SWAGGER AND CONFIDENCE: Lincoln Riley And USC Are Well Equipped To Handle The Big Ten In 2026

The USC Trojans entered Big Ten Media Day with renewed swagger as head coach Lincoln Riley, now joined by defensive guru Gary Patterson, exudes confidence about the upcoming season. With Riley declaring “we are well equipped” and the program boasting top-tier facilities, the Trojans are eyeing a return to championship form. Can USC’s bolstered defensive line—anchored by Jide Abasiri and the intense Alex VanSumeren—finally match the offense’s firepower? Marc Kulkin and Chris Trevino break down Riley’s candid reflections, highlight key quotes from player representatives, and discuss USC’s standing in the Big Ten preseason rankings. The conversation covers the significance of rivalry games like USC–Notre Dame amid potential College Football Playoff expansion, while also questioning traditions such as conference championship games and jersey sponsorships. Is this the year USC joins the Big Ten “big boys” and mounts a serious playoff run? #USC #USCFootball #PennStateFootball #USCTrojans #PennState #NittanyLions, #JaydenMaiava #DantonLynn #RoccoBecht #LincolnRiley #MattCampbell #collegefootball #BigTenfootball Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! KALSHI For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25.   The Game Don't miss this chance to celebrate 40 years of The Game with 40% off your entire order. Visit https://TheGameCaps.com and use promo code LOCKEDONat checkout.   Wayfair Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.  Wayfair. Every style. Every home.  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   Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COMto play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.  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.