USC football might not have leaned into the transfer portal to the extent it needed to in the 2026 offseason. The Trojans might still be short at a few positions of acute need. However, it’s certainly true that USC’s returning talent on offense is considerable. That enabled ESPN to view the Trojans’ offseason in a very positive light. What went right for USC in the offseason? ESPN college football analysts wrote the following:
“The offseason could push Riley’s program over the top. USC signed the nation’s top recruiting class, retained several of its top players and brought in several accomplished assistants, including Patterson and Ekeler. Quarterback Jayden Maiava will again lead the offense after an excellent 2025 season (3,711 passing yards, 65.8% completions). He will be joined by running backs Waymond Jordan and King Miller, and play behind a seasoned line. USC’s defense brought back several solid linemen, including Kameryn Crawford and Jahkeem Stewart. Unlike previous years with Riley, USC didn’t go super heavy into the portal but added Williams from Iowa State, who fills a clear need, as well as Anderson, Fisher and linebacker Deven Bryant.”
When considering this analysis, the offensive side of the ball is the piece which feels especially solid. It’s on defense where the returning players need to step up and show they can reach a higher baseline level of performance. If the new defensive coaches are able to tap into USC’s defensive talent this year, everything could come together for the Trojans.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: ESPN identifies what went right for USC football this offseason
Reporting by Matt Zemek, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
