Media Days in Chicago
At the Big Ten Football Media Days in Chicago, USC head coach Lincoln Riley made his first public appearance since taking the helm of the Trojans program, drawing attention from coast to coast.
Riley emphasized that the team enters the season with lofty expectations, anchored by a returning core that produced 65 percent of last year’s output and a recruiting class ranked No. 1 for the 2026 cycle.
A Roster Built for Success
The coach highlighted the experience of the offensive line and skill positions, noting that quarterback Jayden Maiava has shown dramatic improvement and is now viewed as a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender.
Joining Maiava in the backfield are running backs Waymond Jordan and King Miller, both of whom contributed significantly in the previous season and are expected to play pivotal roles.
The Future of the Rivalry
While no official announcement was made about the USC‑Notre Dame rivalry game, Riley expressed a strong desire to preserve the tradition, underscoring its importance to the fan base and the program’s identity.