No. 14 USC defeated San José State 42-26 in their season opener on Saturday, with the Trojans’ offense led by quarterback Jayden Maiava, who completed 25 of 29 passes for 286 yards and three total touchdowns. The victory marked USC’s fifth consecutive season-opening win under head coach Lincoln Riley, but concerns about the team’s defensive performance persisted despite a first-half shutout.
The game took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in temperatures exceeding 90 degrees, with USC’s defense allowing 26 points in the second half. Freshman receiver Trent Mosley made his collegiate debut, finishing with seven catches for 118 yards and a touchdown, while the Trojans’ total offense amassed 500+ yards. The win extended USC’s home-opening streak to 23 consecutive games, but attendance figures were not officially released.
Defensive Coordinator Gary Patterson made his debut with USC, overseeing a unit that showed mixed results. The Trojans’ defense held San José State scoreless in the first half but struggled in the second half, prompting questions about their readiness for higher-level competition. USC’s defensive coordinator in 2025, Gary Patterson, is the third coordinator Riley has employed since 2022.
USC’s offensive efficiency continued to outpace its defensive metrics under Riley, with the Trojans ranking first in the nation in yards per play over the past four seasons. However, their best defensive ranking during that span was 51st nationally in 2025, allowing 23 points per game. The Trojans finished 9-4 last season, losing to Texas Christian in the Alamo Bowl.
Freshman contributors like Mosley, Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, Tron Baker, and Mark Bowman received significant playing time, reflecting Riley’s emphasis on youth development. The Trojans’ offensive game plan leaned heavily on short passes and rushing, with Maiava completing 86.2% of his passes in the game. The team’s offensive line also showed signs of cohesion, enabling sustained drives.
The victory over San José State, a team incorporating 48 new players, provided limited insight into USC’s national title aspirations. Riley has stated that the 2026 season would determine whether the Trojans’ defense could match the production of their offense. Patterson’s arrival was framed as a potential turning point, though early indications were inconclusive.
USC will next face a stiffer test when they travel to Texas on September 13, a game that may offer clearer indications of the Trojans’ playoff readiness.