USC Trojans 2026 College Football Season: Facing Former Players Turned Opponents
The upcoming 2026 college football season for the USC Trojans will see them facing off against some of their former players who have transferred to other teams. In their first game on September 4 against the Fresno State Bulldogs at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the Trojans will come up against defensive lineman Deijon Laffitte and offensive lineman Gino Quinones, both of whom transferred from USC to Fresno State in 2024. Laffitte and Quinones have made significant contributions to the Bulldogs, with Laffitte recording 28 total tackles, three sacks, and one interception in his two seasons with the team.
In the week 4 matchup against the Oregon Ducks at the Coliseum, the Trojans will face former defensive lineman Bear Alexander, who joined the Ducks in 2025 after playing two seasons with USC. Alexander was a key player for the Ducks' defense last season, recording 50 total tackles and one sack. In their previous encounter at Autzen Stadium, Alexander tallied four total tackles. The Trojans will need to contain Alexander to secure a victory against the Ducks.
During the week 5 game against the Washington Huskies at the Coliseum, the Trojans will go up against former tight end Kade Eldridge, who has played for both the Huskies and the Trojans. Eldridge has recorded four receptions for 25 yards over his two seasons with the teams. Additionally, in the matchup against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on October 24, the Trojans will face former running back Bryan Jackson, who transferred to Wisconsin after showing promise in his two seasons with USC.
As the Trojans navigate the 2026 season, they will have to contend with familiar faces on opposing teams, adding an extra layer of competition to their matchups. The presence of former players now playing for other teams will test USC's ability to adapt and strategize effectively to secure victories throughout the season.