USC Trojans: A Season of High Hopes and Recurring Challenges

The USC Trojans football team has faced persistent challenges since the departure of Pete Carroll. The 2026 season highlights these issues more than ever. Consistent struggles and unmet expectations have left fans and stakeholders questioning the program’s direction.

USC began the season with explicit goals, aiming to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff and regain national prominence. The team’s schedule was demanding, requiring them to play powerhouse programs like Oregon, Ohio State, and Washington at home, and travel to face Penn State, Wisconsin, Indiana, and UCLA.

Early Season Setbacks

Head coach Lincoln Riley made bold statements about USC’s readiness to win championships. However, the match against Oregon proved challenging. Despite a tied score of 27-27 in the fourth quarter, a critical roughing the passer penalty allowed Oregon to secure a win. The defeat puzzled fans and added to a growing list of losses under Riley.

Against Washington, chants from the USC student section calling for Riley’s dismissal underscored their discontent. With temperatures soaring to 100 degrees, the team’s performance fell short. A UW touchdown extended their lead, exposing weaknesses in USC’s defense.

“Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley stands on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers.”

Ongoing Mistakes and Missed Opportunities

Despite coming from behind to win 25-21 thanks to a standout performance by Jakheem Stewart, penalties and errors plagued USC. Jayden Maiava’s interception and underthrows cost the team scoring opportunities. Critical penalties resulted in lost yards, turning potential gains into setbacks.

One significant moment saw a completion nullified by an illegal formation penalty, leading to a punt instead of a lead. Another unsportsmanlike conduct penalty further hindered USC’s progress. Mistakes like these frustrated fans and cast doubt on the team’s supposed improvement.

The pattern of penalties continued throughout the game. A 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the third quarter and another underthrow in the fourth contributed to USC’s struggles, prompting more questions about Riley’s coaching.

Despite investments in NIL and facility upgrades, the Trojans’ 5-1 record feels underwhelming. With elite teams like Ohio State and Indiana still on the schedule, the Trojans’ chances look grim.

Repeating the same mistakes season after season points to the persisting challenges within USC’s football program. The pressure on Riley intensifies, challenging the team to break away from past patterns and chart a new course.