USC expected to make College Football Playoff in 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 5:02 PM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
Stewart Mandel of The Athletic projects that USC will secure a spot in the College Football Playoff for the first time, finishing the season with a 10-2 record. Mandel cites the team's talented veteran quarterback Jayden Maiava and seasoned coach Lincoln Riley, alongside Gary Patterson as defensive coordinator. USC's path to the playoffs will likely require a significant victory over rivals Oregon or Ohio State and must avoid recent pitfalls against weaker opponents. The 2026 college football season is set to commence soon.
- •Stewart Mandel predicts USC will finish 10-2.
- •USC aims for first College Football Playoff appearance.
- •Jayden Maiava is the team's veteran quarterback.
- •USC must beat either Oregon or Ohio State.
- •Gary Patterson joins USC as the defensive coordinator.
- 5:02 PMYahoo Sports — The Athletic writer picks USC to make College Football Playoff
"Could the Trojans finally make their first playoff this fall? One notable writer thinks that they will
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