USC Trojans Football: A Legacy of Excellence and Notable Alumni

The USC Trojans football team, representing the University of Southern California, stands as a storied program in American college football. As of the 2025 season, led by head coach Lincoln Riley, the Trojans compete in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Big Ten Conference. With a history spanning over 137 years, the team boasts an impressive all-time record of 884-374-54 (.694) and a rich tradition of success. From national championships to Heisman Trophy winners and a multitude of NFL stars, USC football has left an indelible mark on the sport. The program first took the field in 1888.

A Foundation of Success

Early Years and Conference Affiliations

USC's football journey began in 1888, with their inaugural game resulting in a 16-0 victory against the Alliance Athletic Club. Frank Suffel and Henry H. Goddard served as playing coaches, while quarterback Arthur Carroll assembled the team and even tailored their pants. The following year, USC faced its first collegiate opponent. In 1893, the Trojans joined the Intercollegiate Football Association of Southern California, marking an early step in their conference history. Before adopting the "Trojans" moniker in 1912, USC athletic teams were known as the Methodists or Wesleyans.

During the early years, limited travel options and the scarcity of major football programs on the West Coast restricted USC's rivalries to local Southern Californian institutions. Regular series were played against schools such as Occidental, Caltech, Whittier, Pomona, and Loyola. The first venture outside of Southern California occurred in 1905, when USC faced Stanford, a West Coast powerhouse, resulting in a 16-0 defeat. This game marked the beginning of USC's oldest rivalry and their first encounter with a future Pac-12 Conference opponent.

Between 1911 and 1913, USC briefly switched from football to rugby union, following the example of California and Stanford. However, this experiment proved unsuccessful, leading to financial difficulties and a return to football.

National Prominence and Coaching Legends

USC first achieved national prominence under head coach "Gloomy" Gus Henderson in the early 1920s. Another milestone came in 1922 when USC joined the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC), the forerunner of the modern Pac-12. Success continued under coach Howard Jones from 1925 to 1940, when the Trojans were just one of a few nationally dominant teams. USC achieved intermittent success in the years following Jones' tenure. Jeff Cravath, who coached from 1942 to 1950, won the Rose Bowl in 1943 and 1945. Jess Hill, who coached from 1951 to 1956, won the Rose Bowl in 1953. From 1957 to 1959, the Trojans were coached by Don Clark. The program entered a new golden age upon the arrival of head coach John McKay (1960-1975). During this period, the Trojans produced two Heisman Trophy winners (Mike Garrett and O. J. Simpson) and won four national championships (1962, 1967, 1972 and 1974). McKay's influence continued even after he departed for the NFL when an assistant coach, John Robinson (1976-1982), took over as head coach.

On September 12, 1970, USC opened the season at Alabama under legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant and became the first fully integrated team to play in the state of Alabama. The game, scheduled by Bryant, resulted in a dominating 42-21 win by the Trojans.

The 1980s and 1990s: A Period of Transition

In the 1980s, USC football did not realize a national championship, though it continued to experience relative success, with top-20 AP rankings and Pac-10 Conference championships under head coaches Ted Tollner (1983-1986) and Larry Smith (1987-1992) Each coach led the team to a win in the Rose Bowl and USC was recognized among the nation's top-ten teams three times. Despite the moderate success of team during these years, some alumni had grown accustomed to the program's stature as a perennial national championship contender. It was during this time that the Trojans were unable to defeat their rivals. They suffered winless streaks of 13 years (1983-1995, including the 1994 17-17 tie) to rival Notre Dame and 8 years (1991-1998) to crosstown rival UCLA which were unacceptable to many USC supporters. Under Robinson the Trojans were 2-2-1 against Notre Dame, but unable to beat UCLA. After posting a 6-6 record in 1996, and a 6-5 record in 1997, Robinson was fired. In 1998, head coach Paul Hackett took over the team, but posted an even more disappointing 19-18 record in three seasons than any of his recent predecessors.

The Pete Carroll Era: A Resurgence

In 2001, athletic director Mike Garrett released Hackett and hired Pete Carroll, a former NFL head coach. Carroll went 6-6 in his first year, losing to Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl, 10-6. After that, his teams became highly successful, ranking among the top ten teams in the country, with the exception of 2009 in which the team lost four regular season games. Carroll's final season with the Trojans was 2009.

USC opened 3-2 in 2002, suffering losses to Kansas State and Washington State. However, the Trojans went on to win the rest of their games, completing the regular season 11-2 on the strength of senior quarterback Carson Palmer's breakout performance. After struggling for most of his collegiate career, Palmer excelled in the Pro Style offense installed by new offensive coordinator Norm Chow. In fact, Palmer's performance, particularly in the season-ending rivalry games against Notre Dame and UCLA, impressed so many pundits that he went on to win the Heisman Trophy, carrying every region of voting and becoming the first USC quarterback to be so honored. Despite tying for the Pac-10 title (with Washington State), having the highest BCS "strength of schedule" rating, and fielding the nation's top defense led by safety Troy Polamalu, USC finished the season ranked No. 5 in the BCS rankings. Facing off against BCS No.

In 2003, highly touted but unproven redshirt sophomore Matt Leinart took over the quarterback position from Palmer. Although his first pass went for a touchdown in a win over Auburn, the Trojans suffered an early season triple-overtime loss to their conference rival California in Berkeley. After the loss to California, USC went on a 10-game winning streak and finished the season with a record of 11-1. In the 2003 BCS National Championship Game, the Sugar Bowl, BCS No. 2 LSU defeated BCS No. 1 Oklahoma 21-14. Meanwhile, BCS No. 3 USC defeated BCS No. 4 Michigan 28-14 in the Rose Bowl. USC finished the season ranked No. 1 in the AP poll and was awarded the AP National Championship; LSU, however, won the BCS National Championship title for that year, prompting a split national title between LSU and USC.

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In 2004, USC was picked preseason No. 1 by the Associated Press, thanks to the return of Leinart as well as sophomore running backs LenDale White and Reggie Bush. The defense-led by All-American defensive tackles Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson, as well as All-American linebackers Lofa Tatupu and Matt Grootegoed-was considered to be among the finest in the nation. Key questions included the offensive line, with few returning starters, and the receiving corps, which had lost previous year's senior Keary Colbert and the breakout star of 2003, Mike Williams. Williams had tried to enter the NFL draft a year early during the Maurice Clarett trial when it was ruled that the NFL could not deny them entering the draft. The decision was appealed and overturned leaving Williams unable to enter the draft. Despite close calls against Stanford and California, the Trojans finished the regular season undefeated and headed for the 2004 BCS Championship Game at the Orange Bowl. USC was the second team in NCAA football history to have gone wire-to-wire (ranked first place from preseason to postseason since the AP began releasing preseason rankings); the first was Florida State in 1999 (two other schools went wire-to-wire before the existence of preseason polls - Notre Dame in 1943 and Army in 1945). Quarterback Leinart won the Heisman Trophy, with running back Bush placing fifth in the vote tally. The Trojans' opponent in the Orange Bowl, Oklahoma, were themselves undefeated and captained by sixth-year quarterback Jason White, who had won the Heisman in 2003; the game marked the first time in NCAA history that two players who had already won the Heisman played against each other. Most analysts expected the game to be close-as USC matched its speed and defense against the Oklahoma running game and skilled offensive line-but the reality proved to be far different.

On May 26, 2011, the NCAA upheld all findings and penalties against USC. The 2005 regular season witnessed a resuscitation of the rivalry with Notre Dame, after a last-second play in which senior quarterback Matt Leinart scored the winning touchdown with help from a controversial push from behind by running back Reggie Bush, nicknamed the "Bush Push". The year climaxed with a 66-19 USC defeat of cross-town rival UCLA. Bush finished his stellar year by winning the Heisman Trophy (later returned by USC and reclaimed by the Heisman Trophy Trust considering Bush accepted improper benefits while at USC and was ineligible during the 2005 season),[22][26] while Leinart finished third in the Heisman voting. Several other players also earned accolades, being named All-Americans (AP, Football Coaches, Football Writers, Walter Camp, ESPN.com, SI.com, CBS Sportsline.com, Rivals.com, Collegefootballnews.com). These include QB Matt Leinart, RB Reggie Bush, RB LenDale White, S Darnell Bing, OT Taitusi Lutui, OT Sam Baker, WR Dwayne Jarrett, C Ryan Kalil, OG Fred Matua, and DE Lawrence Jackson. Additionally, OL Winston Justice did well enough to forgo his senior year and enter the NFL draft. The regular season ended with two clear-cut contenders facing off in the Rose Bowl to decide the national championship. As with the 2004 season, later NCAA investigations into alleged improper benefits given to Bush altered the official record of the 2005 Trojan season. All twelve wins from the 2005 season were officially vacated.

For the 2006 football season, USC tried to rebuild its strength following the loss of offensive stalwarts Leinart, Bush, and White, defensive leader Bing, and offensive linemen Matua, Justice, and Lutui. The Trojans developed their offense using unproven QB John David Booty and returning star receivers Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith along with second-year wide-out Patrick Turner. Mark Sanchez, the highly touted QB of the recruiting class of 2005 (Mission Viejo High School) was widely viewed as a dark horse to win the starting job from Booty, although Booty was named the starter at the end of fall training camp. The starting tailback position was initially a battle between returning players Chauncey Washington and Desmond Reed (both recovering from injuries) and heralded recruits Stafon Johnson (Dorsey High School in Los Angeles), C. J. USC had many experienced players as well, including linebacker Dallas Sartz and wide receiver Chris McFoy, who had already graduated with their bachelor's degrees and were pursuing master's degrees. Fullback Brandon Hancock would have been part of that group as well until an injury ended his collegiate career. The 2006 Trojans came out strong, easily defending their top 10 status throughout the year. As the season progressed, USC began to display marked inconsistencies, as their margins of victory began to slip. The first setback proved to be a 31-33 loss to unranked Oregon State, in which the Beavers were able to repeatedly capitalize on several Trojan turnovers.[31] Even though USC dropped initially in the polls, they worked their way back up. After defeating both Cal and Notre Dame, they held the number 2 spot heading into the final week of the season. The Trojans were considered to be a virtual lock for the BCS National Championship Game against Ohio State and just needed to beat UCLA. USC was shocked in the final game of the season, losing to crosstown rival UCLA 13-9. This eliminated the Trojans from championship contention and opened the door for Florida to become Ohio State's opponent. The Trojans did earn a Rose Bowl bid and defeated Michigan 32-18. In July 2007, ESPN.com named USC its No. The 2007 Trojans were the presumptive No. 1 pick before the season.[35][36] However, they lost two games, including a major upset to 41-point underdog Stanford, and they did not get into the national championship game. Under Car…

Defining Characteristics

Championships and Accolades

The USC Trojans football program has achieved significant milestones throughout its history:

Claimed National Titles: 11 (1928, 1931, 1932, 1939, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1974, 1978, 2003, 2004)
Unclaimed National Titles: 6 (1929, 1933, 1976, 1979, 2002, 2007)
Conference Titles: 37
Division Titles: 4 (2015, 2017, 2020, 2022)
Bowl Record: 36-20 (.643)

Traditions and Symbols

The Trojans' colors, cardinal and gold, are prominently displayed on their uniforms and helmets. The team's fight song, "Fight On," resonates throughout the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, their home stadium, energizing players and fans alike. Traveler, the white horse mascot, symbolizes the spirit and determination of the Trojans.

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Rivalries

USC's rivalry with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is one of the most storied and intense in college football, fueled by frequent competition for national championships. The annual crosstown showdown with the UCLA Bruins is another highly anticipated game, adding local flavor to the rivalry landscape. They also share a significant crosstown rivalry with the UCLA Bruins.

Notable Alumni

USC's football program has produced a remarkable array of talent, with many players achieving greatness at both the collegiate and professional levels.

Heisman Trophy Winners

USC boasts eight Heisman Trophy winners, the most of any university:

Mike Garrett (1965): An All-American running back known for his versatility and determination.
O. J. Simpson (1968): A legendary running back whose on-field accomplishments are undeniable, despite his later controversies.
Charles White (1979): The school's all-time leading rusher and a two-time unanimous All-American.
Marcus Allen (1981): A dynamic running back who set a school record with 2,427 rushing yards in his Heisman-winning season.
Carson Palmer (2002): The first USC quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy, known for his strong arm and leadership.
Matt Leinart (2004): A two-time Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year who led the Trojans to a national championship.
Reggie Bush (2005): A electrifying running back and all-purpose player whose Heisman Trophy was later vacated but has since been reinstated.
Caleb Williams (2022): A transfer from Oklahoma who set single-season school records for passing yards and touchdowns in his first season.

College and Pro Football Hall of Famers

USC's legacy is further solidified by its numerous inductees into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. These individuals represent the pinnacle of achievement in the sport.

College Football Hall of Fame:

Morley Drury: Known as "The Noblest Trojan of Them All," Drury was one of USC's first gridiron stars during the second half of the 1920s.
Ronnie Lott: A fierce hitter and dominant defensive back who is tied for fourth in school history with 14 career interceptions.
Matt Leinart: The two-time Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year, Leinart concluded his career with 10,693 passing yards and 99 touchdowns - both totals ranking among the top five in school history.

Pro Football Hall of Fame:

Ron Yary: An Outland Trophy winner and two-time consensus All-American who played 14 seasons in the NFL.
O.J. Simpson: The 1968 Heisman Trophy winner, played nine seasons for the Bills (1969-1977) and two seasons for the San Francisco 49ers (1978-79).
Junior Seau: A dominant linebacker who was the Pac-10's Defensive Player of the Year in 1989.
Bruce Matthews: A versatile offensive lineman who played 19 seasons in the NFL and earned 14 Pro Bowl selections.
Marcus Allen: The 1981 Heisman Trophy winner, played 11 years for the Raiders (1982-1992), and then five seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs (1993-97).
Anthony Munoz: Considered one of the greatest offensive tackles in NFL history, Munoz played 13 seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ronnie Lott: Played 10 seasons for the 49ers (1981-1990), two seasons for the Los Angeles Raiders (1991-92) and two seasons for the New York Jets (1993-94).
Lynn Swann: Played nine seasons for the Steelers (1974-1982). He was a member of each of the Steelers' four Super Bowl-winning teams during the 1970s, a three-time Pro Bowl selection and a 2001 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Paul "Tank" Younger: The first Black player from a historically Black college to play in the NFL.

Other Notable Players

Beyond the Hall of Famers and Heisman winners, many other USC alumni have made significant contributions to football:

Morley Drury: Known as "The Noblest Trojan of Them All," Drury was one of USC's first gridiron stars during the second half of the 1920s.
John David Booty: The starting QB of the 2006 team.
Anthony Munoz: Before enjoying a 13-year Hall-of-Fame NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals, Munoz laid the foundation at USC.
Marqise Lee: Only one Trojan has won the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation's top wide receiver and USC's all-time leader with 3,655 receiving yards and second in receptions (248).
Frank Gifford: Played 12 seasons for the Giants (1952-1964).
Troy Polamalu: A two-time All-American, Polamalu honed his skills as one of the most versatile safeties.
Charles White: He's the school's all-time leading rusher with 6,245 career yards.
Ricky Bell: Bell began his USC career as a linebacker, then made a name for himself as a talented blocking fullback during the program's 1974 national championship squad.
Matt Grootegoed: Key questions included the offensive line, with few returning starters, and the receiving corps, which had lost previous year's senior Keary Colbert and the breakout star of 2003, Mike Williams.
Dallas Sartz: USC had many experienced players as well, including linebacker Dallas Sartz and wide receiver Chris McFoy, who had already graduated with their bachelor's degrees and were pursuing master's degrees.
Sam Baker: Several other players also earned accolades, being named All-Americans (AP, Football Coaches, Football Writers, Walter Camp, ESPN.com, SI.com, CBS Sportsline.com, Rivals.com, Collegefootballnews.com).
Ryan Kalil: Several other players also earned accolades, being named All-Americans (AP, Football Coaches, Football Writers, Walter Camp, ESPN.com, SI.com, CBS Sportsline.com, Rivals.com, Collegefootballnews.com).

NFL Success

USC boasts an impressive list of NFL alumni, with many players achieving Pro Bowl selections, Super Bowl victories, and Hall of Fame honors. As of 2022, USC holds the all-time record for the most quarterbacks (17) and is tied with the University of Miami for the most wide receivers (40) to play in the NFL. The program has produced 582 NFL draft picks, second only to the University of Notre Dame.

Current State and Future Outlook

Lincoln Riley Era

As of the 2025 season, Lincoln Riley leads the USC Trojans football team. Riley's arrival has brought renewed excitement and optimism to the program, with fans hoping to see the Trojans return to national prominence.

Big Ten Conference

USC's move to the Big Ten Conference in 2024 marks a new chapter in the program's history. The Trojans will face new challenges and opportunities as they compete against some of the top teams in the Midwest.

The Future of USC Football

With a strong foundation, a rich tradition, and a commitment to excellence, the USC Trojans football program is poised to continue its legacy of success. The program's focus on recruiting top talent, developing players, and competing for championships ensures that USC will remain a force in college football for years to come.

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