If USC football has a successful 2026, one reason rises above others
USC's large quantity of returning offensive starters is the main advantage the Trojans carry into their must-win 2026 season
If USC football has reason for optimism going into the 2026 season, it's not hard to find the main source of a brighter outlook. John Brice of USA TODAY Sports has more : "Fifteen USC starters are back from last year’s 9-4 team, nine of them on offense including redshirt senior quarterback Jayden Maiava. Riley doesn’t remember ever having such broad returning experience, even after taking over for Bob Stoops at Oklahoma and punching three CFP appearances.
“'With Baker (Mayfield, at Oklahoma) a couple years we returned some guys, but didn’t have it past that there and certainly haven’t had anything close to that here,' said Riley, with 55 wins in five seasons at Oklahoma and 35 in his first four at USC. 'It’s pretty rare to have that guy back at quarterback in Jayden and continuity at key positions. I would guess we’re one of just a handful of teams across the country that’s happened with in this era.
'” It's true that for USC to take the next step and make the College Football Playoff, the defense has to improve relative to 2025. The Gary Patterson hire at defensive coordinator has to be a home run. However, it remains that USC's trump card is and will be its offense stuffed with veterans.
Other than Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane leaving, everyone else is back. Maiava behind a strong offensive line, accompanied by talented running backs, should be able to produce at a high level. Lincoln Riley has to get the most out of his offense if the Trojans are to finally break through and return to the top tier of college football.