Which Trojan football players have the most to prove in 2026?

In this edition of the Peristyle Podcast hosts Ryan Abraham, RJ Abeytia and intern India Otto are back in studio taking a look at which Trojan football players have the most to prove in 2026. Head coach Lincoln Riley brings 15 starters back and has a new-look defense with Gary Patterson calling the shots on that side of the ball, but to make that elusive run at the College Football Players there are guys on the roster that will need to turn their potential into production.

On the offensive side USC brings back a lot of proven production, from quarterback Jayden Maiava to the entire starting offensive line and a pair of talented tailbacks in Waymond Jordan and King Miller. The biggest question mark will be with the pass catchers and which wide receivers and tight ends can step up and become active targets for Maiava to get the ball too.

The Trojans have the most to prove on the defensive side of the ball, especially in the front-seven where the pash rush and run stopping were underwhelming last season. Linebacker Desman Stephens looks the part, but can he step up and be an All-Conference type of performer for the Trojans? Defensive end Kameryn Crawford is another guy with talent to spare, but can he put up double-digit sack numbers this season?

The crew also has updates on how the USC baseball team did in the regionals plus off-season updates for the men's and women's basketball teams.

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