All articles tagged with #usc
USC named interim president Beong-Soo Kim as its 13th president after seven months at the helm, during which he steered the university through a $200 million budget deficit, thousands of layoffs, and pressures from federal policy, AI, and campus labor tensions, with the board calling him a “next generation” leader who can guide USC through a rapidly changing higher‑education landscape.
The Big Ten released its 2026 schedule, delivering six takeaways about marquee showdowns and tough travel. USC faces what could be the toughest league slate, with Oregon, Indiana, and Ohio State on the menu plus road trips to Wisconsin and Penn State and a home date with Washington, suggesting a high-pressure year for Lincoln Riley. Ohio State’s path is also stacked, including Indiana, Oregon, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, USC and a Texas Week 2 game, setting up another title bid fight. Michigan closes with a brutal run (road trip to Oregon, a UCLA return, and Ohio State to finish) while also hosting Oklahoma in Week 2, ensuring five top-17 opponents from last season populate the schedule. Northwestern hosts Pat Fitzgerald’s Wildcats in East Lansing as Northwestern’s Aidan Chiles debuts under Chip Kelly, a subplot in a competitive matchup. Nebraska’s slate reinforces aTester-to-challenge year for Matt Rhule, featuring Indiana and Oregon in October and just one November home game (vs. Ohio State) with three of the final four on the road. Penn State, under Campbell, benefits from a favorable mix of five bottom-half teams and a demanding cross-country trip to face USC, with Michigan and USC looming but nine-win potential in Year 1 for Campbell remains plausible.
USC announced on Jan. 23 that Gary Patterson, a Hall-of-Fame defensive mind and former 21-year TCU head coach, will serve as USC’s defensive coordinator under Lincoln Riley. Patterson turned TCU into a defensive powerhouse with multiple conference titles and national coach-of-the-year honors, and has recent Big 12 advisory experience with Baylor and Texas. His hire is contingent on a background check and is expected to elevate USC’s defense immediately.
USC suffered a 30-27 overtime loss to TCU in the Alamo Bowl, highlighting both their potential and shortcomings, including missed opportunities in the red zone and defensive lapses, amid roster challenges and coaching changes, leaving questions about their future direction.
USC faces challenges in the Alamo Bowl with a depleted defense and a new offensive quarterback, but will showcase young players and a key quarterback Jayden Maiava, who chose to stay for another year, against TCU's mostly intact offense, in what could be a glimpse into USC's future.
Penn State is hiring USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, a former Penn State player, to lead their defense, returning him to his alma mater after successful stints at UCLA and USC where he improved defenses significantly. His departure leaves USC with a key vacancy as they prepare for a challenging 2026 season, and his return to Penn State marks a notable coaching move in college football.
D'Anton Lynn, USC's defensive coordinator, has accepted the same position at Penn State after turning down the job last year, citing changes in circumstances and leadership at Penn State. Lynn improved USC's defense significantly in his first year but faced challenges in his second season. His departure leaves USC searching for its third defensive coordinator in four years.
Nebraska's women's basketball team hosts USC in a top-20 Big Ten showdown, with Nebraska undefeated at 12-0 and USC at 9-3, in a game highlighting Nebraska's strong offensive performance and USC's top-ranked defense, marking a significant early-season matchup between two highly ranked programs.
The historic college football rivalry between USC and Notre Dame is on hold for the next two seasons, likely longer, due to scheduling conflicts related to the college football playoff system, though both schools hope to resume the rivalry in the future.
The historic college football rivalry between USC and Notre Dame will be on indefinite hiatus starting in 2026 due to scheduling disagreements and Notre Dame's new College Football Playoff agreement, with the earliest possible return being 2030, leading USC to seek alternative opponents for their schedule.
Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, a highly-rated wide receiver from Mater Dei, has flipped his commitment from Ohio State to USC, citing the Trojans' culture, coaching, and early playing opportunities as key factors in his decision.
No. 20 USC executed a clever fake punt by having third-string QB Sam Huard wear the same jersey number as the punter, allowing him to complete a key pass during their 38-17 win over Northwestern. The play was legal and planned for weeks, showcasing USC's creative strategy, while highlighting the importance of scrutinizing roster details in college football.
USC's No. 20 team executed a clever fake punt by having third-string quarterback Sam Huard, wearing No. 80, throw a pass, extending their drive in a legal and strategic move that added excitement to the game against Northwestern.
Nebraska aims to bounce back after a tough loss to USC as they face UCLA at the Rose Bowl, where UCLA has been inconsistent but recently improved under interim coaches. UCLA's quarterback Nico Iamaleava has shown promise, and the game could hinge on UCLA establishing the run and controlling the clock, with UCLA favored to win a close game 24-20. Nebraska needs to win the turnover battle and contain UCLA's offense to have a chance.
Keith Browner Sr., a notable NFL linebacker and member of a renowned football family, has died at 63, likely due to a heart attack. He played for several NFL teams after a standout college career at USC, and his family includes multiple NFL players, highlighting a legacy of football excellence.