Field Level Media college basketball writers submitted ballots for their Top 25 men’s basketball teams entering the 2026-27 season.
The poll results are in: Here’s a closer look at No. 23 Southern California.
23. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
2025-26 record: 18-14
Outlook for 2026-27: The Trojans never had highly talented guards Rodney Rice (shoulder) and Alijah Arenas (knee) on the floor together last season, and coach Eric Musselman surely is happy to have the tandem healthy. USC went 7-13 in each of its first two Big Ten seasons, so some improvement is expected.
What we like: Rice (20.3 points per game) looked impressive in six games before his injury, while Arenas (14.1 ppg) had his moments but needs to improve on his 34.1% field-goal shooting. Highly touted freshman forward Christian Collins could step right in and make it a potent trio.
Trouble ahead: The end of last season was ugly, with eight straight losses, so USC could use a strong start to put that stretch behind it. The schedule is set up for the Trojans to secure some victories, and Texas Tech is the only ranked opponent before Big Ten play.
Top newcomer: The 6-foot-9 Collins is a five-star recruit USC landed over Kentucky and Louisville. He likely will be a one-and-done player before heading to the NBA draft, so the Trojans will look to make the most of his time on campus.
–Field Level Media
