USC Football Prepares for Crucial 2025 Season With Key Player Returns

The USC Trojans are gearing up for their 2025 football season, with anticipation high due to the critical nature of this campaign for the program's future. Head coach Lincoln Riley, entering his fourth season, aims to build on the development of the offensive and defensive lines and sees promise in quarterback Jayden Maiava, supported by talented receivers like Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane. The team faces a challenging schedule with tough road games and a need to improve performance in close contests. The season carries extra weight as it will influence perceptions of the program nationally and could impact the retention of top recruiting classes, though Riley's job security remains strong barring an unthinkable winless record. Amidst this, a countdown series celebrates notable former USC linebackers, including Chris Galippo, who stayed with the program during tough NCAA sanctions, the legendary No. 55 Club featuring Junior Seau and Willie McGinest, and Anthony Sarao, highlighting the program's rich linebacker tradition. USC fans and players alike hope that wins in 2025 will affirm the progress made and sustain optimism for the Trojans' trajectory.