After the conclusion of spring practices, the USC Trojans and coach Lincoln Riley are ready to head into the 2026 season.

As a result of playing in a conference as tough as the Big Ten , next season will not be an easy one for the Trojans, with several tests along the way at home and on the road.

Dec 30, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches from the sidelines against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first half during the Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

USC’s Toughest Opponents

Recently, CBS Sports writer Brad Crawford ranked the toughest schedules in college, which had the Trojans with the eighth-hardest schedule.

In USC’s 2026 campaign, some of the toughest opponents include Penn State, Indiana, Oregon, Washington, and Ohio State.…