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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 quarterback Jayden Maiava looks to lead the Trojans back to the championship stage in 2026. Maiava is the top returning player for USC's offense next season, but who are the others that will help the Trojans reach their championship goals?

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 looks to lead the Trojans back to the championship stage in 2026. Maiava is the top returning player for USC's offense next season, but who are the others that will help the Trojans reach their championship goals?

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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

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The USC Trojans have officially finalized their staff for next season, which included several coaches that were pursued by other schools. A few assistant coaches revealed why they chose to stay in Los Angeles.

Oct 21, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches from the sidelines against the Utah Utes in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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The USC Trojans finally have all 12 of their opponents for the upcoming 2026 season set. USC will kick off in Week 0 against the San Jose State Spartans, a team that USC has been a custom to facing in non-conference in recent years.

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) warms up before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

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Former USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon is inching closer to becoming a first round pick in this year's NFL Draft. A recent mock draft tabbed Lemon with a decorated quarterback who has one Super Bowl win and four NFL MVP honors.

Sep 2, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley (leff) and wide receivers coach Dennis Simmons react 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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Dennis Simmons enters his fifth season as the USC Trojans wide receivers coach. Here are four takeaways from Simmons press conference as USC prepares to start spring practice.

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 made big moves this offseason to upgrade its defensive staff and put an emphasis on the secondary. With the several young defensive backs on the roster, USC is going to heavily invest in them this spring.

Sep 4, 2021; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs head coach Gary Patterson and his team before the game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Duquesne Dukes at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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The USC Trojans hired Gary Patterson this offseason to replace defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn and while the former TCU Horned Frogs coach will keep the same base defense, he is adding a unique twist.

Jul 24, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

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After missing out on the College Football Playoff last year, the USC Trojans are considered National Championship contenders in 2026.

Aug 31, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes recruit Kayden Dixon-Wyatt walks onto the field prior to the NCAA football game against the Akron Zips at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 52-6.

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USC Trojans star receiver Makai Lemon is gone, which means someone new is going to have to fill his role in the slot. Inside receivers/tight ends coach Chad Savage revealed which players are going to be lining up at Lemon's position.

Jul 24, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC safety Kamari Ramsey speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort.

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How to watch former USC Trojans stars participate at the NFL Combine.

Sep 6, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers assistant coach Mike Ekeler crosses arms with linebacker Marques Watson-Trent (33) during warmups before the game against the Akron Zips at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

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New USC Trojans linebackers coach and special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler spoke with the media for the first time, since leaving Nebraska to return to Southern Cal.

Running back Deshonne Redeaux looks for running room during the third quarter of Oaks Christian's 35-0 Marmonte League win over St. Bonaventure Friday night at Redell Field.

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The USC Trojans signed two blue-chip running backs in their top-ranked recruiting class: Deshonne Redeaux and Shahn Alston. Running backs coach Anthony Jones detailed what stands out about the two freshmen tailbacks.

Sep 17, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts before the game against the Fresno State Bulldogs at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Five-star defensive end Luke Wafle was one of the prized recruits of the USC Trojans elite recruiting class this past cycle and so far, the New Jersey native has generated a ton of buzz during winter workouts.

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley stands on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

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Mike Ekeler left Nebraska to become the USC Trojans special teams coordinator and linebackers coach, and he made feelings about Lincoln Riley known in his introductory press conference.

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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USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon is getting closer to hearing his name called on draft night. Lemon is among the top 10 prospects heading into the 2026 NFL Draft according to an analyst.

Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Utah State Aggies during the second quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

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At the NFL Combine, former USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon has multiple opportunities that'll allow him to stand out.

Oct 15, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches warm ups prior to a game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

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Four-star wide receiver Eli Woodard is committed to the USC Trojans and saw a major rise in the updated recruiting rankings.

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 enters his third season with the program, and with spring practice beginning soon, there is one continued emphasis that the Trojans staff is focusing on with him.

Former Escambia running back, and top junior college recruit, Waymond Jordan Jr. signed with the University of Southern California during a ceremony on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2024.

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Waymond Jordan was an instant star at running back for the USC Trojans until his injury, while King Miller stepped into his place and ran at a high level. How well can the two complement each other?

Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) runs with the ball during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

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Former USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon has a real shot at being a top draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Lemon closed out his final season at USC with Firs

(#43) Breck Kolojay, OL, 6'6, 317 pounds, for the white team, Class of 2026, during IMG's Academy Pro Day held at IMG's football field in Bradenton, FL on Thursday, Feb, 27, 2025.

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Spring practice is fast approaching as the USC Trojans wrap up their first round of workouts this offseason. USC has a majority of its top-ranked recruiting class and several of them received lofty praise from the coaching staff.

Nov 2, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (8) participates in pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium.

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Former USC Trojans receiver Ja'Kobi Lane accused a recruit of stealing his cleats from the USC locker room.

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley stands on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

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The USC Trojans landed a lot of premier additions through the transfer portal, but tight ends/inside receivers coach Chad Savage's praise for transfer tight end Tucker Ashcraft stood out.

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

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USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon's NFL Draft projection is on the rise. The 2025 Biletnikoff winner is trending towards being an early to mid first round selection as NFL Combine week approaches.

Jul 15, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs head coach Gary Patterson speaks to the media during Big 12 media days at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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USC Trojans defensive coordinator Gary Patterson met with the media on Friday. The former TCU Horner Frogs coach spoke about the key to having success on defense.