Is there a more respected voice in college football’s broadcasting space than FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt? Maybe, but if there are, there certainly aren’t many. And that makes Klatt’s inclusion of USC in his preseason top 10 all the more interesting.

A day after the first AP Top 25 was released, where USC sat at No. 14 nationally, Klatt revealed his own personal preseason top 10. He had the usual suspects at first, second, and third. He had Utah at No. 5, two spots higher than their AP poll spot. And he had the Trojans at No. 10.

Klatt has been a big believer in what Lincoln Riley is building with USC dating back to the addition of quarterback Caleb Williams. He said at the time the Trojans could be a team that made noise in the College Football Playoff picture.

Since then, all USC has done is continue to add pieces to its treasure trove transfer class. Jordan Addison signed on from Pittsburgh, where he won the 2021 Biletnikoff as college football’s top receiver. Eric Gentry transferred in from Arizona State, where he was a Freshman All-American linebacker last season. Bryson Shaw joined the fold after starting at safety for Ohio State.

USC is rolling through fall camp at the moment. Riley doesn’t shy away from championship expectation talk, but the team seems squarely focused on getting ready for the season-opener.

The Trojans host Rice on Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. PT.