Analyst picks USC football as top national title sleeper for 2026
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 7:09 AM
Last updated Aug 26, 2026
As the 2026 college football season approaches, FOX Sports analyst RJ Young has named USC as the biggest sleeper team for the national championship. Young highlights the Trojans’ strong offensive performance in 2025, where they averaged 465.5 total yards per game and boasted a potent passing attack led by quarterback Jayden Maiava. With 15 returning starters and nine offensive returners, USC appears well-positioned for success. Young believes improvements on defense could further bolster their chances in 2026.
- •USC posted a 9-4 record in 2025.
- •The team featured the #1 offense in the Big Ten last season.
- •Jayden Maiava recorded 3,711 passing yards and 24 touchdowns.
- •The Trojans return significant offensive firepower with key playmakers.
- •Defensive improvements are expected with impactful transfers.
- 7:09 AMYahoo Sports — USC football news: Analyst labels Trojans biggest national title sleeper in 2026
"As the 2026 college football campaign approaches, plenty of national focus remains fixed on traditional powerhouses. However, one analyst believes national championship contenders might be flying under the radar out in Los Angeles. FOX Sports college football analyst RJ Young recently identified USC football as his top sleeper pick to win the […] The post USC football news: Analyst labels Trojans biggest national title sleeper in 2026 appeared first on ClutchPoints.
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