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 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

The 2026 season is full of tough tests for the USC Trojans, which is backed up by one college football analyst in his ranking of the toughest Big Ten schedules.

Football

With the 2026 season looming, two USC Trojans are receiving preseason recognition among some of the top players in the country.

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium.

Football

While the USC Trojans have landed the No. 1 recruiting class for 2026, one of USC's biggest rivals has gotten commitments from two of the top 50 players in 2027 that could build one of the top classes in the country for next year.

Dec 30, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches in the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs during the Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Football

The Ohio State Buckeyes, Indiana Hoosiers, and Oregon Ducks have three of the toughest cornerbacks that the USC Trojans will face in 2026.

Oct 28, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; USC Trojans offensive lineman Elijah Paige (72) during halftime against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Football

Heading into 2026, here are three of the toughest pass rushers on the USC Trojans' Big Ten schedule.

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Football

For the 2026 season, Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans have several major tests, but Fox Sports commentator Joel Klatt believes there is one game in particular that could define USC's season.

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

For the USC Trojans to take a step forward in the Big Ten, being able to beat top-tier teams is critical, and specifically against Oregon, quarterback Jayden Maiava's performance could play a major role.

Football

With the 2026 season approaching, the USC Trojans could have one of the better skill position groups in the country, according to one college football analyst.

Football

With the USC Trojans' No. 1-ranked 2026 recruiting class, one storyline to monitor is when USC's two five-star recruits make their way on the field and what kind of roles they have.

Football

Taking a look at the levels of contenders in the Big Ten conference heading into the 2026 season.

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

With several additions to the roster, the USC Trojans now may now have competition at one key spot heading into 2026.

Jan 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Eric Musselman reacts against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the second half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Basketball

In the early part of summer, the USC Trojans have had a few practices, and at this point, Eric Musselman has a few takeaways that many USC fans will love.

Aiden Checketts

Joined: Apr 8, 2026

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