USC’s preseason buzz is already spilling over into the Big Ten honors list.
Nine Trojans were named to Athlon Sports’ Preseason All-Big Ten team ahead of the 2026 college football season, a strong sign of how much talent is packed onto Lincoln Riley’s roster as he enters his fifth year in charge. USC is carrying big expectations into the fall, with Riley trying to push the program to the College Football Playoff for the first time.
The offensive group on the list is led by quarterback Jayden Maiava, running back Waymond Jordan, wide receiver Tanook Hines, and offensive linemen Elijah Paige and Alani Noa.
Maiava is coming off his first full season as USC’s starting quarterback, and the numbers were loud: 3,711 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Now he heads into 2026 as an underrated Heisman Trophy contender and the player USC is counting on to steer the offense toward the CFP.
Jordan gives Maiava a proven backfield partner after a season cut short by a serious ankle injury. Before that setback, which ended his year in early October against Michigan, Jordan had piled up 576 yards and five touchdowns.
At receiver, Hines steps into a bigger role after Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane left for the NFL. As a freshman, Hines flashed real upside with 34 catches for 561 yards and two touchdowns.
The offensive line also gets its share of recognition, with Paige and Noa expected to anchor a unit that will be central to USC’s hopes of fielding one of the country’s most explosive offenses.
On the other side of the ball, Athlon honored cornerback Jontez Williams, defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart, defensive end Kameryn Crawford, and linebacker Desman Stephens II.
Those three returning starters - Stewart, Crawford, and Stephens - will work under new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson, and their steadiness figures to be a major part of USC’s push to get back into the playoff picture. Stephens was the most productive of the group last season, finishing with 89 total tackles and one forced fumble.
Williams, meanwhile, arrives from Iowa State with a reputation for making plays on the ball. In three seasons with the Cyclones, he totaled 67 tackles and five interceptions, and USC will be hoping that turnover-making ability shows up quickly in the secondary.
USC opens the 2026 season on Aug. 29 against San Jose State at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. PT on NBC.
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