USC Football: Riley's Most Complete Squad Yet?

Lincoln Riley enters his fifth season as USC Trojans coach with significant optimism, labeling the 2026 squad as "the most complete roster" he has assembled. Riley expressed his excitement on The Jim Rome Show, highlighting the return of productive players and the addition of the nation's top recruiting class as key factors.

Quarterback Jayden Maiava is a pivotal figure for the 2026 season. He returns after starting all 13 games last year, leading the Big Ten with 3,711 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Maiava's decision to return to USC instead of entering the NFL Draft could prove beneficial, given Riley's history of developing elite quarterbacks.

Riley has a proven track record, having coached three Heisman Trophy winners who became the No. 1 NFL Draft pick. With +2500 odds, Maiava is considered a dark horse candidate for the Heisman. Riley's primary objective is to restore USC to consistent championship contention, a level the program has not seen in nearly two decades.

Since 2009, USC has secured only one conference title and has not reached the College Football Playoff. Riley, who joined USC after a successful tenure with the Oklahoma Sooners (55-10 record, four Big 12 titles), has a 35-18 record with the Trojans. His best season was 2022, going 11-1 in the regular season and reaching the Pac-12 Championship game.