USC Boosts Coaching Staff, Roster Ahead of 2026 Season
USC Football prepares for the 2026 season with significant changes, including the addition of former TCU coach Gary Patterson as defensive coordinator. The team also boasts college football's top recruiting class and returns 15 starters from its 9-4 2025 season. These developments aim to position USC for a College Football Playoff bid.
USC aims to compete for a College Football Playoff spot following a 9-4 record in the 2025 season. Head coach Lincoln Riley added former TCU head coach Gary Patterson as defensive coordinator. Patterson, who brings 10 years of head coaching experience, previously coached at TCU until 2021.
The Trojans enter the 2026 season with college football's top recruiting class. They also return 15 starters, including nine on offense. Redshirt senior quarterback Jayden Maiava leads the returning offensive players.
General Manager Chad Bowden oversees the recruiting efforts that secured the top-ranked class. Riley notes the returning experience is uncommon, especially the continuity at quarterback with Maiava. USC also anticipates the summer 2026 opening of the new $200 million Bloom Football Performance Center, a 160,000 square-foot facility.
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