The college football season commenced on Saturday, marking what could be a pivotal moment for the sport as it heads into its final Week 0. Among the teams that took the field was the storied USC Trojans, a program known for its rich history and passionate fanbase.
However, the atmosphere at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was noticeably lacking as USC faced off against San Jose State. The sparse attendance drew significant attention, prompting the university to issue a statement addressing the situation. USC acknowledged the factors that contributed to the low turnout, stating, "We have high expectations and a premier home schedule this season, and we know the competitive advantage an electric Coliseum atmosphere can provide our program. We thank our fans who showed up Saturday and look forward to seeing increased attendance the rest of the season."
Despite the official attendance figure reported at 51,144, this number marked the lowest attendance under head coach Lincoln Riley and the lowest since 2018. Observers noted that the actual number of fans present seemed much lower, creating an embarrassing visual for a program that is often considered one of the cornerstones of college football.
ESPN commentator Paul Finebaum was particularly critical of USC's explanation, expressing skepticism on the network's First Take. He remarked, "There is no way a human being at Southern Cal put out that pile of garbage. That had to be AI generated. Because no sane person at the University of Southern California would say that." Finebaum further questioned the legitimacy of the attendance figure, suggesting that the crowd looked more like 25,000 rather than the announced number, labeling the situation a "downright disgrace" and indicating that USC has lost some of its former prestige.
Several factors contributed to the low attendance at the Coliseum. The temperature soared to 94 degrees at kickoff, with the real-feel temperature reaching an uncomfortable 104 degrees. Additionally, the noon start time provided little relief from the heat. The matchup against San Jose State also lacked the allure of a marquee opponent, which may have further dampened fan enthusiasm.
Despite the disappointing turnout, USC enters the season with high hopes under Riley’s leadership, especially with upcoming marquee matchups against teams like Oregon and Ohio State. If the Trojans can secure victories in their upcoming games, it is anticipated that attendance will improve as fans rally to support their team. Until then, the attendance from Saturday's game serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the program as it seeks to reclaim its status as a powerhouse in college football.
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