Heading into the 2026 season, the USC Trojans are hoping to climb even higher in the Big Ten standings after having a fourth-place finish with a 9-4 record in 2025.  With next season on the horizon, USC coach Lincoln Riley has some pressure to get the Trojans not only to the College Football Playoff but to also compete for a spot in the Big Ten title game. Oct 18, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley talks to an official during the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images | Michael Caterina-Imagn Images Pressure To Perform With spring practice finished, college football analysts and experts are starting to get a good idea of where each team sits and the pressure they have to perform in 2026.  As of now, it seems that the Trojans may have more pressure on themselves than most teams do. According to On3’s Ari Wasserman , USC ranks No.…