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Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) warms up prior to the game against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley is heading into his fifth season with USC. Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava made the decision to return to USC for the 2026 season, raising the preseason expectations for this team.

Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) warms up prior to the game against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Football

USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley is heading into his fifth season with USC. Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava made the decision to return to USC for the 2026 season, raising the preseason expectations for this team.

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Sep 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts after a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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With an elite recruiting class and key returning players, there is one key position battle for the USC Trojans that stands out.

Oct 28, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley before the game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

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The USC Trojans have seen a great deal of success when they recruit the state of California at a high level. The Trojans put an emphasis on recruiting local prospects this past cycle, but now USC has to continue to reel in top players in their backyard.

Sep 2, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Nevada Wolf Pack in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Former USC Trojans secondary coach Doug Belk is heading to the NFL after being hired by the Denver Broncos.

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

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Winning on the road will be one of the biggest keys for the USC Trojans to break through and clinch a spot in the 2026 College Football Playoff. Here is a ranking of USC's road games from easiest to hardest.

Jul 24, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC offensive lineman Elijah Paige speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

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The USC Trojans were hit hard by injuries at several positions this past season. With spring practice fast approaching, who are some players that returning that finished last season on the injury report.

Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks on during warmups before an NFC Divisional Round game against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams took part in the NBA All-Star weekend, participating in the celebrity three-point contest. The former USC Trojans quarterback brought a pair of USC basketball shoes show off on the court.

Oct 28, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley before the game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium.

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The USC Trojans face one of their most difficult schedules since joining the Big Ten, which includes a road contest to the national champions Indiana, and facing Oregon and Ohio State. However, one game on USC's schedule could fly under the radar.

Oct 14, 2023; South Bend, Indiana, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley and Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman chat before the game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

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The USC Trojans and Notre Dame Fighting Irish are not scheduled to play each other in 2026. With rumblings about further expansion of the College Football Playoff, could that result in a better chance the two sides renew their rivalry in the near future?

Nov 15, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) catches a pass against the defense of Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Football

USC Trojans star wide receiver Makai Lemon is receiving high praise as a first-round prospect ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Can the former USC star live up to the hype in the NFL?

Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) warms up prior to the game against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava is among one of the top signal-callers returning in college football. What does his return mean for the Trojans offense?

Oct 12, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley during a time out against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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One analyst believes the USC Trojans’ midseason road game against the Penn State Nittany Lions could define their 2026 season, citing Lincoln Riley’s road struggles and the College Football Playoff stakes tied to a must-win in matchup Happy Valley.

Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojan cheerleaders dance in the game against the Utah State Aggies during the first quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

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Which Big Ten stadium gives its program the biggest home-field advantage in the conference?

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

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Growing up in Southern California, Westlake (Calif.) receiver Charles Davis was a frequent offer at the Coliseum. As his recruitment continues to surge, Davis recently received an offer from the USC Trojans in an exclusive interview.

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.

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Looking to reach the College Football Playoff in a pivotal fifth season under coach Lincoln Riley and expected to face a gauntlet 2026 Big Ten schedule, there are three games that the USC Trojans can't afford to overlook.

Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) warms up prior to the game against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Football

How real are USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava's chances of winning the Heisman Trophy in 2026?

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

USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley has made another offseason move, this time promoting one of his offensive staff members.

Oct 28, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley walks on the field before a game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

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The USC Trojans will be hosting class of 2027 recruit, quarterback Dane Weber in the coming weeks. USC coach Lincoln Riley has a strong track record with quarterbacks and that can be used as a recruiting pitch.

Jul 8, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Iowa State defensive back Jontez Williams answers questions from the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

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The USC Trojans were not incredibly during the singular transfer portal window, but they did sign two players that can greatly impact the team on both sides of the ball in the fall.

Jul 24, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC head coach Lincoln Riley speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

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The USC Trojans are facing some familiar foes on the recruiting trail in the Oregon Ducks and Ohio State Buckeyes as all three programs battle for a four-star defensive line recruit.

Sep 27, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley before an NCAA football game with the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

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The USC Trojans top-ranked class stayed intact throughout the recruiting class because of their belief in the direction of the program and goal of being the group that brings them back into the national spotlight.

Jul 24, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC wide receiver Makai Lemon speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

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The Baltimore Ravens are projected to select USC Trojans star Makai Lemon at No. 14 in a recent 2026 NFL Mock Draft, signaling a bold move to give quarterback Lamar Jackson a true Day 1 No. 1 receiver after ranking near the bottom in key receiving metrics

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

USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava has been making headlines for his 2026 season potential, and coach Lincoln Riley see's a breakout season ahead for Maiava.

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

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The USC Trojans have made drastic changes to its defensive staff in a concerted effort to change the culture on that side of the ball. Will the changes pay off for Southern Cal in the fall?

Jul 24, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC head coach Lincoln Riley speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

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The latest domino in the USC Trojans defensive staff has fallen with an in-house promotion.