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Transfer Portal

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley speaks with the official during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans signed the No. 1 recruiting class on National Signing Day, but for head coach Lincoln Riley, elite talent may bring more pressure than protection as expectations rise in the NIL and transfer portal era.

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley speaks with the official during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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The USC Trojans signed the No. 1 recruiting class on National Signing Day, but for head coach Lincoln Riley, elite talent may bring more pressure than protection as expectations rise in the NIL and transfer portal era.

Transfer Portal

Texas Tech's defensive line coach Zarnell Fitch watches a drill during a spring football practice, Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Sports Performance Center.

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Eric Henderson is leaving USC to become the defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator for the Washington Commanders. And a former assistant of Trojans defensive coordinator Gary Patterson has emerged as a potential candidate.

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 defensive line coach Eric Henderson is heading back to the NFL, to become the Washington Commanders defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator. What kind of impact will losing Henderson have on the Trojans program?

Jan 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Devon Jackson (26) and quarterback Dante Moore (5) celebrate following the 2025 Orange Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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The USC Trojans have a tough schedule next season, which features several marquee matchups with high-profile quarterbacks. Who are some of the top signal-callers the Trojans will see in the fall?

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley (right) and defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart (4) pose with fans after the game against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Former TCU Horned Frogs coach Gary Patterson takes over as the USC Trojans next defensive coordinator. Who are some returning players that need to make a leap next season under Patterson.

Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) warms up before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

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The Big Ten released the USC Trojans schedule for next season that features several prime-time games. But how can the Southern Cal shock college football and make a run at the College Football Playoff despite its brutal schedule.

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

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USC defensive coordinator Gary Patterson was officially introduced as the Trojans defensive coordinator on Wednesday, and coach Lincoln Riley's remarks about Patterson's talent should excite Trojan fans.

Sep 10, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley walks out of the tunnel for warmups before the start of the first quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

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The USC Trojans were able to retain most of their starters from this past season and acquired a couple of key pieces through the transfer portal to elevate their roster. Here's why the Trojans are winners of this season's transfer portal cycle.

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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As the USC Trojans are still finalizing its coaching staff for next season, they are expected to hire Louisiana Tech safety coach Sam Carter, who was an All-American safety under Patterson.

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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The USC Trojans will have a make-or-break year in 2026. After reeling in a top defensive line classes in the 2025 cycle along with retaining some key pieces, USC's defensive front might be the reason they make a run to the College Football Playoff.

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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Gary Patterson met with the media for the first time since he officially became the USC Trojans defensive coordinator last week. The former TCU coach spoke about a similarity he's noticed between USC and his successful teams with the Horned Frogs.

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 lost its top two tight ends from last season but major moves this past cycle landing five-star Mark Bowman and four-star Josiah Jefferson, the top-ranked junior college tight end to revamp its room.

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley celebrates with fans after the game against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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The USC Trojans officially have their 2026 schedule set, and now prepare for another competitive Big Ten slate. Among the Trojans schedule, weeks 4-7 are difficult matchups paired with travel that could define USC's season.

Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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After being one of the youngest position groups on the USC Trojan's 2025 team, the Trojans linebacker room has the potential to take a major step forward next season with key returners and additions to their roster.

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

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The USC Trojans' 2026 Big Ten schedule was officially released on Tuesday. With USC coach Lincoln Riley entering a pivotal 2026 season, what is one big takeaway from the Trojans' Big Ten schedule release?

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 enter the offseason with a reloaded roster, from both the incoming freshman class and the transfer portal.

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 added new talent via the 2026 recruiting class and the transfer portal this offseason. For NC State wide receiver Terrell Anderson and Iowa State cornerback Jontez Williams, USC adds two experienced and coveted transfers to their roster.

TCU coach Gary Patterson during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. Oklahoma won 52-31.

Ou Vs Tcu

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The USC Trojans have reportedly found their No. 1 target for their defensive coordinator opening. Former TCU coach Gary Patterson has emerged as the top choice for Lincoln Riley and the Trojans. Here's the underrated reason why Patterson will work at USC.

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 needed to address the interior of its defense in the transfer portal and signed former Michigan State defensive lineman Alex VanSumeren. The veteran adds some much-needed depth and experience to a young room.

Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts in the first half against the LSU Tigers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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The UCLA Bruins' rapid rebuild is drawing comparisons to the reigning national champion Indiana Hoosiers, a troubling sign for the USC Trojans that could create uncomfortable expectations as patience thins under coach Lincoln Riley.

Sep 29, 2018; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs head coach Gary Patterson and his team prepare to take the field before the game between the Horned Frogs and the Iowa State Cyclones at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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Former TCU coach Gary Patterson has a track record of identifying and developing talent. Which USC Trojans players will benefit from the change in defensive staff at the top.

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 are hiring longtime TCU coach Gary Patterson as its next defensive coordinator, but what will the impact of that hiring have on Lincoln Riley's future in Los Angeles.

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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Former TCU head coach Gary Patterson is expected to become the next defensive coordinator for the USC Trojans. Southern Cal is replacing D'Anton Lynn, who left to take the same position with the Penn State.

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 enter a new season full of rebuilding, especially with new additions to roster and coaching staff. In 2026, a way-too-early top 25 ranking slotted the Trojans high, and should be not be counted out in the College Football Playoff race.

Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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The 2026 Big Ten conference schedule will be released on Tuesday, Jan. 27. The USC Trojans have a tough gauntlet next season, with challenging opponents and a high-level of traveling.