Lincoln Riley enters his fifth season after USC finished 9-4 overall and 7-2 in Big Ten play in 2025. Luke Huard returns for his second season as offensive coordinator, and Jayden Maiava returns at quarterback. USC’s offensive priorities include replacing the receiving production of Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, with Terrell Anderson and Zacharyus Williams joining the receiving corps. The backfield also returns Waymond Jordan and King Miller, who averaged 96 and 75 rushing yards per game, respectively, last season. Up front, the offensive line returns full-time starters Tobias Raymond and Justin Tauanuu, while Alani Noa adds significant starting experience after starting nine of the 10 games he played last season. Elijah Paige also returns after starting all seven games he played. Kilian O’Connor will miss the 2026 season after suffering a non-contact injury during an August practice.
Former longtime TCU head coach Gary Patterson takes over as USC’s defensive coordinator. Six of the Trojans’ top eleven tacklers return from last season, led by leading tackler Desman Stephens II, while USC added several experienced transfers to the defense. Stephens and Marcelles Williams return as full-time starters, while Christian Pierce, Kameryn Crawford, and Braylan Shelby bring significant starting experience. Shelby and Crawford return along the defensive front, while Michigan State transfer Alex VanSumeren and Penn State transfer Zuriah Fisher join the group after making 12 and 11 starts, respectively. Five-star freshman Luke Wafle has already worked his way to the top of the depth chart at defensive end and led USC with seven tackles against Louisiana. At linebacker, Stephens and Jadyn Walker return, while Washington transfer Deven Bryant brings full-time starting experience after making 10 starts last season. In the secondary, Pierce and Marcelles Williams return, while Iowa State transfer Jontez Williams joins the defensive backfield after starting all five games he played last season. Five-star freshman Rock Hill has also worked his way into the cornerback rotation.
Mike Ekeler takes over as special teams coordinator after previously holding the same position at Nebraska. Caden Chittenden handles the placekicking duties, while Ryon Sayeri handles kickoffs. Memphis transfer Lachlan Carrigan takes over at punter. USC features new contributors in the return game following Makai Lemon’s departure.