The USC Trojans opened their 2025 football season with a Week 0 matchup against San Jose State at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a game that drew an announced crowd of 51,144 spectators.
Temperatures soared to 94 degrees Fahrenheit, with the heat index climbing to 104, creating sweltering conditions that many fans found uncomfortable.
The low turnout sparked a wave of commentary on social media, with some observers questioning the team's popularity, yet university officials emphasized that the weather was a primary factor and highlighted the program's historical standing.
The Trojans had previously been one of the best‑attended programs in the Football Bowl Subdivision, averaging 67,783 fans just a year earlier, making the dip all the more notable.
Looking Ahead
Despite the criticism, USC expressed optimism that upcoming home games against top‑ranked opponents would draw larger audiences, leveraging the Coliseum's atmosphere to create a competitive edge.
Coach Lincoln Riley and his staff remain focused on building momentum, aiming to translate on‑field performance into stronger fan engagement as the season progresses.