USC Trojans Take a Huge Leap in Early 2026-27 Rankings

The Trojans are ranked No. 6 in the way-too-early top 25 rankings for the 2026-27 season.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:37am

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Despite a frustrating 2025-26 season, the USC Trojans are poised for a big bounce-back year in 2026-27 according to ESPN bracketologist Charlie Creme's way-too-early top 25 rankings. The Trojans are ranked No. 6, the second-highest in the Big Ten conference, behind only the Michigan Wolverines, LSU Tigers, South Carolina Gamecocks, Texas Longhorns, and UConn Huskies.

Why it matters

The Trojans' high ranking is a testament to the talent they have returning, led by star guard Jazzy Davidson and the expected return of JuJu Watkins, who missed the entire 2025-26 season with a torn ACL. USC also brings in a highly touted recruiting class, including the No. 2 overall player nationally, forward Saniya Hall.

The details

The Trojans finished the 2025-26 season with an 18-14 record and were eliminated in the Round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament by South Carolina. However, with the return of Davidson and Watkins leading the backcourt, along with the addition of several top recruits, USC is poised to make a run at the national championship next season.

  • The 2025-26 women's college basketball season officially came to a close on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • ESPN bracketologist Charlie Creme released his way-too-early top 25 rankings for the 2026-27 season on April 6, 2026.

The players

Jazzy Davidson

A star freshman guard for the USC Trojans who led the team in scoring, averaging 17.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.

JuJu Watkins

A key player for the Trojans who missed the entire 2025-26 season recovering from a torn ACL, but is set to return at full strength next season.

Saniya Hall

A highly touted recruit for the Trojans, ranked as the No. 2 overall player nationally by 247Sports. The 6-2 forward from SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio, has the potential to be an immediate impact player for USC.

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What’s next

The Trojans will look to build on their No. 6 ranking in the way-too-early top 25 for the 2026-27 season, as they aim to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament and compete for a national championship.

The takeaway

The USC Trojans are poised for a bounce-back season in 2026-27 after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign. With the return of star players Jazzy Davidson and JuJu Watkins, along with a highly touted recruiting class, the Trojans have the talent to make a run at the national title next year.