USC Football: 2026 Trojans Season Preview and Prediction

Previewing USC's Offense for 2026

USC returns one of the nation’s most efficient quarterbacks in Jayden Maiava, an offensive line loaded with experience and a gifted running back tandem in Waymond Jordan and King Miller, who combined to average 6.3 yards per rush in 2025. All five starters up front return, anchored by tackles Elijah Paige and Justin Tauanuu, as USC seeks continued improvement in the run game.

“If we can keep these guys healthy, this group will have the opportunity to be the most dominant that we’ve had,” head coach Lincoln Riley says of his O-line. “Closing out those tough road games and winning these championship games, that’s the next step. A lot of that will lean on our line and on our backs.”

Maiava finished fifth nationally in passing yards (3,711) and second in QBR (89.9) last season. He will throw to a mostly different group, as USC loses Biletnikoff Award winner Makai Lemon, All-Big Ten tight end Lake McRee and wideout J’Kobi Lane. USC brings back Tanook Hines, adds NC State transfer Terrell Anderson and welcomes in decorated recruits like receiver Boobie Feaster and tight end Mark Bowman.

Previewing USC's Defense for 2026

Hall of Famer Gary Patterson, the former head coach at TCU, takes over a defense with elevated expectations, especially with increased depth up front. USC’s defensive line was the group that Riley said had the furthest to go when he arrived. The front now features greater depth at both spots with players like ends Braylan Shelby and Kameryn Crawford, tackles Jide Abasiri and Jahkeem Stewart and transfers like end Zuriah Fisher (Penn State). Riley also likes the depth at cornerback, where Marcelles Williams is back, Prophet Brown and Chasen Johnson return from injury and transfer Jontez Williams (Iowa State) arrives.

The Trojans must replace All-America safety Bishop Fitzgerald but return Christian Pierce, nickel Alex Graham and others.

Previewing USC's Specialists for 2026

New special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler arrives from Nebraska to oversee a group that returns standout kicker Ryon Sayeri while adding Memphis transfer Lachlan Carrigan at punter. Lemon also handled most of the returns, so Hines, Trent Mosley and others figure to
be bigger factors in that department.

National Ranking: 14

Big Ten Prediction: 5