With 35 commitments and two five-stars leading the way, the USC Trojans sit atop the 2026 Rivals Team Rankings — but coach Lincoln Riley’s Trojans still have work to do to secure their first No. 1 class since 2006.

No, USC does not play on Saturday, Oct. 25. The Trojans have a bye in Week 9, their final one of the 2025 season. USC will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 1 in Week 10 when it takes a trip to face Nebraska. It starts five straight games the Trojans will play to end the season, which include critical matchups against Iowa, at Oregon and UCLA.

The USC Trojans host the Cal Poly Mustangs for the season opener. The teams play Monday for the first time this season.

Behind elite blocking and King Miller’s relentless running, the USC Trojans might have found their Big Ten identity under coach Lincoln Riley—winning with the offensive line and outlasting Nebraska Cornhuskers 21–17 on the road.

Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb is seeking depth in every aspect from her team without its injured superstar, who will miss the season recovering from a torn ACL.