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2026 USC-UCLA football game will be a clash of style and philosophy
TL;DR
The 2026 USC-UCLA football game will showcase contrasting roster-building strategies, with USC focusing on returning players and freshmen, while UCLA heavily utilizes the transfer portal. This difference adds excitement and discussion leading up to the game.
Key points
- USC focuses on returning players and high school recruits
- UCLA heavily utilizes the transfer portal
- UCLA's transfer class ranked No. 7 by ESPN
- Key transfers include players from James Madison and other schools
- The rivalry adds excitement to the 2026 football season
Mentioned in this story
Bob Chesney
James MadisonUSCUCLARiley Robell
USC football and UCLA football took different approaches to building their 2026 rosters. Whereas USC is banking on returning players and incoming freshmen recruited from high school, UCLA has dipped substantially into the transfer portal. ESPN's Bill Connelly ranked UCLA's transfer portal class No. 7:
"When UCLA hired James Madison's Bob Chesney, it also signed up for the inevitable JMU Influx. Knight, West and Barksdale were some of the Dukes' most high-upside players -- and JMU was much better than UCLA last season -- and Chesney also brought with him a pair of all-conference offensive linemen (guards Riley Robell and Carter Sweazie) and a couple of other disruptive defenders (DE Aiden Gobaira, LB Drew Spinogatti).
"In addition to a few smaller-school stars -- OL Derek Osman (Harvard), DE Dallin Havea (Utah Tech), CB Jhase McMillan (Montana State) -- Chesney complemented that with a number of less-tested recent blue-chippers. If the likes of WR (Florida), DT (Ohio State), (Notre Dame) and safety (Ohio State) start to develop too, then Chesney might have pulled off a double upgrade."
Q&A
What are the roster-building strategies for USC and UCLA in 2026?
USC is relying on returning players and high school recruits, while UCLA is significantly utilizing the transfer portal to enhance its roster.
Who are some key players UCLA has acquired from the transfer portal for 2026?
UCLA has brought in notable players like offensive linemen Riley Robell and Carter Sweazie, along with defenders Aiden Gobaira and Drew Spinogatti from James Madison.
How does the USC-UCLA rivalry impact the 2026 football season?
The contrasting approaches to roster building between USC and UCLA add intrigue to their rivalry, sparking discussions leading up to their matchup and into the 2027 offseason.
