Projecting the Biggest Concern for the USC Trojans in 2026
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Optimism is running high at USC this spring. The Trojans are coming off a 9-4 season, with the team’s three regular season defeats coming to Illinois, Notre Dame, and Oregon – a combined 32-8 in ‘25. USC secured the No. 1 recruiting class this offseason and returns 14 starters to provide coach Lincoln Riley with his best chance to make the College Football Playoff since his debut in ‘22.
While the optimism is high, USC has plenty of concerns to address this spring. Can new coordinator Gary Patterson help the Trojans’ defense take a massive step forward? And will Riley find enough weapons to restock the receiving corps for quarterback Jayden Maiava? The schedule is not easy. USC hosts Ohio State, Oregon, Washington and plays at Penn State and Indiana in ‘26.
Athlon Sports’ Steven Lassan and Kyle Wood debate and project what the biggest concern for USC should be in ’26:
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Projecting the Biggest Concern for the USC Trojans in 2026
Steven Lassan: Defense
Even though receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane leave big shoes to fill, I trust Riley to find the right answers for quarterback Jayden Maiava. The cupboard on the outside isn’t bare either, as Tanook Hines is a rising star, and NC State transfer Terrell Anderson gives the passing game a proven target with the ability to make plays downfield (16.1 yards per catch in ‘25).
The biggest concern for USC and its hopes of a playoff run remains the defense. The Trojans ranked 11th in the Big Ten in scoring defense in ‘25 and finished 12th the previous year. This unit made some strides under D’Anton Lynn, but he left for Penn State this offseason, opening the door for Riley to hire long-time coach Gary Patterson as play-caller. Patterson has a wealth of defensive experience and a track record of success on that side of the ball. However, just five starters are back and there are holes to plug at every level. Getting tougher against the run is a must after USC surrendered 136.9 yards a game in Big Ten play last season.
Can Patterson find the right personnel to fit his scheme and turn this group around in ‘26? If he can, the Trojans’ high-powered offense and a solid defense could be enough for Riley to guide USC to its first playoff trip.
Kyle Wood: Pass-catchers
The Trojans are losing Lemon, the Biletnikoff Award winner, and Lane, an overqualified No. 2 target, from the most prolific passing offense in the Big Ten. And that’s not all. Tight end Lake McRee is headed to the NFL, too, and Walker Lyons transferred out. Throw in the departure of Jaden Richardson and USC is losing five of its top six receivers from 2025.
Hines is the only returning pass-catcher who caught a touchdown from Maiava last season. The true freshman showed what he could do as the top target when he racked up 163 yards on six receptions in the Alamo Bowl. However, he’s sidelined in the spring due to an offseason procedure. Inexperience could be an issue for this green group of pass-catchers as Maiava tries to take the next step in his development and ready the Trojans for their first playoff run.
Anderson, a transfer, is the lone veteran in a room full of underclassmen. To prepare for the exodus of receivers, Riley’s top-ranked recruiting class includes six wideouts. Just as Hines was heavily involved as a freshman, a newcomer like Kayden Dixon-Wyatt or Ethan Feaster will have to be counted on in this offense. That newness will also be felt in the tight end room, where five-star freshman Mark Bowman may wind up replacing McRee, a two-year starter.
USC’s schedule affords Maiava some time to find his rythm with an almost entirely new group of pass-catchers. But their development could dictate the Trojans’ ceiling if the defense indeed takes a step forward this fall.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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