The USC Trojans kicked off their 2026 season with a solid start, defeating the San Jose State Spartans 42-26 at the iconic Coliseum. This victory not only showcases the Trojans' offensive prowess but also marks the first game for new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson, a significant addition to the coaching staff.
Head coach Lincoln Riley expressed his thoughts on Patterson's debut, highlighting the excitement of working alongside him for the first time. "It was fun to be on the headsets and see how he calls a game," Riley remarked. He noted that the defense performed admirably for three quarters, although he acknowledged that Patterson would be dissatisfied with the team's performance in the final quarter. "I know he’s pissed right now about the fourth quarter, as you can imagine, because the guy’s standards are so high. That’s the reality for our defense," Riley added.
Riley emphasized the importance of maintaining defensive standards throughout the game. He praised the leadership shown in the locker room by players like Jide Abasiri and Des Stephens, who took it upon themselves to motivate their teammates. "We can’t take our foot off the gas. No matter who’s on the field or what the situation is, we have a standard defensively, and that doesn’t change," he stated. This mentality is crucial as the Trojans prepare for a demanding season ahead.
Despite the fourth-quarter struggles, the overall performance of the starters was commendable. Riley pointed out that the way the first-string defense played should have resulted in a much lower score for the opponent. He stressed the need for improvement, especially as the team faces tougher competition in the coming weeks. "We have to get better there because we’re going to need those guys to come along quickly, especially just in terms of our mentality," he remarked.
Looking ahead, the Trojans will be back in action on Friday when they host the Fresno State Bulldogs at the Coliseum. The game is set to kick off at 6:00 p.m. Pacific time and will be broadcast on Fox. As the season progresses, the Trojans will need to build on their strengths and address the weaknesses highlighted in their opening game to compete effectively against stronger opponents.
With Gary Patterson at the helm of the defense, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Trojans adapt and evolve throughout the season. The combination of Riley's offensive strategies and Patterson's defensive expertise could prove to be a formidable force in college football this year.
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