USC Trojans prepare for Big Ten opener following 3-0 start

The No. 12 USC Trojans have started the 2026 season with a 3-0 record following a 49-30 victory over Louisiana. As the team prepares for its Big Ten Conference opener against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, head coach Lincoln Riley emphasized the need to “raise the floor” of the team's performance to ensure consistency as competition increases.

Riley noted that while the team has seen positives, the goal is to minimize the gap between their best and worst plays to avoid the midseason stumbles that have previously hindered their pursuit of the College Football Playoff. Analysts have identified defensive stability as a key area for improvement to avoid a decline in conference play.

On the offensive side, freshman tight end Mark Bowman has emerged as a standout performer. Following a breakout game against Louisiana where he recorded six catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns, Bowman was named the Big Ten’s Freshman Player of the Week.