The USC football game against Oregon is, according to most analysts, the most important game the Trojans will play in 2026. Of course the Ohio State, Penn State, Indiana and Washington games matter a lot as well, but the Oregon game feels like the centerpiece, the game which might determine the fate of the team, Lincoln Riley, and and reputation of the USC football brand. USC is likely to lean on its offense in this game. Oregon has a highly-touted defense, as College Sports Wire notes:
“On Friday, USA TODAY released its rankings of the top 26 most-feared defensive players in the nation going into this fall. The team with the most players in the top 26 may surprise you. It’s the Oregon Ducks, with a whopping four players mentioned in the rankings. The highest on the list for the Ducks is defensive lineman A’Mauri Washington, at No. 5 on the list, followed by cornerback Brandon Finney (No. 10), safety Koi Perich (No. 14), and edge-rusher Teitum Tuioti (No. 21).”
The article later continued:
“It’s unsurprising to see teams like Miami, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Texas near the top of the list, but a West Coast team like Oregon at the top of the list may turn some heads for those who haven’t been paying attention. Under Dan Lanning’s tutelage, the Ducks have been building an SEC-style team up in Eugene, with an emphasis on physicality and defense, above all else. Of course, they still have the Pac-12 flair on offense, led by Dante Moore and one of the nation’s best wide receiver corps.”
Lincoln Riley is an offense-first coach. It’s time for him and USC to really put the hammer down against Dan Lanning’s Oregon defense. If the Trojans fail, their season will lie in ruins and Riley could be on a very hot seat as the 2026 season continues.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Oregon defense receives glowing evaluations heading into 2026 season
Reporting by Matt Zemek, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
