Low attendance at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum marks USC season opener

The USC Trojans hosted San Jose State at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 29, 2026, to begin their college football season. Official attendance for the contest was recorded at 51,144, significantly lower than the stadium's capacity of more than 77,000. This turnout represents a drop of over 10,000 spectators compared to the team's 2025 season opener. The sparse crowd has generated speculation regarding the current direction of the program under head coach Lincoln Riley. While Week 0 games and the matchup against a non-marquee opponent are cited as contributing factors, the low turnout remains a point of concern for a program with a historical standing in the sport. The 2026 campaign is considered a pivotal year for the coaching staff and the overall trajectory of the USC team.

• 1:08 PMYahoo Sports — Is USC’s terrible Week 0 attendance a big deal?