USC defense aims for improvement ahead of 2026 football season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 1:43 PM
Last updated Jun 23, 2026
USC's defense is preparing for the 2026 season with the goal of becoming consistently competent. The team previously relied heavily on its offense over the last three seasons except for 2024, where defense was prioritized. Last season, USC's defense allowed an average of 22.4 points in conference play, ranking seventh in the Big Ten. With key matchups against top teams like Oregon and Ohio State, the Trojans are looking to strengthen their defensive line as they aim for a potential playoff spot.
- •USC's defense allowed 22.4 points per game in conference play last season.
- •The Trojans ranked seventh in the Big Ten based on defensive performance.
- •Matchups against Oregon and Ohio State are critical for the upcoming season.
- •The defensive line is considered the most crucial position group for USC.
- •The team aims for a top-five defense in the Big Ten to reach the playoffs.
- 1:43 PMYahoo Sports — USC defense has a clear goal going into 2026 football season
"USC's defense doesn't have to be extraordinary, but it needs to be consistently competent, especially in crunch-time moments in 2026
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NCAAF•Jun 23, 2026, 2:17 PMThe Swamp ranked among EA Sports' toughest places to play
- NCAAF•Jun 23, 2026, 1:20 PMHoosiers Daily News: Indiana football stays hot on the recruiting trail
- NCAAF•Jun 23, 2026, 12:38 PMWhat are the chances Cade Klubnik can contribute his rookie season
- NCAAF•Jun 23, 2026, 12:11 PMClemson offers elite 2028 safety, Top 100 recruit in the country
- NCAAF•Jun 23, 2026, 11:30 AMTexas A&M ranked as one of 10 teams 'likely to disappoint' in 2026
- NCAAF•Jun 23, 2026, 11:02 AMTexas A&M star shockingly snubbed from top dual-threat QB rankings
