USC Opens Season with Victory but Attendance Remains Low

The University of Southern California (USC) opened its 2026 football season with a 42-26 victory over San Jose State on August 29, 2026. The Trojans led 28-0 at halftime and extended the lead to 42-3 before San Jose State scored 23 points in the fourth quarter. Despite the win, attendance at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was noticeably low, with the stadium, which has a capacity of 77,500, appearing about one-third full. USC announced an attendance figure of 51,144, but many sections remained empty at kickoff. Resale ticket prices had reportedly dropped to $6, indicating that price was not a barrier for fans. Factors contributing to the low turnout included the noon start time during a heat wave with temperatures in the high 90s, as well as the opponent's recent poor performance (San Jose State finished the previous season with a 3-9 record). USC had an opportunity to attract attention in the sports calendar, as other local teams were not in action. USC head coach Lincoln Riley noted that winning is essential to draw fans, stating, "You have to win. You have to give them something." Upcoming games against teams like Oregon, Washington, and Ohio State are expected to attract larger crowds.