
USC Trojans Eye First College Football Playoff Berth in 2026
A look at the key newcomers and strategic shifts that could propel the USC Trojans to a historic playoff run.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Justin Tauanuu across Football.

A look at the key newcomers and strategic shifts that could propel the USC Trojans to a historic playoff run.

Senior lineman Kilian O’Connor’s career‑ending injury during fall camp forces a reshuffle of the USC offensive line, opening the door for redshirt junior Tobias Raymond and a deep group of young players.

The new Bloom Football Performance Center, opened in August 2025, represents a $225 million investment that reshapes USC’s football program with advanced training, recovery amenities and a nod to its storied past.

The newly opened Bloom Football Performance Center, funded with a $225 million investment, blends cutting-edge technology with historic memorabilia, offering players and coaches a revolutionary space while inviting fans to experience the program’s future.

The Trojans are banking on a potent offense led by Jayden Maiava, a top‑ranked recruiting class and new additions to shore up the linebacker corps as they open against San Jose State.

A deep dive into the 2026 USC Trojans football outlook, examining the offense led by quarterback Jayden Maiava, the revamped defense, and the upcoming showdown with Rutgers.

The Trojans will open their 2026 schedule against Rutgers in Piscataway, New Jersey, aiming to build on a 9‑4 campaign and a revamped defense under Gary Patterson.

With a 9‑4 finish in 2025 and a top‑ranked recruiting class, the Trojans are betting on new talent to chase a College Football Playoff spot.

Ranked No. 5 nationally and atop the West, USC's offensive line returns all five starters, adds a five‑star recruit and aims to boost quarterback Jayden Maiava's development while targeting a College Football Playoff berth.

USC’s 2026 campaign hinges on the health and productivity of running back Waymond Jordan, whose 2025 flashes of explosiveness and a fully intact offensive line set the stage for a potential surge in the conference and beyond.