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USC Trojans: Early NCAA Bracketology Success?
15 Jun
Summary
- USC projected as a No. 7 seed in early NCAA Tournament bracketology.
- Eric Reibe's championship experience could be key for USC.
- Big Ten projected to have the most NCAA Tournament participants with 12 teams.
The USC Trojans are gearing up for the 2026 season with renewed optimism following significant roster enhancements. After a previous season without an NCAA Tournament appearance, coach Eric Musselman and his team have bolstered their lineup through the transfer portal and high school recruiting, while retaining key players. This strategic team-building has led to early NCAA Tournament projections, with CBS Sports forecasting USC as a No. 7 seed.
This projection places USC in a strong position within the Big Ten, a conference anticipated to send the most teams to the NCAA Tournament with 12 participants. The Trojans are expected to face strong competition from within the conference, including nine teams projected to be tournament-caliber. A key factor in USC's potential success could be the experience of UConn transfer center Eric Reibe, who was part of the 2025 national championship runner-up team.
Reibe's presence offers valuable championship game experience and could significantly impact USC's frontcourt performance. His ability to prepare the team for high-pressure tournament moments and aid in the development of younger players, particularly the Ratliff twins, is seen as crucial for the program's immediate and future success. The Trojans aim to leverage these additions and Reibe's leadership to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
