# USC Trojans Ranked No. 21 in Preseason AP Poll

> USC Trojans land preseason AP Top 25 ranking as they aim for Big Ten success.
- Title: USC Trojans Ranked No. 21 in Preseason AP Poll | Shortify
- Summary: USC Trojans land preseason AP Top 25 ranking as they aim for Big Ten success. USC Trojans are ranked No. 21 in the AP preseason poll and aim to be among the…
- Keywords: usc, trojans, ap top 25, preseason poll, big ten, college basketball, ncaa tournament, sports, Ranked, Preseason, Poll, USC Trojans On SI
- Source: USC Trojans On SI — https://si.com/college/usc/basketball/usc-trojans-land-preseason-ap-top-25-poll-anticipated-season-looms
- Published: 2026-10-19T20:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: usc, trojans, ap top 25, preseason poll, big ten, college basketball, ncaa tournament, sports
## USC Trojans 2026-27 Season
The USC Trojans men's basketball team's 2026-27 college basketball season begins soon under coach Eric Musselman.
## Preseason AP Top 25 Ranking
USC is ranked No. 21 in the AP preseason rankings and is one of five Big Ten teams ranked.
## First Preseason Ranking Since 2017-18
This is the first time since the 2017-18 season that the Trojans were ranked in the preseason.
## Big Ten Rivalry Context
The Trojans aim to finish among the conference’s top teams despite strong competition from Illinois, Michigan State, and Michigan.
## Last Season Performance
Last season, the Trojans finished 18-14 overall and went 7-13 in the Big Ten.
## Returning Players
Rodney Rice and Alijah Arenas return to the Trojans backcourt for the 2026-27 season.
## Key Transfer Additions
Key transfer portal additions like KJ Lewis, Jalen Cox, and Eric Reibe will help the Trojans this season.
## Recruiting Class
Musselman brings his best recruiting class with Christian Collins, Adonis Ratliff, and Darius Ratliff.
## Season Start Date
The Trojans tip off the 2026-27 season on Nov. 2 at the Galen Center against the Milwaukee Panthers.
## Key takeaway

USC Trojans are ranked No. 21 in the AP preseason poll and aim to be among the top Big Ten teams for the 2026-27 season.