2026 USC Football Preview
Jake Wimberly
Abby Boyd Contributing-
What’s to like:
USC should once again have one of the conference's better passing attacks. The offensive line returns enough experience to provide stability, and the Trojans have several reliable receiving targets capable of making plays down the field. That combination should allow the offense to continue producing at a high level.
The linebacking corps is another strength of the roster. USC has experience and athleticism at the position, giving the defense a group capable of making plays against both the run and the pass. If that unit performs as expected, it should help stabilize the defense throughout the season.
What’s not to like:
The defense has to improve on third down. Too often opponents were able to extend drives, keeping USC's defense on the field and limiting opportunities for the offense. Getting off the field in those situations will be one of the biggest keys to improvement.
The Trojans also need to establish a more consistent running game. Relying almost entirely on the passing attack makes the offense easier to defend against quality opponents. Becoming more balanced would help USC control games and take pressure off the quarterback.
What does the Hourglass say?
Usc- Big Ten (9-3)
Power ranking 97.43.
2026 USC Analytics
National recruiting rating (three year metric): #9- inside the boundary of a National Championship Roster.
National Coaching Ranking:
Lincoln Riley- 11th in Power 5 and 5th in the Big Ten.
2026 coaching value= 33.2 (average 2026 Power 5 coaching value=21.93) Lincoln Riley is ranked higher of the pack for coaches in the Power 5.
Quarterback Play: Jayden Maiava- ranked 5th in the Power 4, 3rd in the Big Ten; 2026 QB value= 47 (Power 4 average- 26.43).
Impact Ball Catcher Metric: USC has an Impact Ball Catcher Metric of 3. This puts the Trojans at the upper tier for the Big Ten in this metric.
Final Thoughts:
USC has enough talent to compete with the top teams in the Big Ten, particularly on offense. The offensive line and receiving corps should once again be strengths, but improving on third down and becoming more balanced offensively will determine how far the Trojans can go. If those areas improve, USC should remain in the conference title conversation.
2026 Schedule analysis:
Projected Hourglass W/L record: Games in red denote games that could be a one possession game or even a different outcome than projection.
8/29/26 SJSU- Win
9/4/26 Fresno State- Win
9/12/26 Louisiana- Win
9/19/26 At Rutgers- Win
9/26/26 Oregon- Loss
10/3/26 Washington- Win
10/10/26 At Penn State- Win
10/24/26 At Wisconsin- Win
10/31/26 Ohio State- Loss
11/14/26 At Indiana- Loss
11/21/25 Maryland- Win
11/28/26 At UCLA- Win
