2019. Drink up. 

Outlook: Despite losing a star quarterback, Clay Helton and company seem poised to make another national championship run in 2018. UCLA and Notre Dame will be end of the year tests, but it is hard to predict more than one loss for this team.