Lincoln Riley enters his fifth season after USC finished 9-4 overall and 7-2 in Big Ten play in 2025. Luke Huard returns as offensive coordinator for his second season, and Jayden Maiava returns at quarterback. On offense, USC’s priorities include replacing the receiving production of Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, with Terrell Anderson and Zacharyus Williams joining the receiving corps. Update (Oct. 14): Freshman WR Trent Mosley has emerged as a major contributor, recording 111 receiving yards against Penn State on October 10 and earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors. Tanook Hines and Kayden Dixon-Wyatt have also contributed to the passing attack. The backfield also returns Waymond Jordan and King Miller, who averaged 96 and 75 rushing yards per game, respectively, last season. Update (Oct. 14): Miller rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown in USC’s victory at Penn State, reinforcing his importance in the backfield rotation. 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 his 10 games 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. On defense, 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 unit. 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 placekicking, while Ryon Sayeri handles kickoffs. Memphis transfer Lachlan Carrigan takes over at punter. For the return game, USC adds new contributors after Makai Lemon’s departure.