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Trojans’ CFP hopes hinge on 1 key offseason addition, per analyst appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
In January, USC made a significant move to address its ongoing defensive issues by hiring legendary former TCU head coach Gary Patterson as its defensive coordinator. The Trojans have struggled to find consistency on defense for years, and bringing in Patterson, who has 22 years of head coaching experience and a reputation for strong defensive strategies, was intended to resolve these problems finally.
As the 2026 season approaches, ESPN analysts emphasize that USC’s aspirations for the College Football Playoff will largely depend on whether Patterson can still deliver results. Concerns linger about whether the 66-year-old coordinator can adapt to modern game strategies, given that he hasn’t coached a top-20 defense since 2014.
According to ESPN, Patterson’s main challenge will be to establish a reliable run defense. While the Trojans improved to 36th in defensive SP+ last year, they ranked a concerning 96th in yards allowed per carry and allowed at least 170 rushing yards in three of their four losses. For USC to advance, Patterson must optimize an experienced defensive line and prevent opponents from dominating on the ground.
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These defensive improvements are especially crucial as Lincoln Riley enters his fifth season, hoping to reach the postseason finally. Reflecting on his slow start in Los Angeles, Riley shared with CBS Sports that his biggest regret was relying too much on the transfer portal in his second year. He acknowledged that unsuccessful transfers set back their timeline by hampering the development of important high school talent, a mistake he has been working diligently to correct as the fall season approaches.
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