We started this list prior to the start of fall camp and finish it on the eve of the season opener with QB Caleb Williams at No. 1.

For the most part, our initial rankings have stood up through the developments of fall camp and the depth chart release this week.

Veteran DL Nick Figueroa made our list but not the first-team on the depth chart released this week. The still-pending decision at left tackle will determine if we have the offensive linemen in the right order. We made late sub before camp to replace Brenden Rice with Terrell Bynum in our spotlight on potential No. 3 WRs and wish we could have that back now after seeing the depth chart.

Could we have retroactively made changes? Sure, but with the bottom half of the list already unveiled prior to camp, we'll stay authentic with it. (And next year we'll either do it all before camp, or all after camp, but it was a fun project regardless.)

For the most part, we feel good about how the ranking ended up as the Trojans kick off the season Saturday.

Of course, the very nature of such a ranking is that it's subject to disagreement and debate. There is no right answer. But we make our case for each selection with thorough stories/columns on each player.

Start with the feature on Williams, the star sophomore QB, along with free access to the full top 5, and if you want to read the rest of the series take advantage of our special season-opening promo below!

Heightened trust between Caleb Williams and Lincoln Riley drives soaring expectations for USC

USC's Mr. Reliable Tuli Tuipulotu not only best player on Trojans defense but standard-setter for teammates

Shane Lee and USC a perfect match entering pivotal season for both sides

Andrew Vorhees 'remarkable' development into one of college football's top offensive linemen

Reigning Biletnikoff Award winner Jordan Addison: 'He's that guy'

Mario Williams somehow under the radar entering expected breakout season

Sophomore safety Calen Bullock a budding star with a chip on his shoulder

New starting LB Eric Gentry could be the X-factor for Trojans' defensive rebuild

Veteran RB right at home at USC entering final season of prolific college career

Where would USC be right now without landing Mekhi Blackmon this offseason?

High-upside rush end Romello Height the ultimate wildcard for USC defense

Whether named starting LT or not, Bobby Haskins' arrival gives USC vital depth on O-line

Continued development for third-year OTs Courtland Ford, Jonah Monheim key for Trojans

In final season, Nick Figueroa brings stability amidst Trojans' D-line questions

Veteran interior OL tandem bolster O-line with heightened expectations

(*Written before fall camp)

At his best, Brandon Pili could be missing piece up front for Trojans' defense

(*Written before fall camp)

RB Austin Jones an underrated addition to Trojans' loaded offense

(*Written before fall camp)

Trojans hoping five-star talents Korey Foreman and Domani Jackson can start to emerge at key spots

(*Written before fall camp)

Five-star freshman Raleek Brown too good to be kept off field in debut season

(*Written before fall camp)

Whether he plays meaningful snaps or not in 2022, Miller Moss providing vital security for Trojans at QB

(*Written before fall camp)

Battle for third-receiver role among most compelling storylines for Trojans

(*Written before fall camp)

Resilient Max Williams finally ready to showcase himself in 2022

(*Written before fall camp)