The University of Southern California (USC) Trojans kicked off their college football season with high hopes of making a significant impact in the College Football Playoff race. However, the team's home opener against San Jose State on August 29, 2026, was marred by an unexpectedly low turnout, leading to widespread criticism and mockery of the fanbase.
USC was among a select few teams that played in Week 0, a week earlier than the majority of college football programs. The game took place in Los Angeles under sweltering conditions, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This extreme heat likely deterred many fans from attending the match, as they opted for the comfort of their homes over braving the elements to support their team.
Despite the challenging weather, the attendance figure announced by USC was a disappointing 51,144, marking the lowest turnout since head coach Lincoln Riley took over and the lowest since the 2018 season. The stark contrast between the stadium's capacity of 77,500 and the number of fans present left over 26,000 seats empty, prompting critics to question the commitment of the Trojans' supporters.
Social media was abuzz with reactions to the sparse crowd, with many commentators labeling the situation an "absolute disgrace." Notable figures in sports media expressed disbelief that a program with USC's storied history could attract such a small audience for a season opener. Comments ranged from calling out the fanbase's lack of enthusiasm to questioning whether USC could still be considered a top-tier college football program under these circumstances.
In response to the backlash, USC released a statement acknowledging the impact of the weather on attendance. The statement emphasized the university's commitment to providing an exciting home schedule and the importance of a vibrant atmosphere at the Coliseum to enhance the team's competitive edge. The Trojans expressed gratitude to the fans who did attend and looked forward to improved turnout in future games.
Head coach Lincoln Riley also addressed the situation, suggesting that the negative reactions stemmed from those unfamiliar with the program. He pointed out that attendance has been on the rise during his tenure, dismissing the narrative that the fanbase is disengaged. Riley stated, "This is USC, right? People are gonna pay attention. People are gonna have an opinion. It’s part of being a blue blood school." He remains optimistic that as the season progresses, attendance will improve.
USC's home games are held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a historic venue that has been the team's home since 1923. The Coliseum not only hosts USC football games but also serves as the home for UCLA's games and the Rose Bowl during the postseason. Given its long-standing history and significance in college football, the empty seats during the home opener were particularly disheartening for fans and alumni alike.
As USC continues its journey through the 2026 college football season, the team will need to rally both on and off the field. The Trojans aim to regain the support of their fanbase and prove their status as a powerhouse in college football, starting with their next home game.
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