USC Football Is Ready to Dream Big With a Star-Packed Freshman Class

The USC Trojans football team is kicking off its 2026 season with one of the most talented groups of new players in recent memory. Head coach Lincoln Riley is entering what many people call a 'make-or-break' year — a season where he really needs to prove himself. The team has a new defensive coordinator, a brand-new training facility, and the top-ranked recruiting class in the country. If everything goes right, USC could earn a spot in the College Football Playoff for the very first time.

The biggest question heading into the season is how quickly USC's freshman players will step up and make a difference. Freshmen are first-year college players, and it is rare for them to become stars right away. But this group is different. Standouts like defensive end Luke Wafle — ranked the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 class — and wide receiver 'Boobie' Feaster, who is just 17 years old, could be key players almost immediately. If these young Trojans develop fast, USC's season could go from good to great.

Quarterback Jayden Maiava is also a huge part of the plan. Last season, he had his worst game of the year against Oregon, losing badly. This year, Oregon comes to USC's home stadium, the Coliseum, giving Maiava a chance to show major improvement. Many scouts think he has the talent to be picked in the first round of the NFL Draft someday. But first, he needs to prove it on the field against top opponents.

The defense could be just as important as the offense. Oregon's quarterback, Dante Moore, has never had to play as the starter on the road against a ranked team. The Coliseum is expected to be loud and packed with fans. If USC's defense can rattle Moore early, the Trojans have a real shot to beat Oregon for the first time in ten years. That kind of win would send a huge message to the rest of college football.

There was some bad news before the season even started. Sophomore defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart hurt his foot and will likely miss the first three games. Stewart was expected to be one of the best players on the defensive line. Foot injuries can be tricky, and while a source said it was not too serious, it is still a setback for a team that needs all the help it can get up front.

There is also a new rule that could let some former college players return to college football even after signing with NFL teams. Coach Riley said he is open to adding players if it helps the team, but he does not want to mess up the team's strong chemistry. He said, 'Addition doesn't always mean necessarily making you better.' For now, USC seems happy with the players it already has.

Here is a closer look at the top freshman players to watch this season. Luke Wafle leads the list as the nation's top recruit and should play a lot right away. Wide receiver Trent Mosley, who is 20 years old, is already locked into a starting spot and could lead the team in catches. Tight end Mark Bowman has huge potential, though he missed some practice time during training camp.

Other freshmen making noise include wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, who had a standout training camp and is expected to make big plays right away. Cornerback Elbert 'Rock' Hill has impressed coaches and is already ahead of schedule. Running back Deshonne Redeaux has a smooth running style and could become the team's kick returner immediately.

On the schedule, wins over Maryland and Wisconsin look very likely. But games against Ohio State and Indiana look much harder. Indiana has not lost a single home game under their coach, Curt Cignetti, and gives up only about 10 points per game at home. That could be the one loss that trips USC up. Still, if the Trojans win ten games, they would likely earn their first-ever College Football Playoff spot.

USC's women's soccer team is also starting its season with high hopes after a rough 7-7-3 record in 2025. Coach Jane Alukonis brought in the No. 1-ranked recruiting class in the country, including forward Jordan Hill and defender Rhiannon Mahon. However, the team was picked to finish seventh in the Big Ten before the season started. Early losses to Duke and Brigham Young have made the road ahead even harder for the Trojans.