USC Was Overlooked: The Trojans and Jayden Maiava Challenge The Power Rankings—Are Experts Wrong?

The USC Trojans cracked the Big Ten Conference's top five in preseason power rankings, but does their incoming talent have what it takes to push them into playoff contention? Marc Kulkin spotlights Crain & Cone Show's rankings—putting Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana ahead—while questioning whether Michigan’s edge in the trenches still holds after last season’s Coliseum showdown. The debate heats up over Jayden Maiava's snub from NFL draft lists and how the arrival of Gary Patterson could reshape USC’s physical identity. Immediate impact freshmen like Luke Wafle, Ethan "Boobie" Feaster, and Mark Bowman headline the next wave of talent ready to break out. Marc Kulkin also sounds off on the NCAA’s proposed playoff and tournament expansions, warning that chasing participation trophies could dilute the regular season’s meaning. Should USC settle for a spot outside the top 12, or is it win big or bust? Listeners get insider perspectives on USC’s road ahead and what must change for postseason glory. #USCTrojans #USCFootball #BigTenPowerRankings #JaydenMaiava #LukeWafle #BoobieFeaster #MarkBowman #GaryPatterson #OhioStateFootball #OregonDucks #MichiganWolverines #IndianaFootball #collegefootballplayoffs #cfp #collegefootballnews #USCFreshmenImpact #USCvsMichigan Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonusc.supercast.com/  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) LISTEN: APPLE: https://apple.co/3Aveb9o SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3Reye1r GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3bHmlAT Follow Marc! TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MarcKulkinCaIt Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.