USC’s freshmen drive 49–30 win over Louisiana, while discipline and depth lag
USC moved to 3–0 in 2026 after a high-scoring win at the Coliseum, but eight penalties and late defensive concerns tempered the result.
USC defeated Louisiana 49–30 at the Coliseum on Saturday night to open the 2026 college football season with a 3–0 record. The result, assessed by Yahoo Sports as a mix of clear gains and lingering weaknesses, highlighted the contribution of USC’s recruiting class.
True freshmen scored USC’s first five touchdowns, while a freshman also led the team in tackles. Tight end Mark Bowman was among the standout performers, leading the Trojans with six receptions for 83 yards and two touchdowns.
USC’s running game produced 214 yards at 5.4 yards per carry. Yahoo Sports noted that Louisiana’s defensive line may not match the standard USC will face against Big Ten opponents, making the rushing total useful evidence of production but not necessarily a definitive test of the unit.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava completed 19 of 29 passes for 261 yards and five touchdowns. He also threw his first interception of the season, while another pass could have been intercepted after a Louisiana defender dropped the chance.
The win also exposed issues USC will need to manage. The Trojans conceded eight penalties for 78 yards, and Yahoo Sports’ assessment identified the reserve secondary as a weakness after it struggled in the fourth quarter.
