The USC Trojans are seeking their first ever appearance in the College Football Playoff . According to these playoff projections, the Trojans will be on the outside looking in once again in 2026.

USC Projected to Miss 2026 College Football Playoff

Southern California coach Lincoln Riley looks for answers against Oregon during the second half touchdown Nov. 22, 2025. | Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Brett McMurphy of On3 revealed his post-spring playoff projections for the 2026 college football season. He has USC missing out on the 12-team field. Here are the 12 teams McMurphy predicts will make it.

No. 1 Miami Hurricanes

No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes

No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish

No.4 Georgia Bulldogs

No. 5 Oregon Ducks

No. 6 Texas Longhorns

No. 7 Indiana Hoosiers

No. 8 Texas A&M Aggies

No. 9 Texas Tech Red Raiders

No. 10 Oklahoma Sooners

No. 11 Penn State Nittany Lions

No.…