Replacing lost production will be a significant task for USC in 2026

USC football is bringing back Jayden Maiava, some talented running backs, and a young defense intent on making improvements from 2025. There is a considerable amount of returning production, but the Trojans did lose key producers from last season. ESPN explained:

"The Trojans had three underclassmen leave for the draft, including Lemon, the Biletnikoff Award winner, and Ramsey. They lost defensive tackle Devan Thompkins, who had 55 tackles and 4.5 sacks during the past two seasons, to Alabama. Other portal departures included tight end Walker Lyons (BYU), a top-120 recruit, and Husan Longstreet, a top-50 recruit and USC's possible quarterback of the future, who transferred to LSU."

Those are significant losses. It's not as though those losses can't be overcome, but it's still a real challenge for this 2026 roster. Getting something out of the incoming transfers and the new recruiting class will be important. Realistically, the transfers need to carry the freight in September while the freshmen go through growing pains. Then in October and November, the elite recruits have to begin to make their presence felt. If all those pieces can fit, USC can be great, but it shouldn't be ignored that the Trojans did lose some very important players going into this make-or-break season for Lincoln Riley.