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5 clusters · 15 sources · 44 days · First seen · Last updated

USC academic and athletic preparations

Overview

The University of Southern California (USC) is preparing for the upcoming academic and athletic year. Following a fall convocation ceremony for over 12,000 attendees, the university’s football program has entered a period of intense preparation, described by head coach Lincoln Riley as ‘mock week’. Ranked No. 14 in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll, the Trojans are preparing for their season opener against San José State at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 29. To address previous defensive struggles, the team has appointed former TCU head coach Gary Patterson as defensive coordinator. Analysts have noted the team’s high-powered offense and the return of quarterback Jayden Maiava, positioning the program as a potential “sleeper” for the National Championship.

Following the opener, the Trojans were scheduled to host the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns, entering that contest with a 2-0 record. However, the team’s momentum has since shifted following a 41-27 loss to Oregon.

Now ranked No. 18, the Trojans enter their Week 5 matchup against the Washington Huskies with a 4-1 record. The contest at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum centers on key tactical matchups, particularly in the trenches. While Washington’s offense has struggled with a ground game averaging 107.3 rushing yards per game, USC’s defense has faced difficulties containing the run, allowing an average of 4.0 yards per rush.

On offense, USC is led by quarterback Jayden Maiava, who has maintained a completion rate of over 70 percent. Washington’s offense is driven by quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who has recorded 1,129 passing yards and seven touchdowns. Although USC is favored by approximately 9.5 points, analysts suggest Washington’s disciplined defense could keep the game competitive.

Entities

Lincoln Riley · Jayden Maiava · USC Trojans · University of Southern California · Gary Patterson

Timeline

  1. [SPORTS] 6 sources
    USC Trojans face Washington Huskies in Week 5 matchup

    The No. 18 USC Trojans face the Washington Huskies in a Week 5 college football matchup at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, with USC entering as a significant favorite.

  2. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    USC Trojans host Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns in nonconference matchup

    No. 14 USC prepares to host Louisiana at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sept. 12, featuring star quarterback Jayden Maiava and Louisiana's dual-threat signal-caller D'Wanye Winfield.

  3. [SPORTS] 4 sources
    USC Trojans prepare to host Louisiana Ragin Cajuns

    The No. 14 USC Trojans will face the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sept. 12, seeking to extend an 11-game home winning streak.

  4. [SPORTS] 6 sources
    USC Trojans prepare for 2026 season opener against San José State

    Ranked No. 14, the USC Trojans prepare for their 2026 season opener against San José State, with analysts eyeing them as a potential National Championship sleeper.

  5. [CULTURE] 6 sources
    University of Southern California holds convocation and prepares for football season

    USC held its fall convocation for 12,000 attendees while the football program prepares for its season opener, ranked No. 14 in the preseason AP poll.

Sources

capperspicks.com · clutchpoints.com · covers.com · dailytrojan.com · latimes.com · nhlrumors.com · nypost.com · pickdawgz.com · predictem.com · recentlyheard.com · si.com · sportschatplace.com · tfm.usc.edu · usc.edu · uwdawgpound.com

This summary has been updated 5 times: see revision history