The USC Trojans, one of college football’s most storied programs, have found themselves at the center of controversy after being left out of the Top-25 rankings in the highly anticipated EA Sports College Football 26 video game. The omission has sparked widespread debate among fans, analysts, and players alike, many of whom view it as a blatant sign of disrespect toward the program’s legacy and potential heading into the 2025 season.
For a team that has consistently recruited at a high level and made headlines under head coach Lincoln Riley, being excluded from the game’s initial rankings has raised eyebrows. USC enters the 2025 season with a retooled roster, high expectations, and one of the nation’s most talented quarterback rooms. Yet, EA Sports opted to leave the Trojans out in favor of teams with less proven talent or recent success, leading many to question the criteria used in the rankings.
The top-25 list, which was unveiled as part of the game’s pre-launch promotional campaign, is based on a combination of recent performance, projected roster strength, coaching reputation, and overall program prestige. While EA Sports has not publicly disclosed the exact methodology, the backlash from USC fans has been swift and vocal.
Social media platforms lit up with reactions as Trojan supporters expressed their frustration. Many pointed to USC’s top-10 recruiting class, improved defensive staff, and competitive finish in the previous season as evidence that the program deserves more respect. Others highlighted the team’s strong history, including multiple national championships and Heisman winners, as reasons why USC should never be left out of any top-tier rankings.
Players within the program also appeared to take notice. Several current Trojans took to Twitter and Instagram with cryptic messages, suggesting they felt overlooked and were eager to prove doubters wrong. One veteran defensive player posted, “Keep sleeping,” while a wide receiver simply wrote, “Motivation loaded.”
From a broader perspective, the controversy comes at a time when USC is transitioning into a new chapter. As they prepare for their
