
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Gear Up for a Competitive 2026 Season
Predictions for the Scarlet Knights’ upcoming schedule outline a mix of dominant wins and tight contests, highlighting key battles against Big Ten rivals and non‑conference opponents.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Lincoln Riley across Football.

Predictions for the Scarlet Knights’ upcoming schedule outline a mix of dominant wins and tight contests, highlighting key battles against Big Ten rivals and non‑conference opponents.

The Oregon Ducks, led by Dan Lanning, have surged to a No. 2 preseason ranking and are early favorites for the 2027 championship, while the USC Trojans, under Lincoln Riley, are leveraging a talent‑laden recruiting class to prove they can compete with the conference’s top teams.

USC coach Lincoln Riley is banking on a wave of transfer talent, including former Michigan State defensive tackle Alex VanSumeren, to lift the Trojans into the inaugural College Football Playoff in 2026.

The Trojans' latest recruiting haul brings top-rated linemen like Keenyi Pepe and Luke Wafle, signaling a strategic push to overcome early Big Ten challenges.

The Big Ten Conference has named the 54 student‑athletes who will attend the 2026 Media Days in Chicago, setting the stage for a high‑profile college football season.

The 2026‑2027 College Football Playoff schedule was announced, marking the third year of the 12‑team era. Opening round games will be played on Dec. 18‑19 at campus sites, quarterfinals at four major bowls, semifinals at the Orange and Sugar Bowls, and the national championship in Las Vegas on Jan. 25, televised by both ABC and ESPN. USC, seeking its first playoff appearance in twelve years, hopes head coach Lincoln Riley can lead the Trojans to the final four.

USC has historically leaned on its offense, but a 2024 defensive improvement and a challenging 2026 schedule could position the Trojans as serious playoff contenders.

Clemson’s head coach Dabo Swinney signed a 10‑year, $115 million deal that runs through 2031, making him one of the highest‑paid coaches in the sport. The contract’s structure, including a $57 million buyout and an ‘Alabama clause,’ reflects the intense financial stakes of modern college football.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney signed a decade‑long, $115 million agreement that keeps him at the helm through 2031, guaranteeing a $57 million buyout and a $11.5 million salary in 2025 despite a 7‑6 season.

The transfer portal has turned USC into a magnet for elite talent, with Heisman winner Caleb Williams, former NFL draftee Jordan Addison and emerging quarterback Jayden Maiava leading a new era of ambition for the Trojans.

A look at the programs under the greatest scrutiny, the coaches steering their efforts, and the key storylines that will shape the 2026 season.

A look at three teams that could challenge the Badgers despite a lighter schedule, highlighting key coaches, quarterbacks and recent results.

A look at the latest developments surrounding USC alumni making impacts in the NFL, from Drake London's injury and massive contract to the emergence of rookie playmakers and veteran leaders.

Lincoln Riley’s fifth season at USC is being billed as a make-or-break year, with a massive contract, a No. 1 recruiting class and the program’s first College Football Playoff berth on the line.

A growing trend sees coaches and quarterbacks relocate as a unit, reshaping program building and player movement.

Projected to finish the regular season at 9‑3, the USC Trojans face a gauntlet of elite opponents, with coaching shifts and historic rivalries influencing their playoff prospects.

Analyst Tom Fornelli outlines five teams poised to exceed expectations in 2026, highlighting coaching changes, schedule advantages, and roster depth.

The Trojans must navigate a demanding schedule and a revamped defense to break the Big Ten's recent national champion streak.

USC’s fifth‑year coach Lincoln Riley faces unprecedented pressure as star quarterback Jayden Maiava returns and a No. 1 recruiting class arrives. With a new defensive mastermind, Gary Patterson, the Trojans hope to finally break through the playoff barrier.

Lincoln Riley, once a top‑five coach, now sits at No. 15 in the FBS rankings. To restore USC’s prominence, the program must return to the College Football Playoff.

Kirk Ferentz enters his 28th year at Iowa, ranking fifth in the Big Ten according to On3 Sports, with a record of 210‑126 and a streak of eight‑win seasons that defines his program’s resilience.

A deep dive into USC’s 2026 football outlook, highlighting quarterback Jayden Maiava, a fortified offensive line, defensive upgrades under Gary Patterson, and a revamped special teams unit.

The Iowa Hawkeyes, ranked No. 19 nationally and No. 7 in the Big Ten, are among a group of teams poised for a Playoff run, with coach Kirk Ferentz eyeing his first appearance.

Analytics guru Bill Connelly’s 2026 Big Ten forecast places Ohio State as the favorite, while Oregon, Indiana and several other programs vie for the next spots in a highly competitive conference.