University Southern California Trojans
USC
San José State
No. 14 USC Football Opens 2026 Campaign At Home Versus San José State
August 25, 2026 | Football
THE TIME IS NOW
* On Feb. 8, 2026, Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold made history by being the first USC quarterback to not only start in the Super Bowl, but to also hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
* Darnold's journey is a story of perseverance, faith and hard work.
* While many fans and media wrote him off, he silenced the skeptics by recording a flawless postseason with 5 TDs, no turnovers, 672 passing yards, a 102.4 passer rating and leading his team to a world championship.
* In fact, Darnold has now won more Super Bowls than the four teams who let him go combined over the last 31 years.
* "As long as you believe in yourself, anything is possible," said Darnold when reminiscing on his path as the blue and green confetti fell from the sky.
* It was Darnold's time. Everything aligned: the team, the organization and the fan support.
* Similarly for his alma mater, the Trojans are experiencing that same type of alignment.
* From returning the nation's top quarterback and key veteran players, to signing the unanimous No. 1 ranked recruiting class in the nation, to securing the best coaches in game and opening college football's preeminent facility, the time is now for USC Football.
DO YOU KNOW THE WAY TO SAN JOSÉ?
* Well, the Spartans certainly know their way to LA. This will be San José State's seventh pilgrimage to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, but so far, it's been all odyssey and no triumph. The Trojans have won each of the previous six matchups.
* But now, it's officially time for USC Football as the Trojans kick off their 2026 campaign on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 12:00 p.m. PT on NBC.
* USC head coach Lincoln Riley is 9-0 in season openers.
* This will be the second time Riley has faced San José State in a season opener. In 2023, his Trojans defeated the Spartans 56-28 on Aug. 26 to open the season.
* There are just 8 FBS games being played in Week 0.
MAIAVA MAGIC
* The USC quarterback is a position unlike any other.
* This young man becomes a household name, an annual Heisman contender and is under the brightest spotlight. They are in a league of their own and comprise a historic fraternity of some of the best collegiate players in history.
* USC returns the nation's best quarterback in redshirt senior Jayden Maiava. The 2025 All-Big Ten Third Team quarterback led the nation with a 91.2 QBR, led the Big Ten with 3,711 passing yards in 2025 and has 31 career starts under his belt.
* With another year under offensive coordinator Luke Huard and Riley, who is the only head coach to tutor three Heisman Trophy winning quarterbacks, have 3 quarterbacks selected No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft and has the most No. 1 overall draft selections in the common draft era, Maiava is expected to continue to make large strides.
* As USC's starting quarterback, Maiava started in all 13 games for the Trojans in 2025. He completed 265-of-403 passes (65.8%) for 3,711 yards and 24 TDs with 10 INTs, plus he rushed for 157 yards on 54 carries (2.9 avg.) and 6 TDs. He also recorded 1 tackle and 1 forced fumble (one of two quarterbacks in the FBS to do so in 2025).
* Maiava makes his throws count. He is tied at No. 2 with Matt Leinart for USC career leaders in yards per attempt with 8.6 (min. 500 attempts at USC). He's in good company in the stat – Caleb Williams leads with 9.2 yards per attempt, and Sam Darnold holds the No. 3 sport with 8.5 yards per attempt.
* He has been named to the Maxwell Award Watch List, the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award Watch List, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List, the Davey O'Brien Award Watch List, the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List and he was one of 12 total players from the Big Ten Conference to be named to the 2026 Big Ten Football Preseason Honors list.
* Maiava was also recently named a nominee for the Allstate AFCA Goodworks Team and to the Wuerffel Trophy watch list for his commitment to community service and leadership beyond the gridiron.
* As a Trojan, he has hit 63.9% of his passes (366-of-572) for 4,912 yards and 35 TDs with 16 INTs. He has rushed for 202 yards on 74 carries (2.7 avg.) with 10 TDs.
* He is currently 13th on USC's career total offense leader board with 5,114 total yards of offense as a Trojan. Maiava ranks 13th on USC's single season passing leader board with 265 completions in the 2025 season.
* In 2025, he was named to the All-Big Ten Third Team, the Phil Steele All-Big Ten Third Team and the Pro Football Sports Network All-Big Ten Third Team. Maiava was also a Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Finalist and was a Davey O'Brien Award Semifinalist. He was a two-time Davey O'Brien Great 8 recipient and a Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week honoree.
MAIAVA MAKES A DIFFERENCE
* As USC's quarterback and a household name under one of football's most prominent spotlights, Maiava remains deeply grounded in service, humility and community.
* Originally from Honolulu's Pālolo Valley, Maiava never forgot where he came from or the struggles he overcame growing up. His experiences shaped an incredible servant's heart and a genuine passion for mentoring children and uplifting underserved communities, especially his deep commitment to giving back to the community that helped shape him.
* Maiava consistently uses his platform to inspire hope, connection and opportunity for others. He embodies the spirit of 'ohana: the value of family, connection and community.
* In June of 2026, he returned to Honolulu's Pālolo Valley where he hosted a free youth football clinic for more than 350 local children ages 6 to 14, transforming a day of football instruction into a meaningful event centered on mentorship, inspiration and opportunity.
* Throughout the clinic, Maiava taught football fundamentals while emphasizing teamwork, perseverance and the importance of believing in yourself despite adversity, drawing from his own journey from the Pālolo Valley to the highest levels of the sport.
* Extending his impact beyond the field, proceeds from event t-shirt sales were donated to Aloha 1st Athletics, a local nonprofit dedicated to leadership, character development and mental health support through sports, reinforcing his commitment to investing in the next generation and strengthening the community that shaped him.
* Above all, Maiava encouraged attendees to lead with integrity, make a positive impact on those around them and pursue excellence in football, academics, faith and everyday life.
* On this same trip, Maiava continued his commitment to giving back by returning to his former high school, Kaimukī High, where he spoke to students not only as the USC quarterback but as someone who once walked the same halls with the same aspirations.
* Reflecting on his journey from serving as a Bulldogs ball boy and water boy to achieving his dream of wearing the Kaimukī jersey and competing at the highest level, Maiava shared an honest message about overcoming adversity, embracing opportunity and trusting God's plan.
* He encouraged students to approach life with a "Fight On" mentality, emphasizing resilience, discipline, faith, accountability and the importance of supporting others through difficult times.
* Crediting his mother as his greatest inspiration, he also stressed the value of education and the life lessons football has taught him about leadership, perseverance and character.
* Maiava's outreach continued at Jarrett Middle School, where he inspired more than 400 students through an interactive discussion focused on perseverance, personal responsibility and making positive choices, sharing his own experiences growing up in Pālolo Housing and encouraging students to embrace discipline over regret as they pursue their goals.
* He also visited Pālolo Elementary School, where he read with students, sang songs and created an engaging, uplifting environment that reflected his genuine commitment to mentorship and community.
* Together, these visits underscored Maiava's dedication to empowering Hawaii's youth through education, faith, service and authentic leadership, reinforcing his mission to invest in the communities that helped shape him.
* Beyond his work in Hawaii, Maiava has consistently dedicated his time to serving communities throughout Los Angeles, partnering with organizations focused on food insecurity, youth development and community outreach.
* He has volunteered multiple times with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, helping sort and pack thousands of pounds of fresh produce for families in need, including supporting relief efforts for residents displaced by the January 2025 wildfires.
* Maiava has also demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing food insecurity through his service at the Dream Center and The Midnight Mission.
* Across three volunteer shifts at the Dream Center, he helped prepare and serve more than 1,300 meals for individuals experiencing food insecurity, while at The Midnight Mission he worked alongside staff to prepare and distribute meals to individuals and families seeking support, reflecting his hands-on approach to serving those most in need.
* In addition to his volunteer service, Maiava has invested in mentoring and empowering young people through organizations including the Boys & Girls Club, Angel City Sports' Youth Weekend and The Young Shakespeareans.
* Whether coaching and encouraging local youth, participating in adaptive sports alongside children with physical disabilities or celebrating students' achievements in the arts, he has consistently used his platform to promote inclusion, confidence, education and personal growth while building meaningful connections throughout the community.
DEPTH UNDER CENTER
* USC returns veteran redshirt senior Sam Huard. Huard, who transferred to USC in the spring of 2025 from Utah, saw action in 2 games (Missouri State and Northwestern). Against Northwestern, in one of USC's most memorable plays of 2025, Huard, who officially changed his number to No. 80, came into the game on a fake punt play and executed a 10-yard completion resulting in a crucial first down that gained national recognition.
* The Trojans welcomed the 2025-26 Gatorade Illinois Football Player of the Year, freshman Jonas Williams in the spring. A 2026 Navy All-American Bowl invitee, Williams holds Illinois High School Association State Record for 11,347 passing yards and 147 TDs throughout his career. He arrives at Troy, ready to compete.
* USC welcomed junior Will Doherty, who transferred to USC from Santa Barbara City College in January of 2026, to the quarterback room. Doherty's grandfather, Bill Bond, was the 1964 NCAA Men's Tennis Doubles Champion at USC and was a member of the Trojans' 1962, 1963 and 1964 NCAA Championship Teams. Bond was a two-time First Team All-American in 1962 and 1964. He competed on the USC men's tennis team from 1962-64. Bond was inducted into the ITA Men's Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame in 2003.
* In the summer, redshirt freshman James Johnson, who transferred from Holy Cross, and true freshman Alex Medyn of Chino Hills joined the Trojan squad as quarterbacks.
RUSH HOUR
* Led by Assistant Head Coach for Offense / Running Backs Coach Anthony Jones Jr., the Trojans are positioned to boast one of the most dynamic and explosive running back rooms in the country in 2026.
* The Trojans return one of the nation's best backs, senior Waymond Jordan, a Midseason All-American and the 2024 JUCOWeekly Trophy winner (junior college's equivalent to the Heisman Trophy), who burst onto the scene and rushed for 576 yards on 88 carries (6.5 avg.) with 5 TDs through just six games as a junior in 2025. He also recorded 7 receptions for 55 yards. Jordan will return healthy after suffering a season-ending injury versus Michigan which sidelined him for the remainder of 2025.
* One of the most exciting stories of the 2025 college football season was King Miller. Miller earned national recognition as USC's showcase running back after injuries plagued the running back room, and he returns as a redshirt sophomore in 2026. Miller, now on scholarship, rushed for 972 yards on 156 carries (6.2 avg.) with 8 TDs while appearing in all 13 games with 7 starts. He also recorded a successful two-point conversion and tallied 16 receptions for 11 yards. On special teams, he served as a kick returner, collecting 2 returns for 45 yards (22.5 avg.) with a long of 25. He was named a 2025 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and was selected to The Athletic Freshman All-American Second Team.
* Miller is up 15 pounds from last season and now weighs 225 pounds to pair with his 6'0" frame.
* Redshirt freshman Riley Wormley (5 carries for 18 yards) and redshirt junior Cian McKelvey (1 carry for 4 yards) also return in 2026.
* Two freshmen joined the roster in the spring of 2026: Shahn Alston and Deshonne Redeaux. Alston, a Navy All-American Bowl invitee and 2025 Division III All-Ohio First Team honoree, tallied 172 carries for 1,548 yards (9.0 avg.) and 29 TDs as a senior at Thomas W. Harvey (Ohio) in 2025. Redeaux, a 2026 Polynesian Bowl All-Star and 2026 Navy All-American Bowl invitee recorded 156 carries for 1,447 yards (9.3 avg.) with 15 TDs as a senior at Oaks Christian in 2025.
* In the summer, Kayne Miller, a three-time Calabasas High Football MVP and little brother of King and Kaylon Miller, and Tyson Park of IMG Academy joined the running back room.
AERIAL ASSAULT
* USC is known for its outstanding wide receivers, especially in Lincoln Riley's electric offense. Led by Assistant Head Coach / Co-Offensive Coordinator / Wide Receivers Coach Dennis Simmons and Inside Receivers Coach / Pass Game Coordinator Chad Savage, the Trojan wideouts are in good hands.
* After Makai Lemon put an exclamation point on a historic season by winning the 2025 Biletnikoff award, the unit is looking ahead to continue that standard of excellence in 2026.
* The wideouts will be led by Tanook Hines. Although just a sophomore, he brings the most experience to the room. Hines saw action in all 13 games making 8 starts and recorded 34 receptions for 561 yards (16.5 avg.) and 2 TDs.
* Hines exploded at end of last season, recording 335 receiving yards over the final three games, and he's ready to roll that momentum into 2026.
* Redshirt sophomore Zacharyus Williams returns healthy in 2026. He played in just 5 games with 1 start in 2025 due to an injury suffered early in the season. He collected 3 receptions for 80 yards (26.7 avg.) in 2025. After playing through spring ball and fall camp, Williams feel comfortable in his connection with Maiava.
* Sophomore Corey Simms (1 rec. for 6 yards), who mostly saw action on special teams, redshirt freshmen Romero Ison and Cameron Sermons, and redshirt sophomore Seth Zamora all return in 2026.
* From the portal, USC welcomed Terrell Anderson. The junior from NC State tallied 39 receptions for 629 yards (16.1 avg.) with 5 TDs while appearing in all 13 games with 5 starts for the Wolfpack in 2025.
* Four stellar freshmen wideouts joined the squad last spring adding a new set of weapons for Maiava. Tron Baker, a 2025 All-Mission League First Teamer, tallied 40 receptions for 626 yards (15.7 avg.) with 8 TDs for Sierra Canyon in 2025. Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, a 2026 Navy All-American Bowler and All-CIF Division I First Teamer, recorded 42 receptions for 693 yards (16.5 avg.) with 8 TDs as a senior at Mater Dei. Trent Mosley, a Navy All-American Bowl invitee, led the Santa Margarita Catholic Eagles with 47 receptions for 648 yards (13.8 avg.) and 4 TDs as they won the CIF Southern Section Division 1 Championship. Coached by former USC Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer, Mosley won a plethora of awards including 2025 CIF Division I Offensive Player of the Year, 2025 MaxPreps California High School Football Player of the Year and was named to a variety of All-American First Teams. Finally, Luc Weaver, a 2025 All-CIF Division III Teamer and 2025 All-Mission League First Teamer, recorded 22 receptions for 397 yards and 7 TDs for Notre Dame as a senior in 2025.
* Summertime brought another wave of wideouts to Troy. Highly acclaimed freshman Ethan "Boobie" Feaster, a 2026 Polynesian Bowl All-Star, an Under Armour All-American and one of the top receivers in the nation out of Desoto High, reclassified and elected to forgo his senior year of high school to join the Trojans for the 2026 season. Fellow December signee, freshman Roderick Tezeno, an All-State receiver out of Opelousas Catholic (La.), arrive in Los Angeles this summer.
* Freshman Griffin Brahm (Santa Margarita Catholic) and redshirt senior Luke Degner (transfer from the University of Chicago) also joined the wide receiver corps this summer.
"GOD DIDN'T MAKE MANY OF THOSE PEOPLE…"
* Head coach Lincoln Riley is correct. The tight end position must be able to do it all, and they are a rare find.
* "Seriously. In the general population, there's not that many people that are big enough and strong enough to block like an offensive lineman, but nimble enough to go catch balls like a receiver and then smart enough to be able to process and handle all that," Riley said.
* Tight Ends Coach Chad Savage will have an extremely talented tight end room to utilize in 2026. It looks to be the deepest tight end unit that the Trojans have had in many years.
* Redshirt senior Carson Tabaracci returns as the oldest member of the group. In 2025, he saw action in 10 games with 1 start and recorded 3 receptions for 32 yards and 1 TD.
* Redshirt sophomore Walter Matthews (saw action in 11 games, predominately on special teams) and redshirt freshmen Taniela Tupou (2 receptions for 26 yards (13.0 avg) and a successful two-point conversion) and Fisher Melton all look to increase their roles in 2026.
* From the portal, USC welcomes redshirt junior Tucker Ashcraft from Wisconsin. He was limited by injury throughout the season, but recorded 2 receptions for 10 yards (5.0 avg.) while appearing in 4 games with 1 start in 2025. He immediately has built a leadership role for himself both on and off the field entering 2026.
* Junior college transfer junior Josiah Jefferson, the No. 1 JUCO tight end in the nation, arrived at Troy in January. An All-Pacific Athletic Conference Team and All-California Community College Region III First Team selection, he recorded 36 receptions for 444 yards (12.3 avg.) and 4 TDs in 2025.
* Highly-regarded freshman Mark Bowman, who reclassified and elected to forgo his senior year of high school at Mater Dei and enrolled at USC in the spring of 2026, looks to immediately compete for playing time at tight end as a true freshman. The five-star, regarded as MaxPreps 2025 Top Tight End was a constant difference-maker in the Trinity League. As a junior in 2025, he recorded 31 receptions for 370 yards (11.9 avg.) and 2 TDs.
* Freshman Manoah Leiato out of Mater Dei, sophomore Patrick O'Brien, formerly a member of the Trojan men's basketball team, and freshman Grant Woods out of Crespi added to the tight end room this summer.
BLOCK PARTY
* USC has one of the most experienced offensive lines in the country. Led by Offensive Line Coach / Run Game Coordinator Zach Hanson, who has proven to be one of the best offensive line coaches in the nation, the Trojans will be formidable to face in the trenches.
* Entering 2026, USC was the only team in the country to return all five starting offensive linemen. Unfortunately, projected starting center Kilian O'Connor suffered an injury that will cost him the entire 2026 season. The Trojans lose a veteran offensive lineman and a beloved member of the program, but he will continue to maintain a critical role off the field.
* The Trojans do return LT Elijah Paige, LG Tobias Raymond (All-Big Ten Honorable Mention), RG Alani Noa (All-Big Ten Honorable Mention) and RT Justin Tauanuu (All-Big Ten Honorable Mention).
* Between those four, the offensive line boasts 69 career starts, and the 2025 line allowed just one sack per game last season.
* USC finished the regular season ranked No. 7 in the nation and No. 1 in the Big Ten in passing offense (297.3) and No. 10 in nation in total offense (471.6) and second in the Big Ten. Noa and Tauanuu both earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2025.
* Noa and Tauanuu both earned placement on the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Watch List, and Noa was named to the Outland Trophy Watch List.
* Hanson put an emphasis on position flexibility and being able to slot players into different positions.
* USC showcased eight different starting offensive line combinations throughout 12 games in 2025.
* There are a variety of options for the center position. Raymond cross-trained at center in the spring while O'Connor was still out.
* Redshirt sophomore Kaylon Miller, who saw action in 10 games stepping in for a variety of injured starters in 2025, returns ready to continue building on his impressive foundation and was recently put on scholarship. Before he started the final three games at guard in 2025, Miller was taking practice reps at center when O'Connor suffered his first significant knee injury.
* Redshirt freshman Willi Wascher and freshman Kannon Smith also add depth at that spot.
* Also on the line, redshirt freshmen Aaron Dunn, Cash Jacobsen, Elijah Vaikona, redshirt sophomores Ratumana Bulabalavu, Travis Leonard, Hayden Treter and redshirt juniors Erwin Taomi and Jack Susnjar all return looking to contribute in 2026.
* USC welcomed seven freshmen early enrollee offensive linemen in the spring. Chase Deniz (offensive lineman MVP at Cathedral Catholic), Vlad Dyakonov (Navy All-American Bowl invitee and MaxPreps All-California First Teamer of Folsom High), John Fifita (CIF Central Coast Section Division 1 Champion at Saint Francis), Breck Kolojay (MaxPreps All-America Second Teamer out of IMG Academy [Fla.]), Keenyi Pepe (2025 Polynesian Bowl All-Star, 2025 Under Armour All-American and 2025 MaxPreps All-America First Team out of IMG Academy [Fla.]), Kannon Smith (Colorado Prep Varsity Top 2026 Offensive Tackle out of Valor Christian [Colo.]) and Esun Tafa (three-time 6A State Champion and 2025 MaxPreps Second Team All-American out of Corner Canyon [Utah]) all are eager to compete and push for playing time in the trenches.
* In the summer, Ryan Pauley, a redshirt senior transfer from Valparaiso, joined the offensive line room.
THE RETURN OF COACH P
* The Gary Patterson 4-2-5 defense is legendary. A multiple defense where the secondary has its own assignments from the front six, and then they two are split in half with the ability to play man coverage on one side and zone on the other; it's designed to confuse opponent offenses. However, don't expect the defense to look the same as Patterson has called it in the past.
* "Coach P plays the 4-2-5. Not really," Patterson said. "There's some things that are the same, but in 28 years, when you run the same stuff and you stay somewhere 25 years, you have to be able to tweak it, and you have to evolve. The fun thing about being here at USC is there's things that they did really well defensively last season, and we're going to keep those. There's things that we may need to tweak or maybe it wasn't quite as good, and then we'll add new stuff in."
* The time is now for defense.
* "It's time for us to be great on defense. Plain and simple," said Riley. "The players are here. The setup is here. It's time to step up into that next level of defensive play consistently."
* Riley knew Patterson was the right person to take the Trojan defense there.
* "It's hard to find a guy who's been as consistently productive as a head coach, as a defense coach and a guy who's been able to evolve in so many different ways with so many different skillsets," said Riley. "A lot of the times, he did it with skill sets that were maybe not equal to the teams he was having to play against. We competed against each other for so long. Even back to my early years at Texas Tech, we were on staffs going against each other. He was always a pain in the a** to deal with. His ability to take away team's fast balls, his ability to make offenses uncomfortable, his ability to take defensive groups that were able to play better than maybe what the sum of their talent was – I just saw it year after year. We can give him better players, more depth, more talent, and we can give him an opportunity where he's not having to worry about all the different head coach stuff that goes on and put all that energy into the defense at USC. You bring people into your organization who are going to make everyone else better. This guy makes me better, and he makes other people in our building better. His experience is so unique. Anyone that knows Gary, knows there's no halfway with this guy. He's an absolute psycho. When he goes, its full speed. I don't know if he's left the office since he's been in LA, but that's him. He's recharged, he's motivated, he's got an edge to him and chip on his shoulder. He's really excited to be at USC, and we're thrilled to have him."
SETTING THE TONE UP FRONT
* The Trojans will not be skipping a beat as new defensive tackles coach Skyler Jones steps in to lead the room. He'll continue to elevate the play of the already talented room.
* Junior Jide Abasiri returns as the veteran leader of the defensive line. The 2026 Big Ten Media Day representative recorded 26 tackles, including 4 for loss of 24 yards (with 3.5 sacks for minus 24 yards), 2 QB hurries and 1 forced fumble while appearing in all 13 games with 9 starts in 2025. He was named to Bruce Feldman's 2025 Freaks List for his intriguing athleticism, having clocked 19.22 mph at nearly 300 pounds. More impressively, Abasiri's 10-yard split was 1.60, and he's squatted 700 pounds.
* Abasiri recently earned USC's Bob Chandler Award. Awarded to an underclassman, based on athletic ability, academic scholarship, and character on and off the field, including the individual's leadership, courage, tenacity, discipline, loyalty, and high standards of morals and values. The award funds a scholarship for the player's tuition, room and board for the following year. The recipient wears a #10 sticker on his helmet (Chandler's jersey number), and the trophy is donated by the Bob Chandler Foundation.
* Redshirt junior Jamaal Jarrett, a fan-favorite, will make an impact in the trenches in 2026. Jarrett, who transferred to USC in the spring of 2025 from Georgia, recorded 3 tackles, including 0.5 a tackle for loss of 2 yards, and 1 INT returned for a TD in 2025. He suffered an injury that sidelined him for the majority of the second half of the season. In one of the most memorable plays of the 2025 season, Jarrett notched his first career INT versus Purdue and returned it 70 yards for a TD. The play was dubbed the "Thicc Six".
* Sophomore Jahkeem Stewart, a Freshman All-American, looks to build on an impressive foundation and return to the field, healthy and ready to compete on the defensive line in 2026. Stewart, who enrolled at USC in the spring of 2025 after reclassifying and forgoing his senior year of high school, had a stellar collegiate debut making an immediate impact on the Trojan defensive line by decorating his stat sheet with 18 tackles, including 7.5 for loss of 27 yards (with 1.5 sacks for minus 11 yards), 1 INT returned for 4 yards, 1 fumble recovery returned for 22 yards and 1 QB hurry. Stewart recorded these stats while playing through a stress fracture in his foot the entire season.
* Stewart was named an FWAA Freshman All-American and a PFF Freshman All-American. He was selected to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Watch List. FOX Sports named Stewart to the nation's Top 10 impact freshmen ahead of the 2025 college football season.
* Also returning is fellow high-ceiling sophomore, Floyd Boucard, who looks to be a key contributor in the trenches in 2026. He recorded 9 tackles, including 2 for loss of 13 yards (with 1 sack for minus 9 yards) and 2 QB hurries while appearing in 10 games in 2025.
* Redshirt sophomore Brendan Cho rounds out the returners in the defensive tackle room.
* USC welcomed redshirt senior Alex VanSumeren from the portal out of Michigan State. In 2025, he recorded 52 tackles, including 2 for loss of 10 yards (with 1.5 sacks for minus 10 yards), 2 QB hurries and 1 PBU for the Spartans, and looks to immediately contribute in 2026.
* VanSumeren was selected as one of USC's three representatives at Big Ten Media Day and has immediately stepped into a leadership role.
* "It's an honor to be in this position," VanSumeren said at Big Ten Media Days. "I realize that there's a bunch of young guys on the team. I had leaders in my past that helped me, so now, I get to pay it forward. It goes along with being a good teammate. I'm going to give everything I have to this university and to my teammates and to the football program."
* Four talented freshmen joined the Trojans in the spring. Though injured in his senior season, Jake Johnson looks to dive into learning the Trojan defense. As a junior in 2024, he recorded 50 tackles, including 12 for loss with 1.5 sacks, 1 PBU and 1 forced fumble. He earned placement on the 2024 All-North Texas First Team and the 2024 Star Local Media All-Area Football Second Team while competing for Prosper in Texas.
* Braeden Jones tallied 85 tackles, including 15 for loss with 9.5 sacks and 6 PBUs for Mount Carmel in Illinois.
* One of the nation's top recruits, Tomuhini "Tom Tom" Topui Jr., recorded 25 tackles, including 9 for loss (with 2.5 sacks), 3 PBUs, 2 forced fumbles and 2 QBHs for Mater Dei in 2025. He was named a 2026 Polynesian Bowl All-Star and 2026 Navy All-American Bowl invitee.
* Jaimeon Winfield, a five-star and 2025 Navy All-American Bowl invitee recorded 55 tackles, including 22 for loss with 6 sacks, 14 QBHs, 2 PBUs, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 3 blocked field goals and 2 TDs for Richardson in Texas. He was named the 2025 7-6A District MVP.
* Jordan Abarca, a sophomore transfer from UCLA, also joined the Trojan squad over the summer.
LIVING ON THE EDGE
* Defensive Ends Coach Shaun Nua has a healthy mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers to utilize in 2026.
* Senior Braylan Shelby, a veteran presence on the defensive line, will be a leader of the group in 2026. He recorded 29 tackles, including 7 for loss of 20 yards (with 4.5 sacks for minus 17 yards), 1 INT returned for 18 yards and 4 QB hurries while appearing in all 13 games with 6 starts in 2025.
* Shelby's academic prowess is quite notable. He is majoring in Business Administration at USC. He was named a 2026 Stevens Scholar for earning a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher. He was named a 2026 David X. Marks Scholar for having an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. He earned the 2025-26 Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Award which recognizes student-athletes who achieve junior academic standing or higher after their fourth full-time semester and earn a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA. He earned placement on the 2025 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. He was named to the 2024 Big Ten Fall All-Academic Team and the 2025 Big Ten Fall All-Academic Team. He has earned placement on the Dean's List each semester at USC.
* Shelby was also selected to speak at the formal opening of the Bloom Football Performance Center alongside USC Athletic Director Jen Cohen and Head Coach Lincoln Riley. Shelby also introduced USC President Beong-Soo Kim.
* In his speech, Shelby said, "This building is an investment in every player who walks through these doors. As Trojans, my teammates and I are part of the greatest tradition and legacy in college football. It's our responsibility to honor that investment by going to work every day and making the Trojan Family proud."
* Junior Kameryn Crawford returns to be a difference-maker in 2026. He recorded 41 tackles, including 10.5 for loss of 42 yards (with 5.5 sacks for minus 34 yards), 1 fumble recovery and 1 QB hurry while appearing in all 13 games and making 8 starts in 2025.
* Redshirt freshman Jadyn Ramos looks to gain valuable experience this spring. He participated in 3 games in 2025 and tallied 3 tackles.
* Zuriah Fisher, a redshirt senior transfer from Penn State, will compete for playing time on the defensive line in 2026. Fisher tallied 19 tackles, including 3.5 for loss of 22 yards (with 2 sacks for minus 20 yards), 1 forced fumble, 1 PBU and 1 QB hurry for the Nittany Lions in 2025.
* Three talented early enrollee freshmen will bolster the defensive line room. Simote Katoanga, a 2026 Polynesian Bowl All-Star, helped Santa Margarita with the CIF Southern Section Division 1 Championship under first year head coach, former USC Heisman winner, Carson Palmer by recording 35 tackles, including 11.5 for loss with 3 sacks and 2 PBUs. He earned placement on the All-CIF Division I Team.
* One of the most well-known recruits in the class, Luke Wafle, was named the No. 1 recruit in the 2026 class by Rivals/On3. Wafle earned a plethora of accolades including 2026 Navy All-American Bowl invitee, Navy All-American Bowl MVP, 2025 Maxwell Football Club High School All-American, The Sporting News 2025 High School First Team All-American, 2025 MaxPreps First Team All-American, 2025 All NJ Prep "A" Football First Teamer and 2025 All-USA East Football Teamer. As a senior, he recorded 99 tackles, including 37 for loss with a school record 23 sacks for The Hun School of Princeton in New Jersey.
* Andrew Williams, who has only played football for two years, recorded 64 tackles, including 12 for loss with 10 sacks at John C. Freemont. He looks to gain more experience heading into the 2026 season.
* Redshirt junior Ethan Brougham, a transfer from Rice, Sam Smith, a freshman out of JSerra, and Ty Swanson, a true freshman out of Santa Margarita Catholic, added to the defensive end room this summer.
THE DEN
* According to Linebackers Coach Mike Ekeler, there are two types of people in this world: lions and sheep. And the linebacker room as appropriately been dubbed "The Den" as it is filled with Lions.
* Under the leadership of Ekeler, the Trojan linebacking corps is poised to reach new heights.
* Junior Desman Stephens II returns as the leader of the unit. He recorded 89 tackles, including 3 for loss of 6 yards, 1 forced fumble and 1 QB hurry while appearing and starting in all 13 games in 2025.
* Redshirt senior Roman Marchetti, who was recently put on scholarship, saw action in all 13 games, primarily on special teams, in 2025 and will continue to be a vocal leader of not just the linebacking corps, but the entire USC football team.
* Redshirt junior Ta'Mere Robinson, also primarily saw action on special teams last season, but looks to have an increased role in 2026.
* Redshirt sophomore Elijah Newby also brings depth to the linebacking corps and looks to gain valuable reps this spring. In 2025, saw action in all 13 games, predominately on special teams and recorded 8 tackles.
* Redshirt sophomore Jadyn Walker has just begun to scratch the surface of his potential. After seeing action in all 13 games, including 5 starts in 2025, he will build on that foundation this spring to take the next step in his game. Last season, he recorded 33 tackles, including 4 for loss of 17 yards (with 1 sack for minus 5 yards) and 1 PBU.
* Senior Nick De Fina also adds important depth to the linebacker room.
* Redshirt junior Deven Bryant transferred to USC from Washington in January and looks to compete for playing time right away. In 2025, he tallied 62 tackles, including 2 for loss of 2 yards, and 2 PBUs while appearing in 12 games with 10 starts for the Huskies.
* Three freshmen linebackers joined the group in the spring. Talanoa Ili, a 2026 Polynesian Bowl All-Star, recorded snaps all over the field as a senior, splitting time between MIKE, WILL and SAM while also being featured as a large nickel and a hand-in-the-dirt edge. He earned placement on the 2025 MaxPreps All-America Second Team while competing for Kahuku in Hawaii.
* Taylor "Taybo" Johnson recorded 201 tackles, including 17.5 for loss with 6.5 sacks, 10 QBHs, 2 forced fumbles and 2 INTs for El Cajon as a senior in 2025. He was named to The Sporting News 2025 High School All-America Third Team and the 2025 All-CIF Division IV Team.
* Shaun Scott, ranked the No. 1 linebacker in Orange County by PrepRedZone California, tallied 53 tackles, including 21 for loss with 13.5 sacks, 10 QBHs, 5 PBUs, 4 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery for Mater Dei in 2025. He earned placement on the 2025 MaxPreps All-America Second Team, the 2025 MaxPreps All-California First Team and the All-CIF Division I Team.
* Austin Engroff, a true freshman out of Timberline (Idaho), Ryan O'Connell, a redshirt senior transfer from UPenn, and GianCarlo Rufo, a senior transfer from Georgetown, all added depth to the Trojan linebacking corps this summer.
NO FLY ZONE
* With new Safeties Coach / Defensive Pass Game Coordinator Paul Gonzales at the helm, the Trojan safeties are ready to level up this season.
* Redshirt senior Prophet Brown looks to be an impact player in the fall after incurring a season-ending injury in fall camp and not seeing action in 2025.
* Senior Christian Pierce returns as an integral piece of the Trojan secondary in 2026. He recorded 64 tackles, including 2.5 for loss of 12 yards (with 1 sack for minus 10 yards), 3 PBUs, 1 INT and 1 forced fumble while appearing in 13 games with 9 starts in 2025.
* Junior Kennedy Urlacher made the most of his opportunities after transferring from Notre Dame in 2025. He saw action in all 13 games with 3 starts towards the end of the season, and recorded 26 tackles, including 1 for a loss of 1 yard (with 1 sack for minus 1 yard), 1 INT and 1 PBU.
* After sustaining an injury at the beginning of the season, redshirt freshman Alex Graham showcased his talent towards the end of 2025. He recorded 15 tackles, including 2 for loss of 5 yards, while appearing in 5 games with 2 starts and looks to build on that foundation in 2026.
* Redshirt sophomores Marquis Gallegos (5 tackles, including 2 for loss of 7 yards) and Isaiah Rubin (5 tackles and 1 fumble recovery) and sophomore Kendarius Reddick (6 tackles) predominately played on special teams in 2025. They each hope to increase their roles in 2026, as well as redshirt freshman Trestin Castro (1 tackle).
* Three freshmen joined the safeties as early enrollees in the spring. Peyton "Man Man" Dyer (the 2025 AAA Region 3 Safety of the Year out of Tyner Academy in Tennessee), Madden Riordan (2025 MaxPreps All-California First Team, All-CIF Division I Team and 2025 All-Mission League MVP out of Sierra Canyon in Los Angeles) and Joshua Holland II (18 tackles, 2 INTs and 5 PBUs for St. John Bosco in 2025) look to gain valuable experience this spring.
* True freshman Peter Sciarrino out of Loyola joined the Trojans this summer.
THROW AT YOUR OWN RISK
* Under the tutelage of Cornerbacks Coach Trovon Reed, the USC corners will display needed depth this spring and will return many players to full health in 2026.
* Redshirt senior Jontez Williams, the No. 1 ranked cornerback in the portal, transferred to USC from Iowa State. As a redshirt junior in 2025, Williams played and started the season's first five games before suffering a season-ending knee injury against Arizona. He tallied 15 tackles, including 1.5 for loss of 2 yards, 2 PBUs and 1 INT. He was an All-Big 12 Conference selection in 2024.
* Similarly, redshirt sophomore Chasen Johnson, suffered a season ending injury against Purdue that sidelined him for the season, will return healthy and back in the mix in 2026.
* Redshirt sophomore Marcelles Williams made large strides last season as he saw action in all 13 games and started in 11 recording 41 tackles and 5 PBUs.
* Redshirt freshmen RJ Sermons and redshirt junior Shawn Sehra (2 tackles) each look to increase their roles in 2026.
* Six newcomers join the Trojan cornerback room this spring: four freshmen and two transfers.
* Freshman Jayden Crowder helped Santa Margarita win the CIF Southern Section Division 1 Championship under first year head coach, former USC Heisman winner, Carson Palmer, by recording 33 tackles, including 1 for loss, 7 PBUs, 2 INTs and 2 blocked field goals.
* Freshman Elbert "Rock" Hill IV, a five-star, tallied 47 tackles, including 5 for loss, with 9 INTs, 33 PBUs, 3 TDs and 1 FG block for Archbishop Hoban in Ohio in 2025.
* Freshman Brandon Lockhart tallied 30 tackles, 12 PBUs and 1 fumble recovery for Sierra Canyon in 2025.
* Redshirt sophomore Carrington Pierce, the brother of fellow Trojan Christian Pierce, transferred to USC in January of 2026 from Oklahoma State and looks to get acclimated with a new defense this spring.
* True freshman Derek Diniz out of the Stevenson School joined the cornerback room over the summer.
SPECIAL OPS
* The 2026 season will be Mike Ekeler's tenth as a special teams coordinator and has led some of the best special teams units in the nation.
* He has transformed special teams units into a part of the game that opponents fear. Ekeler, working hand-in-hand with Co-Offensive Coordinator / Specialists Coach Ryan Dougherty, looks to make the Trojan special teams a dominant unit.
* Redshirt sophomore Ryon Sayeri was one of the best stories of the 2025 season. After earning the starting role, he hit 21-of-25 field goals and all 48 of his PAT tries. He totaled 89 kickoffs for 5,715 yards (64.2 avg.) with 63 touchbacks. He broke USC's single-season field goal record (19) and set a new one with 21. He was named to the All-Big Ten Third Team and was a Lou Groza Award Semifinalist. He was a two-time Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week. Sayeri is expected to continue to perform at a high level in 2026.
* Redshirt sophomore Caden Chittenden suffered a season-ending injury in fall camp and did not see action as a sophomore in 2025. He was named to the 2025 Walter Camp Preseason All-America Second Team and the 2025 Lou Groza Award Watch List and returns healthy in 2026.
* Sophomore Lachlan Carrigan transferred from Memphis and looks to compete to be USC's punter in 2026. He averaged 43.4 yards on 46 punts totaling 1,994 yards, of which 20 pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line and 7 went for 50+ yards, while appearing in all 13 games in 2025.
* Carrigan will compete with redshirt senior Rey Sanchez, redshirt senior transfer out of Valparaiso Nate Hillenburg and redshirt freshman William Weisberg, who appeared in 1 game in 2025 and recorded 1 kickoff for 65 yards, and true freshman Zachary Nandlal.
* Redshirt senior Dylan Black, a transfer from Oregon State and redshirt freshman Luke Brown will compete to be USC's starting long snapper in 2026.
RANKINGS
* USC is ranked T14 in the AP Poll and No. 14 in the USA Today Coaches Poll.
* San José State is not ranked in either poll.
SERIES
* USC is 6-0 all-time against the Spartans with all the games held at the Coliseum.
VERSUS MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE
* USC is 37-1-1 versus the Mountain West Conference (not including 2 overall wins vacated due to NCAA penalty, including 1 win versus Fresno State and 1 win versus Hawaii [original overall record: 39-1-1]).
IN AUGUST
* USC has an 11-2 (.846) all-time record while playing in the month of August.
* USC's Aug. 25 opener in 1996 was the earliest its season opened in the modern era. (The earliest USC's season has ended was Nov. 13, 1909.) USC's latest season opener was Dec. 7, 1901, and its latest home opener was Dec. 14, 1918 (USC didn't play any home games in 1900 or 1901).
OPENERS
* USC's record in all season openers is 100-24-8 (.788), with 36 shutout victories.
* In season openers at home, the Trojans are 71-16-7 (.793), while their record in season openers on the road is 29-8-1 (.776). (Does not include 1 win vacated due to NCAA penalty; original record: 101-24-8, .790 overall and 30-8-1 on the road, .782.)
* USC's record for home openers is 104-19-7 (.827). In road openers, USC is 88-31-8 (.724). (Does not include 1 home and 1 road win vacated due to NCAA penalty; original record: 105-19-7, .828 at home, 89-31-8, .727 on the road.)
IN THE COLISEUM
* USC is 477-151-27 (.749) in the Coliseum, not including 6 wins vacated due to NCAA penalty (original record: 6-0 in 2005 and 483-151-27, .751 in the Coliseum).
* USC began play in Coliseum during 1923 season, going 5-1 that season.
COUNTING AT THE COLI
* Entering the 2026 season, USC's 661 games played in the Coliseum (including 6 wins vacated by NCAA penalty) are the third most that any school has played in its home stadium, behind Georgia Tech's 735 in Bobby Dodd Stadium and Tennessee's 664 in Neyland Stadium.
SAN JOSÉ STATE CONNECTIONS
* CB Brandon Lockhart's brother, Justin, played football at San José State and was an undrafted free agent who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.
* San José State S Maliki Crawford was previously on the USC Football team from 2023-24.
* San José State LB Blake Tabaracci is the younger brother of USC TE Carson Tabaracci.
* USC WR Zacharyus Williams, USC OL Travis Leonard and San José State LB Malakai Hoeft all prepped at Junipero Serra HS in Gardena, Calif.
* USC WR Trent Mosley, USC QB James Johnson, USC CB Jayden Crowder, USC DE Ty Swanson, USC DE Simote Katoanga, USC OL Kilian O'Connor, USC OL Elijah Vaikona, USC TE Fisher Melton, USC WR Griffin Brahm and San José State OL Simeon Afalava all prepped at Santa Margarita Catholic HS in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.
* USC S Christian Pierce, USC CB Carrington Pierce, San José State DL Dejon Roney and San José State OL Tyler Chen are all from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
* USC S Christian Pierce, USC CB RJ Sermons, USC WR Cameron Sermons and San José State OL Tyler Chen all prepped at Rancho Cucamonga HS in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
* USC QB Sam Huard and San José State S Brian Dukes Jr. played together at Cal Poly in 2023.
* USC DE Zuriah Fisher and San José State WR Anthony Ivey played together at Penn State from 2022-25. USC LB Ta'Mere Robinson also played at Penn State with them during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
* USC S Prophet Brown, USC OL Alani Noa, San José State CB Greco Carrillo, San José State QB CJ Lee and San José State DL Jeremiah Tuiileila are all from Sacramento, Calif.
* USC WR Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, USC TE Mark Bowman, USC LB Shaun Scott, USC TE Manoah Leiato, USC DT Tomuhini "Tom Tom" Topui Jr., USC TE Josiah Jefferson, San José State CB Isaiah Buxton, San José State S Brian Dukes Jr. and San José State Jerry McClure all prepped at Mater Dei Catholic HS in Santa Ana, Calif.
* USC LB Devan Bryant, USC CB Marcelles Williams, USC S Marquis Gallegos, USC OL Erwin Taomi, San José State WR Carson Clark, San José State RB Jabari Bates and San José State S Hunter Nowell all prepped at St. John Bosco HS in Bellflower, Calif.
* USC CB RJ Sermons, USC LB Taylor "Taybo" Johnson, USC WR Cameron Sermons and San José State LB Ethan Powell are all from San Bernardino Valley, Calif.
* USC LB Talanoa Ili and San José State S Tuli Tagovailoa-Amosa both prepped at Kahuku HS in Kahuku, Hawaii.
* USC CB Carrington Pierce and San José State OL Lavaka Taukeiaho were teammates at Oklahoma State in 2025.
* USC QB James Johnson, USC TE Manoah Leiato, USC OL Justin Tauanuu and San José State S Hunter Nowell are all from Huntington Beach, Calif.
* USC S Joshua Holland II, USC S Isaiah Rubin, USC OL Travis Leonard, USC OL Keenyi Pepe, USC WR Tron Baker, San José State LB Sirr Bible, San José State OL Daniel Tuliau and San José State DL Auma Jennings are all from Long Beach, Calif.
* USC WR Seth Zamora and San José State WR Malachi Riley both prepped at Centennial HS in Compton, Calif.
* USC S Trestin Castro and San José State TE Ryan Boultwood are both from Upland, Calif.
* USC TE Patrick O'Brien, USC LB Nick De Fina, USC OL Chase Deniz, USC TE Josiah Jefferson, San José State CB Isaiah Buxton, San José State RB Sir Autry, San José State WR Parris Vernon Jr. and San José State DL Justin Stearns are all from San Diego, Calif.
* USC TE Patrick O'Brien, USC OL Chase Deniz and San José State DL Bronx Letuligasenoa all prepped at Cathedral Catholic HS in San Diego, Calif.
* USC K Caden Chittenden, San José State CB Jayden Robertson and San José State DL Jayland McGlothen are all from Las Vegas, Nev.
* USC SNP Dylan Black and San José State WR Jordan Anderson were teammates at Oregon State in 2024.
* USC DE Simote Katoanga and San José State DL Bronx Letuligasenoa are both from Oceanside, Calif.
* USC LB Taylor "Taybo" Johnson and San José State LB Ethan Powell prepped together at Cajon HS in San Bernardino, Calif.
* USC OL Vlad Dyakonov and San José State CB Greco Carrillo prepped together at Folsom HS in Folsom, Calif.
* USC TE Taniela Tupou, USC CB Brandon Lockhart, USC DE Andrew Williams, USC WR Luc Weaver, USC K William Weisberg and San José State WR Carson Clark are all from Los Angeles, Calif.
* USC DT Tomuhini "Tom Tom" Topui Jr. and San José State WR Jordan Anderson are both from Inglewood, Calif.
* USC LB GianCarlo Rufo and San José State OL Kamuela Wilhelm both prepped Punahou HS in Honolulu, Hawaii.
* USC OL Elijah Paige, San José State RB Courshawn Hill and San José State S Jackson Barton are all from Phoenix, Ariz.
* USC OL Tobias Raymond and San José State LB Zane Carter are both from Ventura, Calif.
* USC OL Ratumana Bulabalavu and San José State LB Naseri Danielson are both from Stockton, Calif.
* USC OL Alani Noa and San José State DL Jermiah Tuiileila prepped together at Grant Union HS in Sacramento, Calif.
* USC TE Taniela Tupou and San José State DL Nate Lewis are both from Carmichael, Calif.
* USC DE Sam Smith and San José State OL Daniel Tuliau both prepped at JSerra Catholic HS in San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
* USC DT Jordan Abarca, San José State WR Jerry McClure, San José State QB Robert McDaniel and San José State RB Isaiah Carlson all previously played at UCLA.
* USC Associate Athletic Trainer Paul Diaz earned his Master of Arts in Kinesiology-Athletic Training from San José State in 2016.
* USC Director of Personal Development Whitney Rotrock earned her Master's Degree in Sports Management from San José State and also spent 5 years working in various roles in Student Services for the university.
SAN JOSÉ STATE SCOUTING REPORT
* The Spartans have 48 new players on the roster, and only 3 current starters recorded starts in 6 or more game last season.
* San José State enters 2026 looking to rebound from a 3-9 season.
* The Spartans' new starting quarterback is Hawaii transfer Luke Weaver. Weaver completed 63 passes for 628 yards and 3 TDs in five games in 2025, going 2-0 as a starter and throwing the winning touchdown in the Hawai'i Bowl.
* San José State's receiving corps includes UCLA/San Diego State transfer Jerry McClure, Arizona transfer Malachi Riley, Penn State transfer Anthony Ivey, Oregon State/Sacramento State transfer Jordan Anderson and BYU transfer Dominique McKenzie.
* RB Jabari Bates is the most proven big-play threat. Although limited to four games by injury in 2025, he averaged 7.1 yards per carry and recorded an 87-yard touchdown against Idaho.
* San José State promoted Bojay Filimoeatu to defensive coordinator after he served as interim coordinator for the final two games of 2025.
* Ethan Powell is the most established returning linebacker after recording 37 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss last season. BYU transfer Naseri Danielson and Weber State transfer Aizik Mahuka are expected to compete for playing time at linebacker as well.
* DL Justin Stearns returns after making 25 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.
* Former USC DB Maliki Crawford looks to earn playing time at safety.
* Cal Poly transfer S Brian Dukes Jr. brings experience and ball production after recording two interceptions last season.
* P Trent Carrizosa may be San José State's most reliable returning specialist. He averaged 45.6 yards on 39 punts in 2025, recorded a long of 68 yards and placed 14 punts inside the 20.
