The road to the 2026 College Football Playoff
Lincoln Riley has staked his reputation on delivering USC’s first College Football Playoff berth in 2026, a goal that now feels within reach after years of near misses. The Trojans open the season on August 29 against San Jose State at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a venue that will set the tone for a schedule packed with Big Ten powerhouses.
At the heart of the offense, quarterback Jayden Maiava returns as the clear leader of the roster. His ability to command the huddle and protect the ball gives Riley a stable foundation as the team looks to translate early-season momentum into a sustained push toward the playoff.
The running back corps will be anchored by King Miller and Waymond Jordan, both of whom are coming back from injuries that limited their impact last year. Miller posted 972 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in the previous season, while Jordan’s ankle injury ended his campaign prematurely; his full recovery is expected to create a dynamic duo that could dominate the Big Ten ground game.
Defensive coordinator Gary Patterson has introduced a series of schematic adjustments aimed at shoring up the front seven. The revamped rush defense will rely on a mix of experienced linemen and playmakers such as Jide Abasiri, Alex VanSumeren, Jahkeem Stewart and Kameryn Crawford, all of whom are expected to generate pressure and improve tackling efficiency.
On the line, USC will field a unit that returns nearly every key contributor while adding highly touted freshman Keenyi Pepe. Ranked as the No. 5 player nationally and the top offensive tackle in the 2026 class, Pepe is expected to elevate the protection schemes that kept Maiava upright throughout the previous season.
The Trojans will face a gauntlet of competition in the Big Ten, with traditional contenders like Ohio State, Oregon and Indiana all vying for playoff spots. Riley’s previous attempts to break through the playoff barrier have been thwarted by narrow margins, making the 2026 campaign feel like a make-or-break year for the program.