The University of Southern California’s basketball program is charting a decisive course toward the 2026‑27 NCAA Tournament, a goal that has eluded them since the 2022‑23 season. After two consecutive 7‑13 records in Big Ten play under head coach Eric Musselman, the Trojans are refocusing their efforts on a roster that blends emerging youth with experienced transfers.
A promising roster emerges
Coach Musselman has identified five athletes who could become the catalysts for a turnaround. Alijah Arenas, Rodney Rice, Christian Collins, KJ Lewis and Eric Reibe each bring distinct skills and backgrounds that could reshape the team’s dynamics.
Arenas is entering his second collegiate season after a modest freshman campaign in which he posted 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists across 14 appearances, despite nursing an injury that limited his minutes. Rice, meanwhile, burst onto the scene with a 20.3‑point average, six assists and 3.3 rebounds in his first six games before a separate injury curtailed his momentum.
Christian Collins arrives as the No. 9 prospect in the 2026 recruiting class, a five‑star recruit whose scoring prowess and defensive versatility have already drawn comparisons to seasoned collegiate stars. His arrival is expected to add a new dimension to the Trojans’ offensive schemes.
KJ Lewis, a transfer from the Georgetown Hoyas, brings a seasoned résumé that includes a 14.9‑point average, 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in Washington, D.C. His experience in high‑pressure environments could prove invaluable as the team navigates a competitive conference schedule.
Eric Reibe, who spent his freshman year at UConn, averaged 5.9 points and 3.3 rebounds in 13.8 minutes per game. The young forward is now seeking a larger role, hoping to translate his collegiate exposure into a breakout performance for USC.
Context and expectations
The Trojans’ recent history reflects a pattern of near‑misses and inconsistent conference play. Their 7‑13 Big Ten records over the past two seasons underscore the urgency of improvement, especially as the NCAA selection committee increasingly scrutinizes strength of schedule and late‑season form. To secure a tournament berth, USC will need to translate individual promise into collective wins, particularly in the final stretch of the conference slate.
If the breakout candidates can stay healthy and mesh with returning veterans, the Trojans may finally break the two‑year drought that has kept them out of March Madness. The upcoming season will serve as a litmus test for both the coaching staff’s strategic adjustments and the players’ ability to handle the heightened expectations that accompany a program on the rise.