100 Days Until Kickoff for the Trojans

There are officially just 100 days until USC Trojans football kicks off the 2026 college football season, and the Trojans will open the year under the lights at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum against San José State Spartans football on August 29 in a Week Zero showdown.

After an offseason filled with roster movement, recruiting buzz, and high expectations surrounding head coach Lincoln Riley, excitement around USC football is beginning to build once again in Los Angeles. The Trojans enter 2026 looking to make noise in the Big Ten Conference while continuing to re-establish themselves as a national contender.

San José State should not be overlooked, however. Head coach Ken Niumatalolo has continued building a tough and disciplined Spartans program that will be eager for a major upset opportunity on a national stage. The matchup marks the seventh all-time meeting between the two California programs, with USC holding a perfect 6-0 record in the series.

For USC fans, the opener is more than just Game 1. It is the first look at a new season, new stars, and another chance for the Trojans to prove they belong among college football’s elite. With marquee Big Ten matchups later in the year against teams like Ohio State Buckeyes football, Oregon Ducks football, and Penn State Nittany Lions football, starting fast will be critical.

The countdown is officially on in Southern California. Football season is almost back.