BURNING QUESTIONS: Will USC's Jayden Maiava And The Offensive Line Deliver USC To The Playoffs in 2026?

USC faces a pivotal crossroads as they aim for a College Football Playoff berth in 2026. Can star quarterback Jayden Maiava and the offensive line finally reach playoff-caliber performance, or will lingering questions derail Lincoln Riley’s high-powered offense once again? Marc Kulkin and Chris Trevino break down the must-improve position groups, debate the confidence levels in wide receivers versus tight ends, and spotlight how key players like Elijah Paige and Terrell Anderson factor into the equation. The analysis shifts to USC’s defense, where the spotlight lands on the revamped front seven and the cornerbacks’ huge test against Oregon, Ohio State, and Indiana’s elite receivers. Are new faces like Jontez Williams and returners Marcelles Williams ready for Big Ten pressure? Plus, find out why special teams guru Mike Ekeler isn’t getting his due and how looming NCAA age eligibility changes could reshape recruiting. Don’t miss this all-access look at the Trojans’ playoff push. #USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #DylanWafle, #LukeWafle #CalebWilliams #SamDarnold #NotreDame #TexasTech #NCAA #LincolnRiley #KingMiller #WaymondJordan #Jayden Maiava #OhioState #Oregon, #BigTenfootball #USCrecruiting  #Collegefootballplayoffs #EricMusselman #USCBaseball  Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonusc.supercast.com/  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhlRugiet. Performance medicine for men. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) LISTEN: APPLE: https://apple.co/3Aveb9o SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3Reye1r GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3bHmlAT Follow Marc! TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MarcKulkinCaIt   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.