The USC Trojans finished the 2025‑26 campaign with an 18‑14 record, but the disappointment of a 7‑13 mark in Big Ten play has turned the offseason into a period of intense focus. The coaching staff, led by head coach Eric Musselman, is charting a schedule that could finally deliver the program’s long‑awaited NCAA Tournament appearance.
Central to that plan are returning guards Rodney Rice and Alijah Arenas, whose combined scoring ability and playmaking have already drawn praise from analysts. Both players are expected to shoulder a larger share of the offensive load as the team looks to translate practice performance into wins on the road.
Winning away from home in the Big Ten is widely regarded as a litmus test for tournament eligibility. The Trojans will test that theory in a series of high‑profile road trips that include stops at Illinois, Purdue and Nebraska, each of which presents a distinct set of challenges.
The memory of a 101‑65 loss to the Illinois Fighting Illini at the Galen Center still lingers, yet the Trojans turned the tables earlier in the 2024‑25 season, pulling off an 82‑72 upset in Champaign. That victory proved that the team can thrive in hostile environments when execution is sharp.
Next up, the Trojans travel to West Lafayette to face the Purdue Boilermakers, a program that boasts a deep roster anchored by guards C.J. Cox, Omer Mayer and Jack Benter. Historically, four Big Ten teams have managed to win at Mackey Arena in the past season, suggesting that Purdue’s home court is not an insurmountable obstacle.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers, fresh off a program‑best run that saw them capture their first NCAA Tournament victory and reach the Sweet 16, are also on the Trojans’ itinerary. A 82‑67 defeat at home last year provides extra motivation for USC to reverse the trend.
Road Warriors
Beyond the schedule, the broader context of the Big Ten’s competitive balance adds another layer of intrigue. With Illinois expected to remain among the conference’s elite, and Nebraska aiming to sustain its recent surge, the Trojans’ ability to collect road wins could define the trajectory of their season.