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USC's empty seats show fans still aren't sold on Lincoln Riley's hype for 2026
CBS Sports • • general
Key Points:
- USC's season opener against San Jose State revealed thousands of empty seats at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum despite the team being a preseason top-15 squad with high expectations and a Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback.
- The noon kickoff during a heatwave partly explained the low attendance, but deeper issues like local competition from other major sports franchises and a lack of sustained fan engagement also contributed.
- USC, under coach Lincoln Riley, has invested heavily in facilities and recruiting, including landing a top-ranked signing class, yet fan enthusiasm has not matched these upgrades.
- Riley faces the challenge of converting potential and hype into meaningful wins, especially against tough Big Ten opponents, to reignite fan passion and make USC football a marquee cultural event in Los Angeles.
- The upcoming game against Oregon on Sept. 26 is seen as a critical moment for USC to prove its relevance and fill the Coliseum, signaling whether the program can overcome current apathy.
