CFP expansion and scheduling claims leave USC’s future slate uncertain

Recent articles describe a 24-team CFP format as official and report a Power Four scheduling requirement that could affect USC’s future nonconference slate, but the format’s terms and rule application still need verification. If applicable, USC may need another Power Four opponent in each of the next three years because it plays nine Big Ten games and Notre Dame does not resume until 2030. Stanford or Cal are suggestions, not confirmed plans; a Las Vegas opener remains rumor.