USC’s football program finds itself at a pivotal juncture midway through the 2023 season following a notable road victory over Penn State. The Trojans, coached by Lincoln Riley, improved to 3-1 in Big Ten play and now occupy a tie for second place in the conference. Notably, top-ranked teams including those at No. 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7 all suffered losses on the same weekend, altering the broader College Football Playoff landscape in USC’s favor.
USC still faces a challenging remaining schedule that includes contests against UCLA, Indiana, and Ohio State—two of which will feature opposing teams relying on backup quarterbacks. The Trojans’ ability to sustain the momentum gained at State College remains under scrutiny as they prepare to face Wisconsin in Madison this weekend.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava has shown improvement since the start of the season, delivering one of his strongest performances against Penn State. Though his mechanics and timing appeared inconsistent in earlier matchups, Maiava’s passing production ranks seventh nationally in yards per game, reinforcing his role as a key offensive catalyst. Analysts characterize Maiava’s overall performance thus far as solid but not yet exceptional, with expectations that his recent form could serve as a turning point.
In the backfield, running back Waymond Jordan has yet to fully regain the explosive form he displayed prior to offseason ankle surgery. In contrast, King Miller has become a workhorse for the Trojans, benefiting from added muscle and increased carries, though his impact has been less dynamic than in previous seasons. Collectively, USC’s running game has produced limited big plays, registering just five runs exceeding 20 yards through seven games.
The receiving corps stands out as a strength for USC, anchored by a group of freshmen who have delivered immediate impact performances. Freshman Trent Mosley has emerged as one of the nation’s most dynamic pass-catchers when healthy, while Kayden Dixon-Wyatt leads all Power Five freshman receivers with 400 yards. The return of veteran Tanook Hines in recent weeks has bolstered the unit further, compensating for the absence of Mark Bowman.
The offensive line has maintained a high standard despite injuries, highlighted by the emergence of freshman Vlad Dyakonov who stepped in at left tackle against Penn State. Under coach Zach Hanson, the line has been effective in both pass protection—allowing just seven sacks in seven games—and run blocking, providing a reliable foundation for the offense.
USC’s defense, meanwhile, has seen mixed results. The defensive line has improved its quarterback pressure, accumulating seven sacks over the past two games, a notable increase compared to earlier in the season. Players like Luke Wafle and Kameryn Crawford have contributed to this uptick, and the group’s effectiveness could grow with healthier rotations.
However, the linebacker unit has been inconsistent. While Ta’Mere Robinson and Elijah Newby have shown promise, questions remain over the performance of veteran Desman Stephens II, who has struggled with positioning in his third season. The group’s overall development will be crucial moving forward.
The secondary has been the team’s most vulnerable area, particularly against the pass, ranking 128th nationally in yards allowed per attempt. Personnel alignment issues at safety and inconsistency have hampered the unit’s effectiveness. The recent return of Alex Graham at slot corner has provided some stability, and Jontez Williams has performed competently. USC defensive coordinator Gary Patterson faces pressure to optimize this group’s performance during the upcoming bye week to address defensive shortcomings.
As USC transitions into the season’s second half, the team’s strengths on offense and improving defensive pressure offer optimism, yet significant challenges remain in the linebacker and secondary units. How the Trojans address these will likely determine their standing in the competitive Big Ten and their prospects for postseason success.