The University of Southern California is entering its fifth season under head coach Lincoln Riley, a milestone that coincides with the arrival of the nation’s No. 1‑ranked 2026 recruiting class and renewed optimism among fans.
A Season of Promise and Peril
Adding to the intrigue, veteran defensive architect Gary Patterson has been hired to run the Trojans' defense, bringing a proven track record of turning units around.
The season opens with a dominant win over San Jose State, and non‑conference victories over Fresno State and Louisiana are expected to propel the team to a 4‑0 start before conference play begins.
Key tests lie ahead, including a projected loss at Oregon on September 26, a rebound victory over Washington, and a road win at Penn State in a hostile environment, while a bye week should help the squad prepare for a showdown with Wisconsin.
Later in the schedule, defeats at Ohio State and a potential setback against Indiana on November 14 could curtail any College Football Playoff dreams, but the team is still expected to finish 9‑3 and claim the Victory Bell against UCLA on Senior Day.
Overall, the 2026 campaign underscores both the promise of Lincoln Riley’s leadership and the steep challenges that define a competitive Pac‑12 landscape.