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USC Trojans Basketball: Big Ten Foes Revealed for 2026-27
13 May
Summary
- USC's Big Ten schedule for 2026-27 is now set.
- Coach Musselman has a 7-13 conference record so far.
- Key players like Arenas and Rice return, bolstered by transfer KJ Lewis.
The USC Trojans men's basketball team now knows its full slate of Big Ten opponents for the upcoming 2026-27 season. This marks USC's third year competing in the Big Ten conference.
In their initial two seasons, the Trojans have struggled, posting a 7-13 conference record under coach Eric Musselman, who was hired in 2024. USC has not reached the NCAA Tournament since 2023.
Last season, USC finished with an 18-14 overall record, which was insufficient for an NCAA Tournament bid. However, the expanded tournament field to 76 teams offers eight additional at-large bids, potentially improving USC's chances.
Projections for the 2026-27 season are optimistic, with USC ranked No. 14 on CBS Sports' "Rothstein 45" for the offseason. The projected starting lineup includes guards Alijah Arenas and Rodney Rice, guard KJ Lewis, forward Jacob Kofie, and center Eric Reibe.
The team received a significant boost with guard Alijah Arenas returning for his sophomore season. Arenas, a five-star recruit from the 2025 class, averaged 14.1 points per game in limited play last season due to a torn meniscus. Guard Rodney Rice also returns after averaging a team-high 20.3 points before a season-ending shoulder injury.
Further strengthening the backcourt, USC has added former Georgetown Hoyas guard KJ Lewis from the transfer portal. Lewis was a four-star transfer prospect who averaged 14.9 points per game last season. These additions suggest a stronger push for an NCAA Tournament appearance.
