USC football seeks College Football Playoff berth amid tough 2026 schedule
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 8, 2026, 11:30 PM
Last updated Jul 8, 2026
USC Trojans football, led by coach Lincoln Riley, is projected to have a challenging yet potentially rewarding 2026 season in the Big Ten. The team is expected to finish with a 9-3 record based on CBS Sports analyst Brad Crawford's predictions. USC's schedule includes non-conference matches against San Jose State, Fresno State, and Louisiana, while key conference wins are anticipated against Rutgers, Washington, Penn State, Wisconsin, Maryland, and UCLA. Despite projected losses to Oregon, Ohio State, and Indiana, these defeats might not harm USC’s playoff chances, as they're against top competition. The team looks to secure a playoff spot, potentially contending for an at-large selection alongside Ole Miss.
- •USC is projected to finish 9-3 in 2026.
- •The Trojans face a difficult Big Ten schedule.
- •Key non-conference games include San Jose State and Fresno State.
- •USC is expected to secure wins against several conference opponents.
- •Projected losses are against elite teams Oregon and Ohio State.
- 5:09 AMYahoo Sports — USC Football Preview 2026: Can Lincoln Riley Finally Get the Trojans into the CFP?
- 11:30 PMYahoo Sports — USC football projected for critical playoff push in 2026 Big Ten predictions
"USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley is poised to make a run at a College Football Playoff berth. His roster has a chance to prove that the incoming narrative will eventually come true, but only time will tell.
"Last year's USC season was better than it got credit for, but it's past time for Lincoln Riley to get the Trojans to the College Football Playoff.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 10, 2026, 5:09 AMUSC Football Preview 2026: Can Lincoln Riley Finally Get the Trojans into the CFP?
Last year's USC season was better than it got credit for, but it's past time for Lincoln Riley to get the Trojans to the College Football Playoff.
- Yahoo SportsJul 8, 2026, 11:30 PMUSC football projected for critical playoff push in 2026 Big Ten predictions
USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley is poised to make a run at a College Football Playoff berth. His roster has a chance to prove that the incoming narrative will eventually come true, but only time will tell.
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