Paul Finebaum criticizes USC over sparse attendance at Coliseum

ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum publicly questioned the turnout at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum during the USC football game against San Jose State on August 31, 2026. Official records indicate an attendance of 51,144, marking the lowest figure for the program under coach Lincoln Riley and the smallest crowd since 2018. Extreme heat contributed to the conditions, with temperatures reaching 94 degrees and a real-feel of 104 degrees at kickoff. In a statement, USC addressed the attendance, citing environmental factors and expressing expectations for higher turnout throughout the remainder of the schedule. Finebaum dismissed the university's response as insufficient, maintaining his criticism of the program's current standing. The Trojans are set to host Fresno State at the same venue on Friday, September 4.

• 4:37 PMYahoo Sports — Paul Finebaum unloads on USC, Lincoln Riley after sparse Week 0 crowd: 'Disgrace'