Where does USC fit among the top 15 College Football Playoff contenders?

If it’s the middle of July, CFB fans are talking about the top teams in the country. See how Pro Football Focus tackled this topic.

The 2023 college football season still feels like it’s far away. However, there is always room to discuss some trendy College Football Playoff picks … and USC’s place within the short list of playoff contenders.

The Pac-12 Conference is looking extremely loaded in the final year before USC and UCLA dash for the Big Ten. Alabama, Georgia, and LSU are common picks in the SEC, and the Clemson Tigers are always a team thrown into the conversation with Dabo Swinney running the show.

Nonetheless, Mitch Kaiser of Pro Football Focus revealed 15 teams that could make the College Football Playoff this season, and there are some surprising choices, most notably the Texas Longhorns.

Which teams are — and aren’t — included alongside USC in the top 15? Let’s take a look: