The No. 14 USC Trojans began their 2026 campaign with a 42-26 win over San José State at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. While head coach Lincoln Riley maintained his perfect record in season openers, the game was marked by a surprisingly low turnout of spectators.
Lincoln Riley's 10-0 streak in season openers
The University of Southern California (USC) demonstrated significant offensive strength in their Week 0 matchup, securing a 42-26 victory that reinforces the program's status as a College Football Playoff contender. this win is particularly noteworthy for head coach Lincoln Riley, who has now achieved a perfect 10-0 record in season-opening games, according to the report.
The Trojans' ability to dominate the San José State Spartans suggests that the team is peaking at the right time. However,the disparity between the team's on-field performance and the energy in the stands indicates a disconnect between the program's athletic success and its immediate fan engagement.
The gap between 77,500 seats and a sparse Week 0 crowd
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which boasts a capacity of 77,500 spectators, appeared largely empty during the nationally televised broadcast on NBC. This turnout stands in stark contrast to USC's 2025 home schedule, where the Trojans averaged 67,782 fans per game. As the source reported, the previous season's home opener against Missouri State—a 73-13 blowout—drew a much healthier crowd of 62,841.
Several logistical failures contributed to the lack of attendance for the San José State game. A noon Pacific kickoff forced fans to endure temperatures climbing into the 90s in a stadium that offers almost no shade. Furthermore, the appeal of the opponent was minimal, as the San José State Spartans entered the game following a disappointing 3-9 season.
Competing with the Dodgers, Lakers, and Rams for LA's attention
The struggle to fill the Coliseum is part of a broader trend of sports saturation in Southern California. The USC Trojans are not merely competing with other colleges, but are fighting for mindshare against professional giants including the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Lakers, the Rams, and the Chargers. In such a crowded market, collegiate loyalty often takes a backseat to the glamour of professional franchises.
Coach Lincoln Riley has acknowledged that the program cannot rely on default attendance in a city like Los Angeles. He has stated that the Trojans must earn the attention of the local population through sustained excellence. While Riley believes momentum is building and that recruits are sensing a growing excitement,the empty seats in Week 0 suggest that the "brand" of USC football is still fighting for a consistent foothold in its own backyard.
Will Oregon and Ohio State fill the Coliseum?
The true test of fan engagement for the 2026 season will come during high-profile matchups against Oregon and Ohio State. These games are expected to draw significantly larger crowds and will serve as a litmus test for whether the Trojans can attract a mass audience when the stakes—and the quality of the opponent—are higher.
Despite the reporting on the sparse crowd, several key details remain unverified. the source does not provide the exact attendance figure for the San José State game, leaving it unclear exactly how many thousands of seats remained empty. Additionally, it remains to be seen if the university will adjust kickoff times for future home games to avoid the oppressive noon heat that deterred fans during the opener.
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