USC opened its football season with a commanding 42-26 victory over San Jose State in a Week 0 matchup at the Coliseum. The Trojans established an early lead and maintained control throughout much of the game, demonstrating strength on both offense and defense. This win marks coach Lincoln Riley's 10th consecutive victory in season openers, dating back to his time at Oklahoma.
The game began with USC methodically driving for a touchdown on their opening possession. Despite a brief letup in the second half, leading 28-0 at halftime, the Trojans' performance was largely dominant. The ambient temperature at kickoff was close to 100 degrees, a factor for the announced crowd of 51,144.
True freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley emerged as a standout player, making significant contributions with his reliable catching and punt returning. While quarterback Jayden Maiava completed 25 of 29 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns, his performance was noted as not fully matching the team's description of him as "the nation's best quarterback." Receivers often made difficult catches on passes that were slightly off-target. Maiava was replaced by backup Jonas Williams in the fourth quarter with the game well in hand.
The Trojans' offense generated 505 total yards, while the defense, under new coordinator Gary Patterson, held San Jose State to 334 yards. The Spartans managed only 102 yards of offense in the first half and did not score a touchdown until early in the fourth quarter.
A key moment in the game occurred in the second quarter when San Jose State reached the red zone, trailing 14-0. On fourth down at USC's seven-yard line, Trojans defensive tackle Jide Abasiri stopped running back Isaiah Carlson for a two-yard loss, preventing a potential momentum shift. USC added two more touchdowns before halftime.
Mosley was named the Most Valuable Player for USC, excelling with a 41-yard punt return and several key receptions, including a 20-yard touchdown catch. He finished with seven catches for 118 yards.
USC will have a short turnaround, facing Fresno State on Friday evening at the Coliseum. This schedule allows USC to play two games before many other teams begin their season.