That might be the unofficial motto of the USC Trojans football program since the end of the Pete Carroll era, though with some slight tweaks here and there.And perhaps no season better epitomizes the program and its direction than the first half of 2026 in Los Angeles.This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.
If you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may be compensated.This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.SC entered the season with clear, defined expectations: make the College Football Playoff and return to national relevance after years of frustrations, missed opportunities, and disappointments.
The schedule was tough, with home games against Oregon, Ohio State and Washington, and away games at Penn State, Wisconsin, Indiana and UCLA.USC COACH LINCOLN RILEY MAKES BOLD CLAIM, SAYS USC IS READY TO WIN 'CHAMPIONSHIPS'USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts after a play during the game between the USC Trojans and the San Jose State Spartans on Aug.29, 2026, at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles.
(Icon Sportswire)But elite teams win big games against other top teams.Oregon was the first opportunity for SC to show they belonged at that elite level, and they did the opposite.
The Ducks gained over 500 yards on offense, even though backup quarterback Dylan Raiola replaced Dante Moore after Moore's injury on a terrible USC tackle.Even though the score was 27-27 in the fourth quarter and SC's defense seemed to get a stop on a long third down, a trademark poorly timed, and frankly absurd and ridiculous, roughing the passer penalty gave the Ducks a free first down.Fast forward 10 minutes later and it was yet another Lincoln Riley-era loss.Still, one loss in the modern era isn't a death sentence and Saturday night against the Washington Huskies provided an opportunity for USC to show that the OU loss wasn't a definitive statement on the quality of the team.
And yet, despite Washington ...