The 2026 college football season will test the University of Southern California like never before, as the Trojans’ schedule is packed with five opponents who are projected to finish the year among the nation’s top rankings.
Opening the campaign, USC will travel to face Oregon and then Washington in back‑to‑back road tests, a stretch that could set the tone for the entire season. Oregon returns a talented roster led by quarterback Dante Moore, who reached the College Football Playoff semifinals in 2023, while Washington’s quarterback Demond Williams presents a dynamic challenge with his dual‑threat skill set.
Historic Matchups on the Horizon
Later in the year, the Trojans head to State College for an Oct. 10 showdown with Penn State, a venue that has historically been one of the most hostile environments for visiting teams. The program hired general manager Chad Bowden in January 2024 and moved into a $200 million facility last month, upgrades that Riley says have helped align leadership and operations like never before.
A month later, Ohio State will descend upon Los Angeles for a Halloween night clash, marking the first meeting between the two storied programs since they became Big Ten rivals. Ohio State’s offense will be anchored by quarterback Julian Sayin and star receiver Jeremiah Smith, both of whom are expected to pose a significant challenge for USC’s defense.
The Trojans will also make a trip to Indiana on Nov. 14 to meet the defending national champions, a team led by coach Curt Cignetti and still reeling from the loss of Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. The matchup could serve as a major recruiting weekend for future classes, especially given the momentum surrounding USC’s 2028 recruiting class, which is described as loaded, particularly in California.
Roster Strength and Recruiting Momentum
USC returns 15 starters from the previous season and signed 34 recruits in its No. 1 class for the 2026 season, a group that includes several key reserves alongside the returning starters. The program’s growth is evident in its alignment, leadership and steady operations, a first for Riley’s tenure.
Despite a disappointing 6‑6 record in 2024, Riley remains optimistic, emphasizing that the team’s depth, talent and the recruiting momentum surrounding the 2028 class make USC uniquely prepared for the challenges ahead. The Trojans, based in Los Angeles — the second‑most populated city in the United States — face intense public scrutiny, but the coach believes the program is more equipped than in previous years.