USC highlights legendary 55 club as 2026 season kicks off soon
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 5, 2026, 12:50 PM
Last updated Jul 5, 2026
USC is counting down to its 2026 football season opener against San Jose State on August 29. The focus is on the iconic No. 55 worn by four legendary linebackers: Junior Seau, Willie McGinest, Chris Claiborne, and Keith Rivers. Each player has made a significant impact at USC and beyond, with Seau and McGinest achieving notable success in the NFL. The number has not been assigned since 2015, leaving future decisions to coach Lincoln Riley as the Trojans prepare for their upcoming season.
- •USC's season opener is on August 29 at the Coliseum.
- •Junior Seau was the first standout to wear No. 55 for the Trojans.
- •Willie McGinest followed and had a successful NFL career with the Patriots.
- •Chris Claiborne is the only USC linebacker to win the Butkus Award.
- •Keith Rivers was part of USC's 2004 national championship team.
- 12:50 PMYahoo Sports — USC countdown to kickoff: Looking at the legendary 55 club
"For today’s countdown to kickoff, we examine the history of perhaps the most iconic number at USC
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