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USC Trojans aim for College Football Playoff in 2026 season

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 2:17 PM

Last updated Aug 18, 2026

USC Trojans aim for College Football Playoff in 2026 season

Summary

The USC Trojans, under head coach Lincoln Riley, set a clear goal for the upcoming 2026 college football season: to reach the College Football Playoffs. Despite not having qualified for the playoffs since the format's inception, USC has bolstered its roster and enters the season hopeful. The Trojans will face a challenging regular season schedule that includes games against prominent teams like Oregon, Washington, Penn State, and Ohio State. Analysts emphasize that a successful season hinges on USC achieving at least a 10-2 record against this tough slate. With the playoff field expanded to 12 teams, expectations for USC have intensified this year as they seek to end a prolonged absence from postseason contention.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•USC has not reached the College Football Playoff under Lincoln Riley.
•The Trojans finished 9-4 in 2025 after a 7-6 season in 2024.
•USC's schedule includes Oregon, Washington, Penn State, and Ohio State.
•Analysts suggest USC must go at least 10-2 to secure a playoff spot.
•The College Football Playoff field has expanded to 12 teams.

Latest Updates

2:17 PMYahoo Sports — College football analyst names USC, Lincoln Riley as team that must make playoffs in 2026
2:16 PMYahoo Sports — USC football's goal for the 2026 season is crystal clear

What they're saying

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USC has not reached the College Football Playoff under Lincoln Riley, putting added pressure on the Trojans to make a postseason breakthrough in 2026.
— Yahoo Sports