The USC Trojans still have an outside change of reaching the College Football Playoff this season after rattling off seven wins in their first nine games, but head coach Lincoln Riley has still faced many big challenges in 2025 despite their no.

At 6–2, the USC Trojans remain alive in the College Football Playoff race — but a November gauntlet featuring the Iowa Hawkeyes and Oregon Ducks will determine if they can sneak into the 12-team field.

Those modest rankings for the Trojans, Hawkeyes, Wolverines and Huskies make their paths to the playoff fairly clear; they will likely need to win out and finish the regular season at 10-2 in order to clinch a berth.

The No. 20 Trojans didn’t start the season among the teams in consideration for the College Football Playoff, but this team’s drive has it closing in.

USC football continued its 2025 College Football Playoff quest with a win against Northwestern. Look back at Trojans Wire's coverage and analysis:

Voters in the Coaches Poll continue to question this ACC this season after Virginia and Louisville became the latest teams to tumble in Sunday's Week 12 top 25 rankings update following unexpected losses. Georgia Tech is now the highest-ranked team within a conference whose College Football Playoff merits are weakening down the stretch.

Get the best Northwestern vs. USC predictions, expert picks, and odds for their College Football game on Friday, November 7. Caleb Komolafe will keep the Wildcats close.

T he Vanderbilt Commodores escaped Auburn 's upset bid on Saturday by defeating the Tigers, 45-38, in overtime. The win not only increased their chances to earn a College Football Playoff bid, but gives them a bump in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll.