Three Trojans Left Standing After Draft Exodus
USC football lost several key starters to the 2026 NFL Draft, forcing coach Lincoln Riley to turn to three returning players to carry the Trojans through the season. Quarterback Jayden Maiava, who threw for 3,711 yards and rushed for 157 more last year, must build immediate chemistry with a depleted receiving corps. Wideout Tanook Hines, previously the third option with 561 yards and two touchdowns, now slides into a starring role on the perimeter. On defense, safety Christian Pierce faces the challenge of replacing ballhawking veterans Bishop Fitzgerald and Kamari Ramsey; he logged 64 tackles and one interception in 2025 and must raise his turnover production while showcasing his 6-1, 205-lb versatility in nickel and deep safety roles. Their collective performance will define USC’s Big Ten title hopes.
Welcome to “Trojan Survivor,” where the theme is “Outwit, Outplay, Outlast the NFL Draft.” Watch Jayden Maiava juggle receivers like a circus act after the draft emptied the talent tent. Cheer as Tanook Hines transforms from sidekick to leading man, possibly confusing cornerbacks still mourning Makai Lemon’s departure. And don’t miss Christian Pierce—he’s about to audition for Beyoncé’s backup dancers with his new ball-hawking routine (complete with jazz hands). It’s the ultimate reality show: “So You Think You Can Fill These Cleats?” Grab your popcorn—USC’s season depends on these three holding the Trojan line.
Arenas’ Homecoming Ignites USC’s Hoops Ambitions
After flirting with the NBA Draft, sophomore guard Alijah Arenas announced his return to USC for the 2026-27 season, giving coach Eric Musselman the final piece of a loaded roster. Arenas averaged 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in just 14 games last year despite a delayed debut from a knee injury and a Cybertruck crash. His scoring highlights included a 29-point game against Indiana and Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors. USC’s backcourt now pairs him with senior Rodney Rice and potent transfers, while a freshman class brings frontcourt depth. If Arenas evolves from promising talent to consistent star, USC could shift from competitor to Big Ten powerhouse.
Never mind prosthetic leg inserts—Alijah Arenas is back in Los Angeles after realizing that going pro means giving up dorm snacks and laundry service. Coach Musselman, the NBA whisperer, now gets another lab rat for his talent-development experiments. Picture Arenas dunking under the Galen Center lights while simultaneously ghosting the NBA scouts like a bad Tinder date. With his return, USC’s roster resembles a Hollywood blockbuster cast list, but the script still needs a few slam dunks and clutch three-pointers. Stay tuned for “Basketball: The Sequel”—this time with more crossovers and fewer broken bones.
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