USC Football Is Built Different Heading Into 2026—Riley's Crew "Aligned"

The Trojans arrived at Big Ten Media Days presented by Discover not with hope, but with hardware-level conviction. After finishing 9-4 last season, USC enters 2026 with the No. 1 recruiting class in the country, a seasoned roster, and a defense that has been completely overhauled. Between head coach Lincoln Riley, star quarterback Jayden Maiava, and defensive tackle Jide Abasiri, the message is unified: this team is ready. 

Key Takeaways 

• USC returns one of the most experienced rosters in college football, including QB Jayden Maiava and four offensive line starters 
• The addition of defensive coordinator Gary Patterson represents transformational changes on that side of the ball 
• USC's No. 1 recruiting class in the country signals a program operating at full tilt 
• Early tests against Oregon and Ohio State at the Coliseum will set the tone for College Football Playoff contention 
• Players and coaches alike are embracing — not running from — championship expectations 

What Is Fueling USC's Momentum Heading Into 2026? 

Alignment. That's the word Riley keeps coming back to — and it's not a buzzword. It's a blueprint. 

"When I think about our football program going into this fifth year, I think about our alignment and the momentum behind our program," Riley said. "Right now, I feel like our alignment is as strong as it's ever been. That's why some of the results throughout the off season have shown themselves in the way that we've recruited, bringing in the top recruiting class in the country." 

That class doesn't exist in a vacuum, either. It landed because the culture is real, the infrastructure is growing, and players are developing. Riley put it plainly: "It's been fun to see our program grow in all the areas that you need to be a championship level program." 

How Does USC's Experienced Roster Give Them an Edge in the Big Ten? 

Attention goes to that No. 1 recruiting class, but don't sleep on the returners. Maiava averaged 285.5 passing yards per game last season — 64.5 more than Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza — and he's coming back with all four offensive line starters protecting him. King Miller and Waymond Jordan return at running back. Pass-catching threats like Tanook Hines, Zacharyus Williams, and Terrell Anderson step in to replace departed wideouts Ja'Kobi Lane (Baltimore Ravens) and Makai Lemon (Philadelphia Eagles). 

"I know our recruiting class gets a lot of attention, but when you look at some of the returners that we have, we have one of the most experienced groups in the country," Riley said. 

Maiava himself isn't thinking about the noise. "The biggest thing for us is just to stay in the moment," he said. "Not necessarily feel the pressure, but understand that it's there, accept it, move on, and just continue to see it as an opportunity." 

What Does Gary Patterson's Arrival Mean for the USC Defense? 

This is where things get really interesting. The addition of defensive coordinator Gary Patterson — a Hall of Fame-caliber mind — has already sent ripples through the program. Riley called him "one of one," adding that he's "never coached against somebody that I thought was more unique and tougher to go against." 

Even Maiava felt it in spring practice. "Credit to coach GP. He just sets the standard and sets the mindset that he wants for his defense," Maiava said. "It was really cool going against him in the spring. I'm really excited for that to be showcased on Saturdays." 

The Trojans have the pieces: linebacker Desman Stephens II anchors the middle, while Kameryn Crawford and Braylan Shelby form a formidable pass-rushing duo. Portal additions like defensive back Jontez Williams (Iowa State) and defensive tackle Devan Thompkins (Alabama) shore up depth. Patterson's challenge? Elevating the secondary against the Big Ten's elite offenses. 

Abasiri, who's stepping into a bigger leadership role this season, described the shift in culture on defense: "We just have a bigger intensity about us, way more grit, more physicality." His message to fans was simple: "Get excited. It's going to be a good season." 

What Should USC Fans Expect in 2026? 

Home matchups against Oregon and Ohio State give the Coliseum a chance to become the hostile environment Riley has been building toward. The Trojans open their home Big Ten slate against the Ducks on September 26 — a statement game right out of the gate. 

Riley isn't hedging his expectations. "Every year, I expect to win. I expect us to compete for and win championships, and that doesn't change... I do believe we're more equipped than at any point in the previous few years." 

The alignment is there. The talent is there. Now comes the season to prove it.

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