No Excuses: Chad Bowden Declares Playoffs With USC's Perfect Schedule

The Trojans are charting a playoff-or-bust course after landing a “perfect” 2026 Big Ten football schedule. With confidence running high and no more excuses, Chad Bowden, Lincoln Riley, and the Trojans face pivotal matchups against Oregon, Washington, and Ohio State—all at home. Can USC finally break Oregon’s streak and use the Coliseum crowd as rocket fuel for a breakthrough season? Host Marc Kulkin and guest Chris Trevino unpack the team’s returning 17 starters, the critical role of linebacker Desman Stephens, and the influence of Gary Patterson on defensive fundamentals. They preview how summer workouts, leadership from Jayden Maiava, and the development of standout receivers like Trent Mosley and Terrell Anderson might shape the Trojans’ playoff run. Which young player could emerge as a locker room leader, and does USC have the roster depth to end their playoff drought? Tune in for insider analysis and bold predictions for the 2026 campaign. #usc #uscfootball #uscbasketball #recruiting #transferportal, #Trojans #beattheirish #notredamefightinirish #notrdamefootball #cfp #collegefootballplayoffs #defense #FOOTBALL #oregonducks #washingtonhuskies #instantreaction #ncaafootball #big10 #big10football #uclafootball #recruiting #reggiebush #heisman #LincolnRiley #nfl #nil #defense #mvp #transferportal #ncaa #pff,  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! Mazda Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Highlights make the reel. But the work behind them makes it count.
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