The anticipation is finally coming to an end. A preview is available.
USC is one of the few college football teams kicking off their season before September arrives, allowing Trojans fans an early glimpse into what 2026 might look like.
“I’m really pleased we’re playing in Week 0,” coach Lincoln Riley shared. “It’s great not to have to wait an extra week.”
However, season openers don’t always paint a clear picture of what lies ahead.
USC’s victory against then-No. 13 LSU in 2024 was a promising start, but it was followed by what Riley described as his toughest season, culminating in a 7-6 record.
The pressure is certainly on Riley to avoid a repeat of that experience. The general expectation is that his team must reach the College Football Playoff in 2026, but he remains optimistic that everything is falling into place for a remarkable season.
As the No. 14 Trojans gear up to face San Jose State on Saturday at the Coliseum, here are five key aspects to keep an eye on:
Heisman watch?
Winning college football’s most prestigious award isn’t typically achieved by racking up stat lines against a Mountain West Conference team.
Nonetheless, USC quarterback Jayden Maiava could certainly set the stage with a strong performance against what many anticipate will be a weaker defense.
Riley is expecting Maiava to show an impressive progression similar to his transition from Year 1 to Year 2. If all goes well, we might see him resting by the start of the fourth quarter, paving the way for backups Jonas Williams and Sam Huard to step in.
Does Gary Patterson still have it?
Among the most captivating storylines in college football is Gary Patterson’s return. The former longtime TCU coach aims to prove he can still build a formidable defense.
Will his new approach retain the effective 4-2-5 scheme he’s known for? We’ll likely get some insights starting this weekend.
Riley pointed out that the team is adapting to Patterson’s intense style, noting that the veteran coach “pushes and pushes and pushes.”
“I think they’ve come to appreciate the energy he brings to our daily practice,” Riley added, highlighting the standards Patterson has set, which have been welcomed positively by the players.
The kids are all right
Riley isn’t holding back on throwing top high school talent into the mix; as many as five true freshmen may start against the Spartans, with 13 others poised to contribute.
Receiver positions are particularly promising, with tight end Mark Bowman and wide receivers Trent Mosley, Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, and Ethan “Boobie” Feaster set to catch passes.
With sophomore Tanook Hines still on the mend from an offseason health procedure that might keep him out of the opener, new faces have plenty of chances to make their mark quickly.
The return of Running Back U?
The comeback of Waymond Jordan, who suffered an ankle injury that sidelined him last October, could provide the Trojans with a unique running back duo in the Big Ten.
Jordan alongside King Miller, who has bulked up significantly since last season, might encourage Riley to prioritize the run game more than he has since he took the helm in LA.
A solid offensive line, now featuring Tobias Raymond at center due to Kilian O’Connor’s season-ending injury, should support this strategy seamlessly.
What a kick
One of the exciting narratives from training camp is the return of kicker Caden Chittenden.
Chittenden stood out as one of the top kickers nationwide during his freshman year at UNLV in 2024, but after transferring to USC, he sustained a season-ending injury before even playing a game.
Even with Ryon Sayeri stepping up and breaking the school record with 21 field goals last season, Chittenden remained determined to reclaim his position. He’s set to kick field goals against San Jose State, while Sayeri will handle kickoffs.
