USC’s season opener ended with a win, but the scene inside the L.A. Memorial Coliseum told a different story.
The Trojans rolled past San Jose State, 42-26, to start the 2026 college football regular season 1-0. Still, the crowd turnout for Week 0 was jarring enough that USC felt compelled to address it publicly. The official attendance came in at 51,144, the lowest mark of the Lincoln Riley era so far.
Fans noticed immediately, and the reaction online was brutal. “College football is dying use to go to games and knew the players now days they change players like you change clothes you don’t know who is going to be there just another factory not much to see here no loyalty in the players mostly just money deal,” one fan wrote. Another added, “What has happened to USC?!??”
Some USC supporters pushed back on the criticism and pointed to the conditions on game day. “It’s literally 100° on the field with probably 80% humidity. Whoever scheduled the game in the afternoon knowing that usually August and September are the warmer months in Los Angeles but it’s been abnormally warm, these last couple months is dumb,” one fan aded.
USC responded through a statement cited by Jordan Mendoza of USA Today: “We understand the factors that impacted Saturday’s attendance,” USC said. “We have high expectations and a premier home schedule this season, and we know the competitive advantage an electric Coliseum atmosphere can provide our program. We thank our fans who showed up Saturday and look forward to seeing increased attendance the rest of the season.”
The Trojans should get chances for bigger crowds later in the year, with Ohio State and Oregon both scheduled to come to Southern California. For now, USC will try to keep the wins coming and hope the stands fill in as the 2026 season moves along.
In Other News...
USCs Week 0 Numbers Hint At Something Bigger On Offense
USCs season opener left behind more than a win, it also offered an early statistical snapshot that suggests this offense may already be tracking toward something more dangerous. Jayden Maiavas efficiency stood out right away, with the quarterback setting a completion percentage record in his debut as the starter, while true freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley made his first college game look far less ordinary than most opening nights for an 18-year-old.
There is still plenty to sort out, especially on the other side of the ball, but the broader picture from Week 0 was hard to miss. USC showed up in the national and Big Ten rankings in ways that reflect real production, and the number of true freshmen in the starting lineup only added to the sense that this group is still getting its footing while already flashing a higher ceiling than a typical early-season team. [Read more 🡒]
Kirk Herbstreit Just Called Out USC Fans Over A Growing Problem
USCs home opener brought the kind of spotlight the program usually expects, but not the kind of crowd it wanted. ESPN commentator Kirk Herbstreit took aim at the Trojans fan support after the stadium was only about half full, despite USC coming in ranked 14th nationally and trying to position itself for a run at the conference title.
Herbstreits criticism also pointed beyond the stands and toward the broader picture around the program, including the schools response to the disappointing turnout. For a team trying to build momentum early, the scene served as a reminder that success on the field does not always guarantee the atmosphere around it, and USC has some work to do to turn home games back into the kind of event that matches the expectations. [Read more 🡒]
USC May Have Found A Freshman Lincoln Riley Can Trust Early
USC did not have to wait long to find out what Mark Bowman could offer. The freshman tight end started in the season opener against San Jos State and spent most of his night doing the unglamorous work that helps an offense function, especially as a run blocker. For a player with Bowmans recruiting profile and a high school rsum that drew plenty of attention, the early role says a lot about how quickly he has adapted to the college game.
Landon Tengwall noted Bowmans advanced physical development and the kind of blocking skills that can earn a young player trust fast, and that matters in Lincoln Rileys offense. Bowman also chipped in three catches for 15 yards, but his bigger value may come from what he does before the ball ever reaches him. If USC is going to lean on its ground game early, Bowman already looks like someone the staff is comfortable putting on the field. [Read more 🡒]