The Trojans opened their 2026 campaign with a Week 0 matchup against San Jose State in front of an announced crowd of 51,144, a figure that fell well short of the 77,500 seats available at the Los Angeles venue and marked the lowest attendance of Lincoln Riley’s five‑year tenure at USC.
The game seemed to tilt in USC’s favor early, as the team built a 35‑3 lead after three quarters, but the momentum evaporated when San Jose State reeled off 23 unanswered points, ultimately sealing a 42‑26 victory.
Riley, dissatisfied with the performance, removed his starting lineup after the contest, allowing backups to see the field for the remainder of the game, during which the additional points were conceded.
The loss comes despite a strong offseason narrative: the program boasted the nation’s top recruiting class and returns quarterback Jayden Maiava, while veteran defensive mind Gary Patterson joined the staff with a reputation for engineering top‑ranked units at TCU.
The schedule ahead promises a gauntlet of Big Ten powerhouses, including No. 2 Oregon, No. 1 Ohio State and defending national champion Indiana, tests that could determine whether the Trojans can translate preseason optimism into on‑field credibility.
Social media users seized on the attendance figure and the late‑game collapse, casting doubt on the program’s commitment and raising questions about fan engagement as the team prepares for a high‑stakes conference slate.
Looking Ahead
With the new coordinator expected to reshape the defense and the offense still finding its rhythm, the next few weeks will serve as a litmus test for Riley’s vision and the program’s ability to rally both players and supporters.