"College football teams across the country are far from finished products this season, but the first weeks of the 2025 slate are already giving them a better sense of who they are -- for better or worse. At the same time, coaching staffs face the delicate balancing act of winning today and looking ahead, knowing some of the answers to weaknesses with their current rosters might come from the 2026 class and beyond."
"Sitting atop the class rankings, there is a lot to like about the Trojans, and one thing that's evident is the team needs to improve in the trenches. USC has shown improvement on defense, but the addition of Topui would put USC on par with other Big Ten powers. He is massive, quick and powerful and can be a stout presence. As a local product from Southern California powerhouse Mater Dei, this was a must-get."
Early 2025 games reveal that many college football teams remain works in progress, providing clearer evaluations of roster strengths and weaknesses. Coaching staffs must balance winning now with planning for future needs, acknowledging that roster gaps may be addressed by the 2026 class and beyond. Recruiting prioritizes specific positional needs and scheme fit rather than mere talent accumulation. Impact newcomers and blue-chip signees can alter program trajectories once on campus. USC needs improvement in the trenches, and adding a massive, quick, powerful defensive lineman from local powerhouse Mater Dei would significantly bolster its front.
Read at ESPN.com
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