Aiden Checketts

Joined: Apr 8, 2026

Aiden James Checketts is a writer for USC Trojans on SI, apart of the Sports Illustrated network. He graduated from California Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and a Master's in Business Administration. During his time at CLU, he also competed in collegiate football for all four years. He also has contributed for The Sporting Tribune, where he wrote on NFL Draft analysis and weekly previews for the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and Las Vegas Raiders. Outside of work, he enjoys rooting for the New England Patriots and Golden State Warriors, watching movies, and trying new food whenever he can.

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley (right) is interviewed by NBC Sports reporter Kathryn Tappen after the game against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Football

Dec 30, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first half during the Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Football

Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Football

Jan 2, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Southern California Trojans forward Jacob Cofie (6) reacts in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Basketball

Following the NBA Draft Combine, USC Trojans guard Jacob Cofie has decided to return to USC, which could be crucial for the Trojans in 2026.

Jan 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans guard Alijah Arenas (0) reacts against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the second half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Basketball

For the 2026 season, USC Trojans guard Alijah Arenas has one key trait that could bring more value to USC on and off the court than many people realize.

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley (right) talks with quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) in the second half against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Football

With the College Football Playoff expected to expand to 24 teams, the USC Trojans could be in a great position to find themselves in the playoff consistently with their consistent top 25 ranking.

Nov 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Football

Heading into a crucial season with the USC Trojans, coach Lincoln Riley makes a strong statement on what USC could accomplish in 2026 and beyond.

Football

With the USC Trojans entering a crucial year under coach Lincoln Riley, three games could go a long way in determining how the program performs next season.

Aug 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches from the sidelines against the Missouri State Bears in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Football

Heading into the 2026 season, there is one player on the defensive line for the USC Trojans who could make a major impact.

Aug 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts during the game against the Missouri State Bears at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Football

The USC Trojans may have a future star in defensive end Luke Wafle, who could work into being one of the more important players on the entire roster next season.

Football

With the USC Trojans preparing for the summer, there is an opportunity to add more top talent to their 2027 recruiting class.

Jan 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans forward Jacob Cofie (6) enters the court before the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Basketball

With the USC Trojans preparing for the 2026 season, forward Jacob Cofie could return to USC, which could be something that gives the Trojans another piece to compete near the top of the Big Ten.

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) talks with Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Football

With the USC Trojans hoping to make the College Football Playoff in 2026, the situation for coach Lincoln Riley next season seems to be his best opportunity to do so with the Trojans.

Oct 14, 2023; South Bend, Indiana, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley talks on his headset in the third quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium.

Football

Following the end of spring practice, Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt reveals his biggest question for USC and whether they have the ability to answer that question.

Football

With the USC Trojans heading into a very important 2026 season, there are five players who could have breakout seasons.

Aiden Checketts

Joined: Apr 8, 2026

USC's Three Candidates to Lead Receiver Room Next Season

Three Reasons USC Could Make the College Football Playoff Next Season

USC's Jayden Maiava Snubbed From Key Preseason Watchlist List

Three Factors That Could Unlock USC’s Offensive Ceiling

Basketball

USC Forward Jacob Cofie's NBA Decision Has Massive Impact On Trojans

Basketball

Alijah Arenas Played Through An Injury USC Fans Had Not Heard About

Football

The Key Factor in College Football Playoff Change Transforming USC’s Future

Football

Lincoln Riley Gives a Clear Assessment on USC's Potential

Football

Three Critical USC Games That Set the Tone for the Program's Future

Football

The Player on USC's Defense Who Could Quietly Become a Difference Maker

Football

Three Reasons Why Luke Wafle Can Be a Crucial Piece for USC

Football

4-Star Recruit Gavin Williams Announces Commit Decision

Jacob Cofie's NBA Draft Decision Could Shift USC's Future Outlook

USC Trojans' Biggest Key to Crashing the College Football Playoff

Joel Klatt Calls Out USC Trojans' Biggest Uncertainty

Five USC Trojans Poised for Breakout Seasons