​To anyone who wants to put Lincoln Riley on a hot seat or complain about what USC isn’t yet, this is almost working. You wanted Riley for offense, and that’s what you’ve got. As of September 27, 2025, in Champaign, Illinois, Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley talks with players during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. The scene captures a moment of focus and purpose. Quick question: who led the Big Ten in total offense last year? It was USC, and it wasn’t close. Indiana may have topped the scoring charts, Oregon was right behind, but USC ranked third in a loaded conference and thirteenth nationally. The Trojans were strong in pass protection, finished fifth on third downs, and led the Big Ten in passing and yards per completion, while ranking sixth in rushing offense.
Okay, you also wanted Riley to raise USC to a national championship level, with a College Football Playoff appearance soon. The loss to Illinois came on a late, heartbreaking play. The other defeats were at Notre Dame and Oregon, both on the road, plus the Alamo Bowl collapse against TCU. And no excuses are offered here. USC should be excellent no matter the opponent, and it’s long past time to be a true face of the national title picture. This year’s squad has the experience, the coaching, the offensive punch, the disruptive defensive front, and everything else needed to take that next decisive step forward. Even if this year’s schedule seems to stretch those ambitions, there’s reason for guarded optimism.
2026 USC Schedule Analysis
Head Coach: Lincoln Riley (5th year, 35-18; 10th year overall, 35-18)
Best Case / Worst Case: Win the Big Ten Championship and be in the national title hunt / Also-ran Big Ten status
Key Player: Jide Abasiri, DT Jr.
2025 Record: 9-4
Biggest Question: Can all the great talents and veterans transform USC into a team capable of beating the elite?
Second-half scoring: USC 240, Opponents 121
Total offense: USC 6,051 yards, Opponents 4,560 yards
Sacks: USC 31 for 204 yards, Opponents 15 for 106 yards
Offensive coordinator Luke Huard’s system did its job last year. It went largely unnoticed amid Indiana’s buzz, but the Trojans boasted the best offense in the Big Ten, averaging 465.5 yards per game—13 more than the No. 2 attack, Oregon. There’s enough returning to become even more dangerous, provided a few key pieces are filled.
Jayden Maiava is back. While concerns were raised, Maiava delivered the best passing yardage in the conference, averaging 285.5 yards per game. Fernando posted 221 yards per game, Julian Sayin 258, Dante Moore 238, and the list goes on. The team showed the deep-ball capability, producing 24 passing touchdowns, and Maiava also ran for six scores. The offensive line should give him time to operate; four starters return to the front, which bodes well for stability and protection.
With this returning talent and continuity, USC can build on its passing efficiency and explosive plays while sharpening the run game. The combination of a proven quarterback room, experienced linemen, and capable playmakers gives Riley a solid foundation to push toward elite status on a national stage. If the team can tighten execution, maintain offensive rhythm, and maximize production on critical downs, USC could translate strong regular-season performance into a meaningful postseason push.