The USC Trojans enter the 2026 season with plenty of attention around Lincoln Riley's program. With returning quarterback Jayden Maiava back under center and expectations rising, USC looks like one of the more interesting teams to watch before Week 1. But high hopes do not erase the biggest issues that still need to be settled.
One major question is how far Maiava can take the offense. The returning starter is viewed as one of the better quarterbacks in the country, which gives USC an important foundation heading into the opener. Even so, preseason optimism only goes so far until the offense shows it can consistently match the talent and expectations surrounding the program.
Another focus is the defense, especially with a new coordinator stepping in. Coaching changes can reshape a unit quickly, but they can also require time before communication, assignments and overall identity fully click. For USC, how fast that side of the ball comes together could be one of the biggest factors in determining how ready the Trojans are for Week 1.
The broader issue is whether USC can turn promise into balance across the roster. A proven quarterback and a high-profile coaching staff create excitement, yet the Trojans still have to answer the usual preseason questions about consistency, cohesion and overall readiness. Until those areas are clearer, USC remains a team with major upside and a few important unknowns.
