USC Football: CFP Approves New Playoff Format, Will Trojans Make the Postseason?

The Trojans have a golden opportunity to make their first college football playoff appearance in 2024.

Your USC Trojans are gearing up for a significant transition as they prepare to join the Big 10 conference, marking a new chapter in their football journey. While the move promises increased competition, it also presents a prime opportunity for USC to reclaim its former glory, which has eluded them for over a decade.

Despite recent struggles, USC remains a powerhouse in college football, and they'll be eager to demonstrate their prowess every Saturday in 2024 and beyond.

The past few seasons have been challenging for the Trojans, particularly considering their aspirations for a College Football Playoff (CFP) appearance. 

However, with the recent approval of the 12-team playoff format, USC's path to contention has become more feasible. Under this new format, the five highest-ranked conference champions and the next seven highest-ranked teams determined by the CFP committee will secure playoff berths. 

This revision offers USC a renewed opportunity to vie for postseason success.

BREAKING: The College Football Playoff has approved the move to a 5-7 format for the 12-team field starting next season‼️

"The 5 highest-ranked conference champions, plus the next 7 highest-ranked teams as determined by the CFP Selection Committee."https://t.co/08SqLIBprx pic.twitter.com/GRxXHoPpdA

— On3 (@On3sports) February 20, 2024

Coming off a disappointing season that saw them languishing at the bottom of the Pac-12, USC is determined to reverse their fortunes. With a revamped coaching staff, especially on the defensive side, the program has a sense of optimism. 

However, lingering uncertainties remain. 

Will the incoming recruits live up to expectations? Can the players execute the game plan effectively? Perhaps most crucially, who will assume the role of starting quarterback in 2024? While Miller Moss appears to be a frontrunner, Head Coach Lincoln Riley's decision could alter the trajectory.

It's premature to predict USC's playoff prospects for their inaugural season in the revamped conference. While the Trojans have made strides, work must be done before they can contend with the nation's elite.

 The offseason presents an opportunity for growth and refinement, both on and off the field. USC's fate will ultimately be determined by their performance during the spring, summer, and indeed the fall months.

In college football, success isn't conferred through paper accolades alone. USC understands the challenge ahead and remains committed to proving they are among college football's elite ilk. 

While their playoff aspirations may seem distant now, the beauty of the game lies in its unpredictability, and USC is poised to embrace the journey ahead.