Big Ten · 2026

USC

2025 record 9–4 7–2 conference
Postseason Alamo Bowl L 27–30 OT vs TCU
Head coach Lincoln Riley
Scheme Multiple / Multiple 4-2-5
Conference
B

7–2 Big Ten + overall #2 + Maiava production; Alamo OT loss and early chart keep it below Michigan/Penn State band

Portal
B−

Portal #7 (efficiency) with a strong high-school pipeline underneath

Depth
B−

Early chart; two-deeps exist with continuity risk

Market odds

To Win Big Ten
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
To Make Conf. Championship
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
Over 8.5 wins
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%

Recruiting ranks

Overall #2 45 commits · 342.69 pts
Portal #7 10 commits· avg 88.13

Roster notes

Leading story

Riley continuity on an early depth chart

Offense

Jayden Maiava is listed QB1 over Sam Huard. RB Waymond Jordan; WR Terrell Anderson / Tanook Hines / Zacharyus Williams; TE Mark Bowman (Fr — no 2025 line)

Defense

Defense returns Desman Stephens II as the tackle leader among listed names

Key offense

  1. 01
    Jayden Maiava QB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 265/403, 3,711 yds, 24 TD, 10 INT
    • 157 rush yds / 6 TD
  2. 02
    Waymond Jordan RB
    Portal
    • 2025: 88 carries, 576 yds, 5 rushing TD in 6 G
  3. 03
    Terrell Anderson WR
    Portal
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 39 receptions, 629 yds, 5 TD

Key defense

  1. 01
    Desman Stephens II LB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 89 tackles
  2. 02
    Christian Pierce S
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 64 tackles, 1.0 sack, 1 INT, 3 PD
  3. 03
    Kameryn Crawford DE
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 41 tackles, 5.5 sacks