USC has a real chance to make the CFP in year 1 with Lincoln Riley at the helm, a place where the Pac-12 has not been since Washington made it in 2016-17.

With the Trojans leaving the league ahead of the 2024 season, should fans of the 10 remaining teams be cheering for them in that quest?

On today’s episode of Locked On Pac-12, I answer that most fascinating question/conundrum for fans of teams not named USC and UCLA.

There would be benefits and drawbacks to the conference’s reputation if the Trojans were to end the year amidst the top 4 teams in the CFP.

Caleb Williams has been the catalyst for USC’s offense this year and is one of the biggest reasons (Lincoln Riley the other) why USC has gone from 4-8 to 10-1 in just one offseason.

The Trojans are doing their best to support his Heisman candidacy, and he belongs squarely in the mix to win CFB’s most prestigious award this year.

• Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order

• BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds, and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts!

• Rock Auto has an amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you.

---

—More from Spencer McLaughlin—

• McLaughlin: CU to Test Transfer Rebuild in Spring Game

---

• McLaughlin: Spring Game a Big Recruiting Day for Ducks

---

• McLaughlin: Sooners Looking to Make a Splash in SEC

---

• McLaughlin: Pac-12 Loss of Autonomous Status a Problem?

---

• McLaughlin: Colorado Transfer Exodus Cause for Concern?

---

• McLaughlin: Where Will Ex-ASU QB Jaden Rashada Land?

---

• McLaughlin: Oregon State Making Future Big 12 Moves?

---

• McLaughlin: Colorado at Epicenter of Transfer Portal

---

• McLaughlin: Does Ohio State Now Have QB Questions?

---

• McLaughlin: UW, Others Poised to Make Big Portal Moves?

---

• McLaughlin: Scouting Kalen DeBoer’s First Spring Game

---

• McLaughlin: Should ACC Move on from FSU and Clemson?

---

• McLaughlin: Has the Portal Destroyed Player Loyalty?

---

• McLaughlin: Could ACC Fallout Lead to a New Conference?

---

• McLaughlin: Would Big Ten and SEC Go for Super League?

---