The University of Southern California announced that its 2026 football team will open the season on August 29, hosting San Jose State at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The matchup marks a return to the West Coast for the Spartans, who will travel to face a Trojans squad eager to capitalize on momentum built during the offseason.
Among the many storylines, the program will also pay tribute to Tyron Smith, a former All‑American offensive lineman whose collegiate career at USC laid the foundation for a 14‑year NFL journey.
Smith arrived in Los Angeles in 2008 and quickly became a starter as a sophomore, earning first‑team All‑Pac‑12 honors as a junior and capturing the Morris Trophy as the conference’s top lineman.
After being selected ninth overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2011 draft, he spent 13 seasons with the franchise before a single year with the New York Jets, amassing eight Pro Bowl appearances and five All‑Pro selections.
In April 2025, Smith announced his retirement, a move that has only intensified speculation about his eventual induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
A Hall of Fame Legacy
Smith’s blend of durability, technique and leadership defined a generation of Trojans linemen and continues to inspire current players.
The upcoming game against San Jose State offers a symbolic link between past and present, reminding fans that the Trojans’ pipeline to the NFL remains robust.
University of Southern California officials noted that the contest will be broadcast across several networks, with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets alumni association collaborating on community outreach events.
Fans in California, Texas and New York are expected to travel to Los Angeles for the opening night, underscoring the regional significance of the matchup.
As the countdown to August 29 continues, the Trojans aim to translate the excitement of a historic alumni tribute into a strong start on the field.