USC Season Opener
USC Trojans Open the 2026 College Football Season Against San José State
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USC's 2026 college football season kicks off Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as the Trojans face San José State in coach Lincoln Riley's fifth year Miami Herald. The game starts at 12:00 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock Miami Herald. Quarterback Jayden Maiava returns after a stellar 2025 season leading the country in QBR and the Big Ten in passing yards Miami Herald.
The Trojans named five team captains for the season: Maiava at quarterback, defensive lineman Jide Abasiri, center Tobias Raymond, defensive lineman Alex VanSumeren, and center Kilian O'Connor Idaho Statesman. USC's offense features two leading rushers from last year — King Miller and Waymond Jordan Miami Herald. The offensive and defensive front lines are expected to be the team's strongest and deepest units Miami Herald.
Maiava Leads High-Powered USC Offense
Jayden Maiava proved himself as a starter last season, leading the entire nation in QBR — a measure of how much a quarterback wins Miami Herald. He also topped the Big Ten in passing yards Miami Herald. With King Miller and Waymond Jordan back in the backfield, USC's offense has all the pieces to stay productive in 2026.
Five Captains Lead Trojans Into Season
USC announced a balanced leadership group with captains on both sides of the ball Kansas.com. Quarterback Jayden Maiava represents the offense while defensive linemen Jide Abasiri and Alex VanSumeren anchor the defense Idaho Statesman. Centers Tobias Raymond and Kilian O'Connor round out the group Idaho Statesman. The mix of veteran leaders signals Riley's confidence in team depth.
Riley's Fifth Season Faces Critical Test
Lincoln Riley enters his fifth year as USC head coach with high expectations Mod Bee. The Trojans have built strength along both the offensive and defensive lines Miami Herald. San José State provides an opening opponent before a challenging schedule lies ahead for the program Mod Bee.
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