USC faced renewed scrutiny over attendance at its home opener against Fresno State, with sparse crowds mirroring concerns from the season's Week 0 game. Social media commentary highlighted the low turnout at the kickoff of the game, which saw the Trojans defeat the San Jose State Spartans 42-26.
All eyes were on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to see if the No. 14 ranked Trojans could draw a larger crowd befitting a prominent Big Ten program. While a Friday night game before a holiday weekend in Los Angeles traffic was acknowledged as a factor, the stadium remained notably empty at the start.
USC head coach Lincoln Riley had previously dismissed concerns about empty seats as a "false narrative" following the low attendance at the season opener. Despite looking poised for a strong season, the team continued to contend with visible empty sections in the stands.
However, the situation improved as the game progressed. By the second quarter, the stadium had filled out considerably. This trend suggests that late arrivals, a phenomenon attributed in part to Los Angeles's traffic and a culture of arriving fashionably late, may have contributed to the initial sparse attendance.
The Trojans' first home game against a Big Ten opponent is scheduled for September 26, when they will host the Oregon Ducks.