​The Scarlet Knights will have a bit of a wrinkle in the schedule this year.Instead of beginning the year with three straight non-conference games, Rutgers will mix in USC in Week 3 in 2026.Name: USC TrojansStadium: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (Cap. 93,607)Head Coach: Lincoln Riley (5th season)Offensive Coordinator: Luke HuardDefensive Coordinator: Gary Patterson2025: 9-4 (7-2 Big Ten) – 30-27 loss vs. TCU in Alamo BowlAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 2025 edition of the Trojans displayed another strong passing attack under Lincoln Riley.Jayden Maiava led the conference with 3,711 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He worked well with first-round pick Makai Lemon, who totaled 1,156 yards and 11 scores on 79 catches.Despite a dynamic offense once again, USC struggled to beat the big dogs. It began the season 4-0 after wins against Purdue and Michigan State in Big Ten play before losses to Illinois and Notre Dame. A win against a less-than-impressive Michigan team was sandwiched in. USC also picked up a loss against Oregon late in the season. This came after a three-game win streak against Nebraska, Northwestern, and Iowa.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKey Returners: Jayden Maiava, QB; Braylan Shelby, DL; Waymond Jordan, RB; King Miller, RB; Tanook Hines, WR; Zacharyus Williams, WR; Jide Abasiri, DL; Kameryn Crawford, LB; Braylan Shelby, LB; Desman Stephens II, LB; Christian Pierce, DB; Marcelle Williams, DB; Tobias Raymond, OL; Justin Tauanuu, OL; Alani Noa, OL; Elijah Page, OL; Kilian O’Connor, OLTransfer Additions: Terrell Anderson, WR (N.C. State); Alex VanSumeren, DL (Michigan State); Zuriah Fisher, DE (Penn State); Tucker Ashcraft, TE (Wisconsin); Jontez Williams, CB (Iowa State); Deven Bryant, LB (Washington); Carrington Pierce, CB (Oklahoma State)Incoming Class: Luke Wafle, DE; Mark Bowman, TE; Trent Mosley, WR; Talanoa Ili, LB; Madden Riordan, S; Keenyi Pepe, OL; Vlad Dyakonov, OL; Esun Tafa, OLKey Losses: Makai Lemon, WR (NFL); WR Ja’Kobi Lane, WR (NFL)(; Kamari Ramsey, S (NFL); Devan Thompkins, DL (Alabama); Walker Lyons, TE (BYU); Husan Longstreet, QB (LSU)Experience, offensive line, and quarterback play jump out immediately.USC has the most returners in the nation, including starting QB Jayden Maiava and all five offensive lineman. Maiava led the conference in passing yards and finished fifth in the country. He returns as one of the nation’s most efficient passers and has an experience group up front, along with two strong runners in Waymond Jordan and King Miller. This duo averaged 6.3 yards per carry combined last season.Maiava will have some new faces to work with as Tanook Hines becomes the team’s No. 1 option on the outside. He will be joined by Zacharyus Williams and N.C. State transfer Terrell Anderson, who was one of the top additions in the transfer portal.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Lincoln Riley-led Trojans have not been known as a defensive juggernaut by any means. Wha