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Sport: College SportsCountry: United StatesCategory: Coaching

USC football hires first director of AI ahead of 2026 season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 10, 2026, 3:24 PM

Last updated Jun 10, 2026

USC football hires first director of AI ahead of 2026 season
Summary

USC is set to announce Conor McQuiston as its first director of artificial intelligence for college football on June 10, 2026. This move comes after the university received a $200 million gift aimed at supporting AI research and implementation. McQuiston has previous experience in analytics for both the NFL and college football. He will report to USC general manager Chad Bowden, who previously established an analytics director position at Notre Dame. Additional full-time staff for the analytics department are also expected to be hired. Lincoln Riley, entering his fifth season as head coach, prepares the Trojans to begin their season at home against San Jose State on August 29.

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Key Details
  • •Conor McQuiston expected to be named director of AI on June 10.
  • •USC received a $200 million gift for AI research from Mark Stevens.
  • •McQuiston has worked in NFL and college football analytics.
  • •Chad Bowden will oversee McQuiston's role as general manager.
  • •USC opens the 2026 season against San Jose State on August 29.
Latest Updates
  • 3:24 PMYahoo Sports — USC football, Lincoln Riley hiring first-of-its-kind director of AI
What they're saying
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Southern California received a $200 million gift to assist with artificial Intelligence research. Now, it's football program is naming a head of AI.

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