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Articles by Dillon Zamperin
Students rush United Airlines Field for first time since 2013
As redshirt senior quarterback Jayden Maiava took a knee with 36 seconds to go, USC football did something it hadn’t accomplished in over 21 years: Beat the No. 2 team in the nation. Fans poured onto United Airlines Field on Saturday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, creating an atmosphere fans had not yet experienced during Lincoln Riley’s five years as head coach.
USC stuns No. 2 Ohio State 30-18 in Halloween thriller
On a rainy Halloween night, USC football pulled off its biggest upset under Head Coach Lincoln Riley, picking up a win over a top-three-ranked team for the first time since 2015 in front of over 70,000 fans. The Trojans (7-2, 4-2 Big Ten) took down No. 2 Ohio State (6-2, 4-1) 30-18 in a defensive masterclass, holding the Buckeyes to their lowest point total in any game this year.
USC vs Ohio State — as it happened
Last updated: 📌 PINNED Caleb Olguin and Dillon Zamperin from Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum; photos by Zach Carter and Sandip Maharaj USC upsets No. 2 Ohio State 30-18 On Halloween night at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, USC (7-2, 4-2 Big Ten) upset Ohio State (6-2, 4-1) 27-18 in one of the biggest games in Head Coach Lincoln Riley’s tenure at USC.
USC vs Ohio State — live updates
Last updated: 📌 PINNED Caleb Olguin and Dillon Zamperin from Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum; photos by Zach Carter and Sandip Maharaj USC football faces No. 2 Ohio State at the Coliseum Two of the premier programs in all of college football face off in a Halloween showdown Saturday afternoon, both at critical points in their respective seasons. USC (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) is coming off one of the most disappointing losses under Head Coach Lincoln Riley in his five-year tenure at USC.
Speed cameras are active in Los Angeles, impacting USC commuters
Around 20 speed safety cameras were activated in locations around Los Angeles on Monday, as part of the Speed Safety Systems Program, according to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT). The program was designed to limit speeding and began installations in April by LADOT, which said 125 automated speed safety cameras would be installed in the city in 2026.
Why is it only ever about football?
USC is home to 21 Division I programs: nine men’s teams and 12 women’s teams. And yet, we only talk about the No. 19 football squad. Sure, once football season ends, we’ll pivot to both men’s and women’s basketball. But outside of that small period of time, it’s just football. My only question is, why? To start off, let me hold myself accountable; that’s all I’ve written about in this column.
USC men’s water polo faces UCLA in NCAA Championship rematch
With one second left in last year’s NCAA Championship match, UCLA’s redshirt senior attacker Frederico Jucá Carsalade found the back of the net. The goal gave the Bruins an 11-10 win over USC and their second consecutive national title, leaving the Trojans with no time to respond. Nearly a year later, USC will get its first chance to face UCLA since that finish: The No. 3 Trojans (13-2, 1-1 MPSF) will host the No. 2 Bruins (16-1, 1-1) at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Uytengsu Aquatics Center.
Paralympians call for greater accessibility and investment ahead of LA28
USC Center on Public Diplomacy co-hosted a panel on the LA28 Paralympics with the consulate general of Greece and USC Athletics on Monday. Two-time Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech moderated the panel, guiding a discussion about the advancement of accessible and inclusive sport. Giorgos Kapellakis, a Greek former gold medalist swimmer at the 2008 Beijing Summer Paralympics, is now the President of the Hellenic Paralympic Committee.
Trump Administration changes Title IX rules, impacting USC students
The U.S. Department of Education rescinded a Biden administration policy regarding Title IX, impacting the application of regulations at federally funded educational institutions or programs across the country.
Two tournaments into his college career, William Hou finds his footing
William Hou has come a long way since his first junior golf tournament. He was 6 years old in a competition with kids four years older, and only finished half the round before burning out and walking off in tears. Now the freshman is beginning to find his footing after just two collegiate tournaments for USC men’s golf.
Men’s water polo faces top-ranked rivals in conference openers
Two weeks ago at the Overnght MPSF Invitational, USC men’s water polo needed a big-time comeback in the fourth quarter to defeat UC Berkeley after its loss to Stanford a day prior. This weekend, the Trojans will have another shot against both opponents to make a statement. No. 3 USC (11-1) will host No. 4 UC Berkeley (9-2) at 1 p.m. Saturday before facing No. 2 Stanford (10-1) at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Stanford apologizes after using generative AI to alter students’ appearances
Stanford University is facing criticism after its Residential & Dining Enterprises used generative artificial intelligence to alter the appearances of three students, including replacing one student, Billy Ramirez, who is Hispanic, with an AI-generated Black woman. The altered photo appeared on a promotional banner and was originally taken at a 2024 Lunar New Year celebration hosted by Stanford R&DE. Charlene Gage, a spokesperson for the university, apologized for the situation in a statement.
Undocumented student workers at public colleges remain unpaid following rejected bill
California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 713 on Sept. 20, which would have allowed for undocumented students with campus jobs at public colleges and universities to be paid. Democratic Assembly member José Luis Solache Jr., who represents the 62nd Assembly District in southeastern Los Angeles County, authored AB 713.
USC football falls to Oregon 41-27 in crushing loss
In a highly anticipated matchup filled with drama throughout the game, No. 12 USC fell hard to No. 20 Oregon Saturday night, 41-27. This marks the Trojans’ first loss at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum since Nov. 30, 2024. The Trojans (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) started to heat up as the game progressed, but it wasn’t enough as the Ducks (3-1, 1-0) took home a 14-point victory. With the loss, the College Football Playoff may be out of reach for another season, barring any upsets later in the season for USC.
Men’s water polo hosts University of the Pacific
USC men’s water polo lost its perfect record Saturday against No. 2 Stanford (8-1), along with No. 12 University of the Pacific (3-4) who lost to Stanford 19-6 earlier in the season. No. 3 USC (10-1) will host the University of the Pacific at 1 p.m. Sunday at Uytengsu Aquatics Center. The Trojans return home after placing third at the Overnght MPSF Invitational, while the Tigers will face No. 6 Long Beach State University (9-2) Friday before traveling to Los Angeles.
Soccer heads to Penn State with a point to prove
It doesn’t take an expert to acknowledge that USC soccer’s start to the 2026 season has left lots to be desired. The Trojans have failed to shake off their dismal run of form through the tail end of 2025, winning only one of their last 15 games: a 4-0 nonconference victory over New Mexico State University in August.
It’s now or never, Lincoln Riley
USC’s record against ranked opponents under Head Coach Lincoln Riley is just 5-14. Four years. Zero conference championships. Zero College Football Playoff appearances. The team’s performance is simply not up to par for a program that boasts 11 national championships, nor is it to Riley’s standard. In five years with Oklahoma, Riley led the Sooners to four Big 12 Championships and three playoff appearances — made all the more impressive considering this was during the four-team playoff era.
Prophet Brown’s multi-year bet on himself is paying off
In an unprecedented era of college football when players change teams nearly annually through the transfer portal, chasing name, image and likeness money, following coaching staffs, or simply looking for a change of scenery, redshirt senior safety Prophet Brown bucks the trend.
USC vs. Oregon will be ‘electric,’ Riley says
A big test awaits USC as its first ranked opponent of the season flocks to Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, giving the Trojans a chance to prove they belong among the top teams in college football. High off a four-game winning streak, Head Coach Lincoln Riley and his No. 12 USC (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) team are set to see No. 20 Oregon (2-1) Saturday. Much of the discussion going into the weekend’s game surrounds the expectations for this team.
Ezra Frech: Paralympic gold medalist to compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’
When USC track and field jumper Ezra Frech first got the call that he was going to be on “Dancing with the Stars,” the two-time Paralympic gold medalist couldn’t believe it. As a long-time fan of the show and its inclusivity, the moment became especially real when he met his partner, 2021 Mirrorball Trophy winner Daniella Karagach. For Frech, the stage means more than just competing for a Mirrorball Trophy. “It means so much.
Chad Baker-Mazara files lawsuit after dismissal from team
Content warning: this article contains profanity and references to racial insensitivity. Former USC men’s basketball guard Chad Baker-Mazara filed a lawsuit Monday alleging men’s basketball Head Coach Eric Musselman launched “a profanity-laced, racially-charged post-game locker room tirade,” according to the California Post. The lawsuit reportedly alleged that Musselman got into a verbal altercation with Baker-Mazara following a Feb.
USC Center for the Political Future holds event for National Voter Registration Day
The USC Center for the Political Future is celebrating National Voter Registration Day on Trousdale Parkway and Founders Park on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Organizations including the USC Undergraduate Student Government and the USC Political Student Assembly will offer support to students. “People sometimes always think that, you know, ‘my vote won’t matter,’” said Kayden Williams, a sophomore studying political science and serving as assistant director of the USC Political Science Assembly.
USC Bookstore evacuated after smoke was smelled in the building
The USC Bookstore was evacuated Monday morning after students reported smelling smoke inside the building, which was suspected to have been caused by an electrical issue, according to the Department of Public Safety. No fire was found, DPS said. The bookstore was declared safe and reopened at around 12:45 p.m., DPS said. At approximately 11:35 a.m., Kierstin Hochstin, a junior majoring in English, noticed a faint smell of smoke while working on the first floor of the bookstore.
No. 14 USC football defeats Louisiana 49-30 in late-night matchup
In the latest kickoff time for USC’s season-opening three-game stint at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the Trojans took care of business and defeated the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, 49-30. Last week’s shutout against Fresno State University (1-1) could have foreshadowed a similar ending Saturday night, but that was not the case: The Ragin’ Cajuns (1-1) continuously clawed back into the match, scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to keep them alive, but to no avail.
USC vs Louisiana-Lafayette — as it happened
Last updated: 📌 PINNED Vanya Arakelian and Dillon Zamperin from Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum; photos by Matthew Diederich and Ruofei Zhu Trojans fend off Ragin’ Cajuns for 49-30 win Despite multiple attempts at a comeback for Louisiana, USC was too powerful and defeated the Ragin’ Cajuns 49-30 in a high-scoring affair. The two teams scored 11 touchdowns in the game, with USC taking the 19-point victory.
Western Michigan was robbed, plain and simple
One of the most intriguing and inspirational aspects of college football are the upsets: To see a storied program lose to a school most people can’t point out on a map is truly spectacular. A prime example is when No. 5-ranked Michigan lost to Appalachian State University, 34-32, in 2007. Or, better yet, when Michigan was upset by Toledo University, 13-10, in Ann Arbor a year later. These unforgettable results caused heartbreak for some and pandemonium for others.
Men’s golf falls short on final day of season-opening tournament
USC dropped putts Monday. Come Tuesday, the only thing dropping was its place on the leaderboard. In the first tournament of the 2026-27 season, USC men’s golf slid from third place to fifth Tuesday at the two-day Bombs Darts Birds Collegiate at Whirlwind Golf Club in Chandler, Arizona, after closely contesting the lead for 36 holes during Monday’s play. Santa Clara University claimed victory at 50-under-par, fending off the host Trojans, who finished 16 strokes back.
Cross country opens season at Pepperdine Waves Invite Sept. 4
The Trojan cross country squad kicked off its season Sept. 4 at the Pepperdine Waves Invite, earning second place in a field of five teams and four runners placing in the top 10. Freshman Monserrat Santillan Silva led the way for USC, finishing the four-kilometer race with the silver medal. In her collegiate debut, Santillan Silva ran a time of 13:41.4, averaging about 5:30 per mile for the entirety of the race — a solid mark for a freshman. “Overall, [the meet] was fairly solid.
USC football faces Louisiana in last nonconference game
After blanking Fresno State University in a rout Sept. 4 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, it’s going to be hard for No. 14 USC to top its dominant Week 1 performance. On Saturday night, in the Trojans’ (2-0) nonconference finale, USC will try to put last week’s demolition of the Bulldogs (0-1) in the rearview mirror and put another 60 minutes of championship-caliber football on tape.
Mosley makes his mark
From the moment that freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley’s name was listed on the official depth chart for USC football’s (2-0) home opener against San Jose State University (1-1) during Week 0, it was clear he was going to be a star. His raw athletic ability and mindset on the field led him to where he is today as one of college football’s top receivers in terms of yards to start the year.
Soccer prepares for second Big Ten matchup
Coming off a strong performance against No. 1 Stanford on the road in a tie in Palo Alto, the Trojans looked to turn their season around, starting with two Big Ten matchups against Michigan State and Purdue. A tough 5-0 loss against Michigan State (5-0-2, 1-0 Big Ten) Thursday night in the first conference game sets up a chance for USC (1-4-2, 0-1) to win its first Big Ten match of the year on Sunday.
Three home-opening matches await women’s volleyball
A four-game road trip to start the season in which the No. 16 Trojans took on three top-20-ranked teams saw mixed results, but with the squad finally coming back to Galen Center this weekend, things are looking to change. USC (2-2) will face three former Pac-12 foes over the weekend in its first matchup against each of the squads since the Trojans left the conference after the 2023 season.
USC football’s attendance is far from an actual issue
I’m sure you can guess what I’m writing about today. Surprise, surprise, you’re right: It’s No. 14 USC football’s attendance issue. Or, rather, lack of an issue. While Head Coach Lincoln Riley has been an outspoken defender of the program — as he’s supposed to be — the college football world is outraged by USC and its fans’ unwillingness to attend a game. But once again, we play the blame game. So, who’s at fault? For the first time in this young series, it is not USC.
Dillon on Deck: Jose Soriano is really, really good
Following the unexpected passing of Los Angeles Angels’ great Garret Anderson, I was once again reminded that Los Angeles has two baseball teams, even if one of them plays in Anaheim. I’ve kept up on baseball this season, and two names keep poking out from this Angels team. One of them is, of course, Mike Trout, but the other has flown under the radar for years, until now — 27-year-old starting pitcher Jose Soriano. Before his breakout season, Soriano was far from bad.
The National League is better than the American League, and it’s not close
Two weeks into the season, and one thing is very clear: The National League is far superior to the American League. From pitchers to batters to actual game results, the NL is a force to be reckoned with thus far, with ten teams at or above .500 compared to just seven from the AL.
Dillon on Deck: WBC knockout stages live up to the hype
Cheers, drama, and fireworks erupted from Miami on Tuesday night when Team Venezuela defeated Team USA 3-2 to win the World Baseball Classic (WBC) for the first time in the country’s history. The game remained stagnant until the bottom of the 8th inning. With two outs, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper, who remained fairly quiet the entire tournament, blasted a no-doubter to center field to tie the championship game at two-a-piece before the ninth inning.
Dillon on Deck: WBC pool play reveals the best and worst in advancing teams
Since the World Baseball Classic (WBC) began, a lot has happened. However, one thing is certain: baseball has once again captured the world’s attention. Power and pop have showcased the most exciting event in baseball this year. Eight players have already had games with multiple home runs, setting a new record for the tournament.
No. 25 USC baseball rewrites history with 16th straight win
History was made at Dedeaux Field last night as No. 25 USC (16-0, 3-0 Big Ten) defeated Cal State Long Beach (4-12, 0-3 Big West) in a 6-1 victory en route to the best start in the program’s 137-year history. The Trojans’ 16th straight win surpassed the 15-0 start from the 1988 season. “To do something that no team has ever done prior is a pretty significant accomplishment,” head coach Andy Stankiewicz said after the game.
Edwards propels No. 20 USC to best start since 1988 in Big Ten opener
No. 20 USC (13-0, 1-0 Big Ten) continues its run as one of the best teams in college baseball, winning its 13th straight game and defeating Illinois (7-5, 0-1) 4-0 to start conference play. The Trojans remain undefeated through 13 games, putting them two games behind matching their 15-0 start from the 1988 season. If the Trojans can win 10 more straight games, they would tie a record from the 1942 and 1943 seasons as the longest winning streak in USC history. “There’s a confidence about their play.
A salary cap and floor will ruin baseball
After an MLB Insider report last week that projected a salary cap of around $260M-280M and a salary floor of around $140M-160M, baseball would be set down a long and winding road; one nearly impossible to navigate. Baseball struggled for years to create new fans and make the game enjoyable.
Late inning heroics preserve USC baseball’s undefeated season
After giving up three quick runs in the first inning, No. 20 USC’s perfect start to the season appeared to be in jeopardy. However, the Trojans battled back, scoring four runs in the first three innings, headlined by a leadoff home run from junior infielder Abbrie Covarrubias. After UC Irvine (8-5) tied the game in the sixth inning, USC (12-0) would come back in a wild fashion to win the Tuesday night game 6-4, bringing the perfect start to the season to 12.
Dillon on Deck: Barry Bonds will never make the Hall of Fame
With the ongoing rumors of Netflix wanting to hire Barry Bonds to help cover the first game of the year between the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees, Bonds once again finds his way back in the news. As negotiations are perceived to take place, the question of Bonds, one of the greatest hitters in the history of baseball, failing to make the Hall of Fame comes up once again.
Dillon on Deck: Baseball is back, and it’s better than ever
Super Bowl LX might not have lived up to the hype, but the end of football season is always an indicator of something better: the start of the baseball season. That’s right, for the first time since the beginning of November, baseball will be played this month. It won’t count for anything since it’s just Spring Training, but who cares? Baseball games will happen, and that’s enough.
No. 4 USC defeats No. 16 CSUN in thrilling match to stay undefeated
After winning the first two sets, Men’s Volleyball looked bound to sweep the No. 16 CSUN on Wednesday night. However, things took a turn for the Trojans as the Matadors clawed their way back, winning the third and fourth sets, forcing a decisive fifth set. The final set started very back-and-forth before the Trojans went on a 4-0 scoring run and ended up victorious against the Matadors. USC won the match 25-19, 25-20, 19-25, 17-25, 15-13 at Galen Center.
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