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USC football opens 2026 season against San Jose State amid high stakes

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 3:20 PM

Last updated Aug 25, 2026

USC football opens 2026 season against San Jose State amid high stakes

Summary

USC football kicks off its 2026 season against San Jose State this Saturday. This season marks the beginning of a crucial period for USC athletics, with the football program aiming for its first College Football Playoff berth. Recently, USC teams have encountered a series of near misses, failing to capitalize on opportunities to achieve significant milestones. This includes close calls for football, women's basketball, and baseball, which all seek to end long droughts in postseason success. With the pressure on, particularly for head coach Lincoln Riley in his fifth year, this season is seen as pivotal for the future of USC sports.

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By the Numbers

•USC football faces San Jose State in its season opener.
•The 2026 season is critical for USC athletics' future.
•USC has experienced multiple near misses in recent years.
•Lincoln Riley enters his fifth season with playoff ambitions.
•USC teams hope to end a long stretch without major achievements.

Latest Updates

3:20 PMYahoo Sports — 2026 football season begins one of most crucial years in USC history

What they're saying

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It's one of the biggest 10-month periods in USC sports history: September 2026 through June 2027. Can a revenue sport finally break through?
— Yahoo Sports

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