Way Too Early 2015-2016 College Football Playoff Final Four

Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) conducts the Spirit of Troy marching band after the 2014 Poinsettia Bowl against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Qualcomm Stadium. USC won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

#3 USC Trojans

2014 Record: 9-4

2014 Final AP Rank: #20

Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense, 1 Special Teams

Can we finally leap to the conclusion that USC is back? Are we at that point yet? It may be crazy, but all signs point to that being the case for next season.

This is such a pivotal year for 2nd year coach Steve Sarkisian and the USC Trojans. Coming off an okay 9-4, 6-3 conference year, USC has the chance to make it to the Final Four with the likes of junior QB Cody Kessler coming into his own after completing nearly 70% of his passes last year. The Trojans, however, lose wideout Nelson Agholar and 7 starters on defense, including DE Leonard Williams.

But such is the case, USC has a knack for reloading instead of rebuilding, and coming completely out of the shadows of the NCAA sanctions, it’s high time in Southern California to get back to Trojan football from the mid 2000’s. What stands in their way? Road games at Notre Dame, Arizona State, and in late November, the Oregon Ducks in Eugene could spell that USC is still a year away. Get past those tests and it could end with a Championship Trophy for the once mighty Men of Troy.

Next: Predicted No. 2 CFP Team