USC football has generated some serious buzz this offseason, and according to ESPN, the Trojans are trending in the right direction—especially on offense. While the team may not have gone all-in on the transfer portal like some hoped, the pieces are in place for a breakout season.

So, what exactly went right? For starters, USC landed the nation's top recruiting class, retained several key players, and added experienced assistants like Patterson and Ekeler. Quarterback Jayden Maiava returns after a stellar 2025 campaign, throwing for 3,711 yards with a 65.8% completion rate. He'll have plenty of support from running backs Waymond Jordan and King Miller, plus a seasoned offensive line. On the defensive side, the Trojans brought back solid linemen like Kameryn Crawford and Jahkeem Stewart, and added key transfers including a needed piece from Iowa State in Williams, along with Anderson, Fisher, and linebacker Deven Bryant.

While the offense looks rock-solid, the real question mark remains on defense. The returning players need to elevate their game, and the new coaching staff must unlock that potential. If they can, USC might finally put it all together and make a serious run. For fans and gear enthusiasts alike, this is a team worth watching—and repping in style.