Leinart: USC plans CFP push in 2026

Matt Leinart says the 2026 USC Trojans are built to contend for a College Football Playoff spot, with Lincoln Riley’s top-ranked recruiting class and returning talent including Jayden Maiava, though the schedule is exceptionally challenging and 10-2 is seen as playoff-qualifying while 9-3 would likely fall short. He highlights Gary Patterson’s arrival as defensive coordinator and is curious how his 4-2-5 scheme will adapt to the Big Ten, given Patterson’s hall-of-fame pedigree but new conference realities. Leinart notes Riley’s confidence appears well-founded, citing roster depth, NIL and recruiting strength as factors enabling USC to finally compete on a level playing field. Beyond on-field strategy, Leinart points to the broader expectations around the program’s growth and the need to execute and finish games. The discussion also touches on interwoven elements of USC’s culture and external factors like the ongoing “We Give Blood” drive that partners with Leinart and the program. Leinart’s remarks come as USC’s momentum builds amid anticipation for a breakthrough season in multiple fronts, including leadership, defense, and recruiting.