USC Trojans Open 2026 Season to Sparse Crowd in Home Opener

The University of Southern California opened its 2026 football season at the Coliseum with a decisive 35‑3 win over San Jose State, but the game was marked by a noticeably thin crowd. The Trojans, ranked 14th nationally, dominated the first half and maintained a 28‑0 lead before extending it to 35‑3 by the fourth quarter. Reports noted the game was played in 92‑degree heat, and while the official attendance number was not released, commentators described the turnout as “pathetic” and “embarrassing.” The low turnout has raised concerns about fan engagement for a program that has historically produced high‑profile athletes such as Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, and Caleb Williams.