The USC Trojans are coming off a 9-4 season and entering an offseason of rebuilding, especially with the incoming freshman class and Gary Patterson, the Trojans new defensive coordinator. Analyst Suggests Not To Count Out The USC TrojansSep 27, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley before an NCAA football game with the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. “I wouldn’t rule out the USC Trojans from that conversation either. Jayden Maiava back at quarterback (with) Lincoln Riley, and Gary Patterson as his defensive coordinator," Herron said on B1G Live. 1 ranked recruiting class, per On3, to their roster, the Trojans could be a very dangerous team in 2026.