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USC is poised to make a postseason run, but it begins and ends with Lincoln Riley. Throwing money at the transfer portal is one thing; winning trench battles in November is another. That's why CBS Sports slapped an "overrated" tag on the Trojans heading into 2026.
Nobody doubts Riley can draw up an explosive offense.
His track record proves that. But high-flying passing numbers have routinely masked the defensive breakdowns that cost USC in big moments.
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Quarterback Jayden Maiava gives the Trojans steady leadership under center, which was on full display in Saturday's opener against San Jose State as he finished an efficient 25-of-29 for 286 yards and three total touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) to power a 505-yard offensive display in a 42-26 win.
Yet as dynamic as Maiava looked connecting with top target Trech Mosley (seven catches, 118 yards, touchdown), gaudy numbers against Mountain West competition don't answer the lingering questions in Los Angeles—especially after surrendering 23 fourth-quarter points.
Riley’s answer to his long-running defensive problem was hiring Gary Patterson. Patterson’s résumé is impressive, but his 4-2-5 scheme still raises questions in the Big Ten. He has not coordinated a defense since 2021, and stopping physical Midwestern rushing attacks takes more than name recognition.
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Then there's the travel factor. Cross-country flights and hostile road conditions in the Midwest have consistently exposed West Coast teams that lack interior depth.
Until Riley shows his program can physically dictate terms at the line of scrimmage in cold-weather November games, picking USC as a true Big Ten champion is wishful thinking.
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