R.J. Abeytia

There is no disputing USC's defense failed to meet the mark in 2025. The Trojans finished No. 50 in DFEI efficiency, and the pass defense essentially kept pace with the overall performance. The Trojans allowed opponents to average 6.8 yards per pass attempt and finished tied with three other teams for No. 51 in the FBS. From pass rush to pass coverage, USC needs to get better. There is also no disputing USC never got to roll out the secondary lineup it intended to use.

USC knows it has to get better on defense and special teams in 2026. The Trojans hired Gary Patterson to shore up the defense, and they hired ace special teams coach Mike Ekeler to run the third phase. Lincoln Riley also retained Ekeler's predecessor Ryan Dougherty to focus on the individual specialists. The restructure was music to the ears of kicker Ryon Sayeri. He emerged last season after transfer kicker Caden Chittenden suffered a preseason injury.

USC needs pass rush. This has been an unchecked box in far too many big games for the Trojans during Lincoln Riley's tenure. USC zoomed out to a great statistical start last season by piling up sacks against weaker opponents. As the season progressed, the sack count and the rest of the more impactful pressure numbers decreased for the Trojans. Defensive ends coach Shaun Nua made it clear the quality and the quantity of the players providing edge pressure both need to improve.