# USC Trojans college football season

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20261026-usc-trojans-college-football-season
> Updated: 2026-10-26T15:04:03.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

The USC Trojans experienced a period of fluctuating performance in their college football season. In early October, the team secured a narrow 25-21 comeback victory against the Washington Huskies, a win characterized by a critical defensive stand and creative offensive play-calling. However, head coach Lincoln Riley expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s defensive execution during the game, labeling certain tackling efforts as “poor attempts” with “zero excuse.”

By late October, the Trojans suffered a significant 24-7 loss to the Wisconsin Badgers. The defeat was driven by a strong Wisconsin defense that limited USC to -17 rushing yards. This loss had notable consequences for the team, moving the Trojans out of the AP Top 25 Poll and impacting their aspirations for the College Football Playoff.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Wisconsin Badgers secure dominant football victory over USC

The No. 25 Wisconsin Badgers defeated No. 16 USC 24-7, driven by a dominant defensive performance that limited the Trojans to negative rushing yardage.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wisconsin-badgers-secure-dominant-football-victory-over-usc

### 2026-10-04: USC Trojans defeat Washington Huskies 25-21 in close comeback

The No. 18 USC Trojans defeated the Washington Huskies 25-21, secured by a late game-winning sack from Kameryn Crawford despite criticism from coach Lincoln Riley regarding defensive tackling.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jayden-maiava-faces-criticism-during-usc-vs-washington-game

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Cite as: USC Trojans college football season. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20261026-usc-trojans-college-football-season