USC found a way to the top of the heap in 2016, and will enter the upcoming campaign hopeful defend its title.

A number of key players from that team have moved on, and head coach Keidane McAlpine will have to replace the spine of the champions in order to be competitive in the Pac-12 once again.

An early look at the 2017 contenders reveals five programs that have the makeup to compete for a championship later this fall.