USC Football is at the Mid-Season Mark, Offensive Grades Are in

The USC Trojan football team is 5-1 midway through their 2026 season, and have a real shot to make the college football playoff for the first time ever.

Let's look at the offense and see how the unit is doing in 2026.

Lincoln Riley was hired by USC in November of 2021 after five years as the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners. Since his arrival, USC’s total offense rankings have been: No. 3 in 2022 (506.6 YPG), No.3 in 2023 (467.6 YPG), No. 23 in 2024 (436.7 YPG), and No.8 last season (465.5 YPG). 

This year, USC is ranked No.16 in total offense ( 467.8), and No. 12 in scoring offense with 37.3 PPG.

Led by third year starter Jayden Maiava, USC's offense has been everything fans have hoped for during Riley's time here. 

The foundation of this year's team has been the offensive line. USC came into the season with eight offensive lineman who had starting experience.

Led by left tackle Elijah Paige, USC is No.14 nationally in sacks allowed, allowing sacks on just 2.83% of all pass attempts. In their last game against Washington, USC gave up one sack on 34 attempts.

USC averages 156.2 rush yards per game which ranks No. 61 nationally. While being ranked No. 61 doesn't seem great, USC does have proven running backs in Waymond Jordan and King Miller. Miller has taken over the role as lead back in Riley's offense this year, 

Jordan is averaging 4.6 yards per carry, while Miller is averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Freshman Shahn Alston is averaging 5.4 yards per carry this season. 

Maiava came into this season a Heisman contender and led FBS schools in passing yards through week four. His 1,744 passing yards rank No. 2 in the nation, and he currently is the ninth rated QB in the nation with a 90.3 PFF grade. 

USC is tied for No. 1 in explosive passing plays, and ranked No. 5 in explosive run plays. USC has 26 pass plays of over 20+ yards, and 30 run plays of over 10+ yards this season.

Riley’s top playmakers this year have been freshman WR Trent Mosely, and freshman TE Mark Bowman. 

Mosley had 5 total touchdowns prior to his leg injury which occurred in the third game against Louisiana. He is expected back in the next few weeks. Mosley has also excelled as a punt returner averaging 31.6 yards yards per punt return. 

Bowman was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after the Week Three game against Louisiana, where he caught six passes and two touchdowns.

USC put up 27 points in their single loss of the year to Oregon. The offense has been solid all year, and it seems like more and more stars are emerging in the USC offense.

Overall I would give Riley's offense a B+, based on the pass pro, running game, passing game, and ability to create explosive plays.