The USC Trojans burst onto the 2025‑26 campaign with a 12‑1 record, hinting at a return to the NCAA tournament after a two‑year absence. Yet the momentum stalled as the team slipped into an eight‑game skid that erased the early optimism.
Coach Eric Musselman, who took the helm last season, has repeatedly emphasized that the roster’s depth, especially at guard, will determine whether the Trojans can rebound. The loss of several backcourt pieces has forced a reliance on a thinner lineup, limiting practice intensity and game flexibility.
Among the returning standouts, Rodney Rice emerged as the team’s primary scorer, averaging 20.3 points, six assists and three rebounds before a lingering injury curtailed his summer workouts. Alijah Arenas, who opted to stay in college rather than enter the 2026 NBA Draft, contributed 14.1 points per game last year and is expected to shoulder a larger role.
KJ Lewis remains the only scholarship player whose availability is still uncertain; Musselman projects him back on the court by August 25, while forward Eric Reibe is being eased back after a semi‑pre‑existing condition. Both are expected to be fully cleared by mid‑to‑late September.
The transfer portal has added a boost, with the Trojans securing a class ranked third in the Big Ten behind Indiana and Michigan. New arrivals bring experience from programs such as UConn, Georgetown and several mid‑major schools, aiming to plug the gaps exposed during the recent losing streak.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setbacks, the coaching staff remains confident that a healthier roster will restore competitiveness and keep the program on track for a postseason berth. The next few weeks of practice will be a crucial barometer for how quickly the team can translate its offseason additions into on‑court chemistry.